Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake

Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake Recipe

| Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet strawberries and spicy ginger with this Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake recipe. This dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors.

History

The Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake recipe is a modern twist on the classic shortcake dessert. The addition of ginger adds a spicy kick to the sweet strawberries, creating a delicious and unexpected flavor combination.

Ingredients

0.5 cup butter or margarine, softened
1.5 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp ground ginger
2 eggs
1.5 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 cup water
Gingercream (recipe follows)
2 pt (946 ml) baskets California strawberries, stemmed and halved

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round layer cake pan.
In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter. Slowly add the sugar, mixing until well blended.
Add the ginger and eggs; beat well.
Beat in the dry ingredients alternately with water.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake in the center of the oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
Slice the cake horizontally into two layers.
Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with half of the gingercream and top with 0.25 of the strawberries.
Top with the second layer. Spoon the remaining cream over the top and garnish with strawberries.
Dust with additional powdered ginger.
Cut into wedges and serve.
Pass the remaining strawberries separately.
To make the gingercream, beat 1 cup of whipping cream with 1 tsp each of sugar and ground ginger until soft peaks form.
Makes 8 servings.

Variations

Substitute the strawberries with other fruits such as raspberries or peaches.
Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the gingercream for a boozy twist.
Top the shortcake with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.

- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before assembling to prevent the cream from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cake.

- Slicing the cake horizontally into two layers allows for more room for the gingercream and strawberries.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use unsalted butter instead of margarine in this recipe.

- If you don't have ground ginger, you can use fresh ginger grated finely.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble the shortcake just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful combination of flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shortcake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system and promote overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (butter and cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake is a delicious dessert option that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals from the strawberries.

Summary

This Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake is a delicious and unique dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its combination of sweet strawberries and spicy gingercream, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a slice of this delightful treat today!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a farmer's market browsing through the fresh produce when I stumbled upon a stand selling the most beautiful strawberries I had ever seen. As I chatted with the vendor, she mentioned a recipe for Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake that was a family favorite. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me.

She smiled warmly and began to recount the story of how the recipe came to be. It all started with her grandmother, who was known far and wide for her delicious desserts. She had a knack for combining unexpected flavors to create mouthwatering treats that left everyone wanting more. One day, while rummaging through her pantry, she came across a jar of crystallized ginger that had been gifted to her by a friend. Inspired, she decided to experiment with incorporating it into her classic shortcake recipe.

The result was a revelation. The combination of sweet strawberries, spicy ginger, and fluffy whipped cream created a symphony of flavors that danced on the taste buds. From that moment on, the Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake became a family tradition, passed down through the generations.

As the vendor finished sharing the story, she handed me a tattered piece of paper with the recipe scribbled on it. I thanked her profusely and made my way home, eager to try my hand at recreating this culinary masterpiece.

I gathered all the ingredients – ripe strawberries, crystallized ginger, heavy cream, sugar, flour, butter – and set to work in my kitchen. The scent of freshly baked shortcake filled the air as I mixed and kneaded, my hands moving deftly from years of practice.

When the shortcake emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew I had succeeded. I sliced the strawberries and finely chopped the ginger, then whipped the cream until it formed soft peaks. As I assembled the layers of shortcake, gingercream, and strawberries, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the dessert before me.

The first bite was pure bliss. The sweetness of the strawberries was perfectly balanced by the spicy kick of the ginger, while the light, airy shortcake provided a delicate crunch. The creamy whipped cream tied everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that left me in awe.

From that day on, the recipe for Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, each time eliciting oohs and ahhs from all who tasted it. It became my signature dish, my claim to fame.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills, experimenting with different variations and additions to the recipe. I added a splash of vanilla to the whipped cream, a sprinkle of lemon zest to the strawberries, a drizzle of honey to the gingercream. Each tweak brought new depths of flavor and complexity to the dish, elevating it to new heights of deliciousness.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Strawberry and Gingercream Shortcake, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the kind vendor who shared her family's secret with me, for the generations of cooks who came before me, and for the joy that cooking has brought into my life.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, in the hopes that you will continue the tradition and create your own culinary masterpieces. Remember, cooking is not just about following a set of instructions – it's about passion, creativity, and love. So go forth, my dear, and let your taste buds be your guide. Happy cooking!