Strawberry Shortcakes with mint and whipped cream

Natural Strawberry Shortcake Recipe with Mint and Whipped Cream from Kuwait

Region / culture: Kuwait | Servings: 6

Introduction

Strawberry shortcakes with mint and whipped cream is a classic dessert that combines sweet, juicy strawberries with fluffy biscuits and creamy whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.

History

Strawberry shortcake has been a popular dessert in the United States since the 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the New England region, where strawberries were abundant in the summer months. The combination of fresh strawberries, biscuits, and whipped cream quickly became a favorite treat for many Americans.

Ingredients

For biscuits
1.75 cups all-purpose flour
5 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 cup (0.5 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
1 cup plus 2 tbsp chilled whipping cream
1 tbsp grated orange peel
For berries and cream
3 1 pt (473 ml) baskets strawberries, hulled, sliced
0.5 cup plus 3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp thinly sliced fresh mint
0.5 tsp grated orange peel
1 cup chilled whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Make biscuits:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, blend together flour, 4 tbsp of sugar, baking powder, and salt for 5 seconds.
Add butter to the mixture. Process using on/off turns until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Add 1 cup of cream and orange peel. Process just until moist clumps form.
Gather the dough into a ball and gently knead it 5 times.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.75 inches.
Using a 3-inch diameter cutter, cut out 3 rounds. Gather the dough and reroll as needed to make 3 more 3-inch rounds.
Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the rounds with 2 tbsp of cream and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of sugar.
Bake the biscuits until they turn pale golden and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately 20 minutes.
Allow the biscuits to cool for 15 minutes. They can be made up to 2 hours ahead of time.
Make Berries and cream:
In a medium bowl, combine the berries, 0.5 cup of sugar, mint, and orange peel. Stir to blend.
Let the mixture stand for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
In a large bowl, combine the cream, vanilla, and remaining 3 tbsp of sugar. Whisk until soft peaks form.
Cut the biscuits horizontally in half.
Place 1 biscuit bottom in each of 6 bowls.
Top each biscuit bottom with berries, then sweetened whipped cream, and finally the biscuit top.
This recipe makes 6 servings.

Variations

Try using different types of berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, in place of strawberries.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the macerated strawberries for a tangy twist.
Top the shortcakes with a dollop of lemon curd or chocolate sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cold butter when making the biscuit dough, as this will help create a flaky texture.

- Don't overmix the biscuit dough, as this can result in tough biscuits.

- For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries.

- Make sure to chill the whipping cream before whipping it to soft peaks.

- To enhance the flavor of the strawberries, you can macerate them in sugar and mint for a few hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the strawberry shortcakes with mint and whipped cream as a sweet ending to a summer barbecue or picnic. They pair well with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to handle the biscuit dough gently to ensure a light and flaky texture.

- Whipping the cream to soft peaks will give it a light and airy consistency that pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh mint, you can omit it from the recipe or use a different herb, such as basil or thyme.

- You can use frozen strawberries in place of fresh ones, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the biscuits ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

- The whipped cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the strawberry shortcakes in individual bowls or on dessert plates for an elegant presentation. - Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the strawberry shortcakes with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion.

- For a non-alcoholic option, serve them with a fruity iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover strawberry shortcakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the biscuits in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this strawberry shortcake recipe contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this strawberry shortcake recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this strawberry shortcake recipe contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this strawberry shortcake recipe contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. Mint is rich in vitamins A and C.

Alergens

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

Summary

This strawberry shortcake recipe is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberry shortcakes with mint and whipped cream is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with fluffy biscuits and creamy whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, and can be customized with different berries or toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy this classic treat with family and friends for a delicious and satisfying end to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha who lived in the countryside. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the sweet scent of fresh strawberries filled the air. Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.

"I have a special treat for you today," she said, as she pulled out a worn recipe card from her recipe box. "I learned this recipe from my grandmother, and it's been a family favorite for generations."

I watched in awe as Martha gathered the ingredients for the strawberry shortcakes. She explained each step of the recipe with such passion and expertise that I couldn't help but be inspired. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy shortcakes, fresh mint, and pillowy whipped cream sounded like a match made in heaven.

As Martha worked her magic in the kitchen, I listened intently, taking mental notes of every detail. She shared stories of her grandmother's love for cooking and how she passed down her recipes with a sprinkle of love and tradition. I could see the connection Martha had to her family's culinary heritage, and it sparked something inside me.

After hours of preparation and anticipation, the strawberry shortcakes were finally ready. The sight of the golden-brown shortcakes topped with juicy strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprig of fresh mint was simply irresistible. I took my first bite, and it was like tasting a piece of summer heaven.

From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make Martha's strawberry shortcakes with mint and whipped cream. I begged her to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. Over the next few weeks, I spent countless hours in Martha's kitchen, soaking up her wisdom and honing my baking skills.

I learned the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, the art of balancing flavors, and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. Martha's guidance and mentorship transformed me into a confident and skilled baker, and I was forever grateful for her generosity.

As I perfected the recipe for strawberry shortcakes with mint and whipped cream, I added my own twist to it. I experimented with different types of mint, tried various whipped cream techniques, and even infused the shortcakes with a hint of lemon zest. Each batch was a labor of love, and I took pride in every bite.

Over the years, I shared my strawberry shortcakes with friends, family, and neighbors. They marveled at the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and some even asked for the recipe. I happily obliged, passing down Martha's legacy to a new generation of bakers.

As I look back on my journey with Martha's strawberry shortcakes, I realize that it's more than just a recipe. It's a symbol of tradition, love, and connection. It's a reminder of the joy that comes from creating something delicious with your own two hands and sharing it with others.

And so, whenever I bake a batch of strawberry shortcakes with mint and whipped cream, I think of Martha and her grandmother. I feel their presence in my kitchen, guiding me and inspiring me to keep the culinary traditions alive. And I am grateful for the gift of their recipe, which has brought so much joy and sweetness into my life.