Vanilla Orange Strawberry Shortcake Recipe RebeccaC

Ingredients

• 2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup shortening
• chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (zest from apx. 1/2 a medium orange)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1 cup half & half mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or use buttermilk instead)

Instructions

1. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
2. Add the shortening and butter and cut into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your hands, until mixture has an even consistency and lumps are no larger than pea size.
3. Add the orange zest, vanilla and the half & half mixture and stir until the dry ingredients are incorporated and a dough is formed.
4. Do not overmix.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll out to a 1-inch thickness.
6. Use a biscuit cutter or an overturned juice glass, cut out shortcakes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Reroll any scraps and cut again but avoid excessive handling or the dough will become tough.
8. Bake shortcakes for 15-20 minutes, or until biscuits are lightly browned and doubled in height.
9. When finished, transfer shortcakes to a rack to cool.
10. To serve, split the shortcakes in half and place bottom half on a serving dish.
11. Layer with sweetened berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
12. Add top half of shortcake and top with additional strawberries and whipped cream.
13. Serve immediately.