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Strawberry Shortcake (as Frau Schmidt Made It) Recipe

History of Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. The origins of this delectable treat can be traced back to Europe, where it was often served as a celebratory dish during the summer months when strawberries were in season. The earliest known recipe for strawberry shortcake can be found in "The Virginia Housewife" by Mary Randolph, published in 1824.

The recipe for strawberry shortcake has evolved over time, with variations found in different regions around the world. In Germany, for example, it is known as Erdbeerkuchen, which translates to "strawberry cake." Each culture has put its own spin on this delicious dessert, but the basic concept remains the same: a light and fluffy cake, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Fun Facts About Strawberry Shortcake

1. The first strawberry shortcake recipes did not call for cake at all. Instead, they used a type of sweetened bread or biscuit as the base.
2. The modern version of strawberry shortcake, with its sponge cake base, didn't become popular until the mid-19th century.
3. Strawberry shortcake is often associated with summer due to the abundance of fresh strawberries during that time of year.
4. The largest strawberry shortcake on record was made in 2004 in Shertallai, India. It measured a whopping 1,640 feet long!
5. Strawberry shortcake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this dessert a guilt-free indulgence.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for "Frau Schmidt's" Strawberry Shortcake!

Ingredients:
- 1 pint of flour
- 3 teaspoonfuls of baking powder
- 2-1/2 tablespoonfuls of butter or lard
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Milk or water
- Softened butter for spreading on the cake
- Crushed, sweetened strawberries
- Optional: 1 crushed banana

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a quick oven temperature.

2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut the butter or lard into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and gradually add about 1 cup of sweet milk or water.

5. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, cutting through the dough with a knife until a soft dough is formed. Be careful not to overmix; it is best to handle the dough as little as possible.

6. Divide the dough into two equal portions.

7. Roll out one portion of the dough quickly and place it on a large pie tin.

8. Spread the top of the cake with softened butter, ensuring even coverage.

9. Lay the other cake on top of the buttered cake.

10. Bake the layered cake in the preheated oven until it is golden brown and cooked through.

11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

12. While the cake is still hot, carefully separate the layers without cutting them.

13. Place a generous amount of crushed, sweetened strawberries between the layers of the cake. If desired, add a crushed banana to enhance the flavors.

14. Serve the strawberry shortcake while still hot, accompanied by sweet cream and sugar.

Alternative Option:
If desired, you can use a plain (not rich) layer cake recipe instead of the dough-based cake mentioned above. Here's how to do it:

1. Follow your preferred recipe for baking a plain layer cake and allow it to cool completely.

2. In a bowl, beat the stiffly-beaten white of 1 egg until it reaches a frothy consistency.

3. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar to the beaten egg white and continue beating until well incorporated.

4. Add 1 cup of crushed strawberries to the mixture and beat everything together until it reaches the consistency of thick cream.

5. Spread this strawberry mixture between the layers of the cooled cake, creating a delicious filling.

6. Serve the strawberry-filled layer cake cold.

Similar Recipes:

Strawberry shortcake is just one variation of a dessert that combines fruit, cake, and cream. Similar recipes include:

1. Blueberry Shortcake: Replace the strawberries with fresh or cooked blueberries for a sweet and tangy twist on the classic shortcake.

2. Peach Shortcake: Swap out the strawberries for juicy, ripe peaches. This variation adds a delightful flavor and subtle sweetness to the dessert.

3. Mixed Berry Shortcake: Combine strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful and flavorful shortcake that celebrates a variety of seasonal berries.

4. Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: Add a decadent twist to your shortcake by incorporating chocolate into the cake or by drizzling melted chocolate over the strawberries.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating new and exciting variations of this beloved dessert. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy exploring different combinations of fruits, cakes, and creams to find your perfect shortcake creation!

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