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Berry
Shortcake is similar to Strawberry Shortcake, only raspberries, blackberries,
and blueberries are used along with the strawberries.
There are three parts to this Berry Shortcake; a scone (or biscuit), lightly
sweetened berries, and softly whipped cream. Although each component can be made
beforehand, it is best to assemble this dessert
just before serving.
The first thing we need to do is to
make the scone. For this recipe we are making one large cream scone that
is baked in a cake pan. When making this scone
be sure to have the butter cold, to add the liquid to the dry ingredients
all at once, and then to mix everything together quickly and lightly.
Following these simple instructions will result in a buttery scone with a
tender and flaky crumb that absorbs all the sweet juices released by the
berries.
Next, the berries, which need to be in season for
maximum flavor. Look for strawberries
that are
bright red, plump, and firm, with no white or green "shoulders" at the stem end.
The green leaf-like cap or hull should still be attached and it should not
be brown or wilted.
Raspberries should be a deep red color, and plump and juicy without their
cores attached. If the cores are still attached the raspberries were
picked too early and will be sour. Blackberries should be black, firm,
plump, without their stems attached. If the stems are still attached the
blackberries will be sour. Blueberries should be firm, plump, fragrant,
and dark blue with a dusty white bloom. The white bloom is the blueberry's
natural protection against the sun and is a sign of freshness.
No matter what the berry, there should be
no soft spots, bruising or mildew. Always check the
underside of the containers to make sure there are no squashed berries or juice
(sign of overripe berries).
If not using immediately store in a single
layer on a paper towel-lined tray in the refrigerator for a couple of
days. About an hour before assembling the shortcake; lightly wash the
berries, removing the stems from the strawberries. Then cut or slice the
strawberries into bite size pieces.
Place in a large bowl, add the remaining berries and
stir in the sugar. Set aside to macerate at room temperature for about 30 to 60
minutes as this will soften the berries and allow their juices to be
released.
And finally, the
Cream. Cream is the fat that
rises to the top of whole milk. It has a smooth, satiny texture and is
labeled according to its butterfat content (heavy to light). The best
cream to use for this Berry
Shortcake is Heavy Cream or Heavy "Whipping" Cream which means it has a
36 - 40% butterfat that will double in volume when whipped and hold its
form. Because of its superior flavor, I recommend using an organic brand
of heavy whipping cream. The recipe given here will let you make the
whipped cream several hours in advance of serving.
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