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Strawberry Shortcake

Source of Recipe

From "Emeril's Potluck" by Emeril Lagasse


Recipe Introduction

"This version of the classic American dessert uses sponge cake instead of biscuits. So, once you pour the strawberries with their juices all over the cake, it just soaks up all that goodness, and oh, baby, don't make me talk about it! It's easy to transport this to a summer barbecue or beach party. Make the cake a day in advance and cover it with plastic wrap at room temperature until you're ready to serve the dessert. Macerate the strawberries for an hour or so. Whip the cream just before serving, and you're good to go!"

List of Ingredients

◦ � pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, and 2 teaspoons, at room temperature
◦ 6 large eggs, at room temperature
◦ 2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
◦ 3 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
◦ 2 cups all-purpose flour
◦ 2 teaspoons baking powder
◦ � teaspoon salt
◦ 3 pounds strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced
◦ � cup Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur
◦ 1 � teaspoons orange zest
◦ 2 � cups heavy cream
◦ 5 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
◦ 1 � teaspoons pure vanilla extract


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 375� F. Grease a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish with 2 teaspoons butter and set aside. Combine the eggs and milk in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until frothy. Add 1 ⅓ cups of the sugar and beat on high speed until the mixture is quite thick and pale yellow, 7 to 10 minutes.

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together into a medium bowl. Fold this mixture gently into the egg mixture. Gently stir in the melted butter and then transfer the batter to the prepared dish and bake in the center of the oven until risen and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before proceeding.

Meanwhile, combine the strawberries, the remaining 2 cups sugar, Grand Marnier, and orange zest in a large bowl and toss to combine. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to assemble the dessert.

Combine the heavy cream with the confectioners' sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer or whisk until slightly thickened. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until the mixture nearly forms stiff peaks.

When ready to assemble the dessert, poke holes all over the cake with a cake tester or toothpick. Pour the strawberry mixture over the top of the cake, juices and all, spreading it evenly with a spatula and allowing the cake to absorb the juices. Top with the whipped cream and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.

Makes 12 to 16 servings






❧ Shortcake in a Bowl:
Kick the dessert up by cutting the cake into cubes and layering them with the macerated strawberries in a deep-sided glass bowl. Then top the whole thing with whipped cream for an impressive presentation!