Chocolate Chip Strawberry Shortcakes!

Family is coming home next weekend for a day of feasting and visiting. As I look forward to the noise and fun on the day before Mother's Day, my mama has been on my mind. One of the things she made when I was a little girl was strawberry shortcakes. We  had a cow which meant all the real cream we wanted to use. Strawberries came fresh from the garden and Mama had a wonderful recipe for shortcakes. I went looking for a recipe for "real strawberry shortcakes" and found one that matched hers perfectly...except it added chocolate chips. I'm sure if she'd have thought of adding the chips she would have done so.

So Mama, this one is for you and please know that I still miss you, your cooking, your positive attitude and all the love you showered on us.

 

CHOCOLATE CHIP STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES

• 3 cups fresh sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar, divided
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 6 Tbsp. cold butter
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Whipping Cream
• 1-1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 strawberry shortcakes

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Combine sliced strawberries with 3 Tbsp. sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, remaining 3 Tbsp. of sugar and salt. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Make a well in the center. Add half and half. Mix with a fork until a dough forms. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Turn out dough onto a lightly-floured surface. Knead a few times with your hands. Pat dough into a large circle, 3/4-inch thick. Use a 3" biscuit cutter to cut dough into circles. Place on a baking sheet. Bake 12-16 minutes, until shortcakes are golden.

While shortcakes are cooling, make whipped cream: Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar in a glass or stainless steel bowl until soft peaks form. Slice chocolate chip shortcakes in half. Spoon some of the strawberries onto half of the sliced biscuits. Top with whipped cream, then top with the remaining biscuit halves.

Serve strawberry shortcakes immediately.