seasonal fruit short cakes

In the Spring when all things seem to be new and fresh, I begin to think of new life.  Our emotional tone begins to elevate and we feel energetic and full of life ourselves.  These bright and beautiful feelings have led us to fruits of the season and what goes better with fresh fruit than homemade short cakes.  I hope that you will enjoy this recipe.  It is one that I first tried from a Martha Stewart magazine in the 1990's and have adapted it to better please our taste.

Seasonal Fruit served over Short Cakes and topped with Whipped Cream

Ingredients

            1 1/2 pounds (about 6 cups) fresh strawberries or mix half and half with fresh peaches cut into bite size pieces

            1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

            1/4 cup fresh orange juice

            2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for dusting

            1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

            2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

            1 teaspoon salt

            1 cup milk

             1 Tbsp. orange zest

            Whipped Cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Make the sweetened strawberries/peahes: Hull and quarter strawberries; peel and cube the peaches; toss in a medium bowl with 1/4 cup sugar and the 1/4 cup orange juice. Let stand until syrupy, tossing occasionally, at least 20 minutes (and up to 1 day, covered and refrigerated).

In a food processor, combine flour, butter, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt; process until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk and orange zest; pulse just until moistened, 4 or 5 times. Do not overprocess.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface; with floured hands, gently pat dough into a 4-by-8-inch rectangle.

Dust a large knife with flour; cut dough into 8 squares. Transfer to a baking sheet; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake until golden, 25 to 30 minutes; cool on baking sheet. To serve, split biscuits with a serrated knife; layer with berries and Whipped Cream.

The children had a great time working on this recipe.  Spending time with your children and teaching them that cooking and family meal times are important will have many benefits in your life and the lives of your children.