CLASSIC STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Classic Strawberry Shortcake image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories dessert

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)
3 tablespoons sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon baking powder
Fine salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/3 cups heavy cream, plus more for brushing
1 large egg
1/4 cup honey
One 16-ounce container strawberries, trimmed and chopped (about 3 cups)
1/3 cup mint leaves, torn, plus more for garnish

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, the baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Add the butter and work it into the flour, using your fingers or a pastry cutter, until the butter pieces are the size of small peas.
Whisk together 1/3 cup of the cream with the egg and 1/3 cup water in a small bowl. Add to the dry mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a stiff batter forms. Drop 6 mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each biscuit. Brush with a bit of cream and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet.
While the biscuits bake and cool, combine the honey with 1/3 cup water and a pinch of salt in a small saucepot. Gently simmer, stirring, over medium heat until the honey is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Cool, and then toss in a medium bowl with the strawberries and mint. If time allows, set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
To assemble, whip the remaining 1 cup cream with the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar to soft peaks in a medium bowl. Split each biscuit and place the bottom half on a plate. Top evenly with the berries and accumulated juices and then the whipped cream. Place the top of the biscuit on the shortcake and garnish with fresh mint.