Chef Garrett's strawberry shortcake

Chef Garrett's Strawberry Shortcake

2 cup flour

1tbsp sugar

1tbsp salt

1tsp baking powder

2tbsp butter

2 tbsp shortening

1 tbsp half n' half

2 tsp lemon zest

This by far is one of the best recipes for strawberry short cake you'll find around. There are a lot of folks who would rather enjoy a simple pound cake with their fresh summer fruit and that's just fine but after you try this dish you'll be baffled by how easy and simply delicious this traditional confection is. In a mixing bowl you're going to sift together 2 cup flour, 1tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp baking powder. Mix all of these together and slowly incorporate your wet ingredients: 2tsbp butter, 2 tbsp shortening and 1 tbsp half n' half. Not a lot of folks would take this step but at this point add 1 tsp of lemon zest. You'll add the rest later but this pinch adds just a hint of freshness to the batter.

Once you batter comes together throw a bit of flour onto your work surface and set the batter on it. You don't have to do a bunch of work on this batter, use your hands and flatten it all out so it's about ¾ an inch thick. Cut the batter using a cooking cutter or the rim of a glass and set the rounds on a baking sheet. Brush them with butter and a sprinkle of sugar and set them in the over at 350 degree for about 10 minutes.

While this is cooking you can prep your strawberries. The amount of berries is going to vary depending on the amount you like. You'll use the bunch in two phases. You're going to begin by coring all the berries. In a sauce pan add about half the berries and your simple syrup. Set this on the heat, once it starts to boil, remove it from the heat and use a hand mixed to puree the mix.

Once your shortcakes have finished and cooled a bit slice through the middle. I'll use a bit of whipped cream to create a wall around the edge of the bottom layer of shortcake. Fill this area with the berries. Add another dollop of whipped cream and of course, more strawberries. Once you think you've got a good serving place the top of the shortcake on the stack, finish with more whipped cream on the side more berries and a rake of fresh lemon zest and a sprig of mint.

Enjoy!