Nothing says summer quite like some strawberry shortcake. I might have just got the last basket of 2011 strawberries tonight. Ziggy and Stephanie were kind enough to pick me a big box of them and drop them off after work. It’s the end of strawberry season *tear* And that means the end of shortcake. So if you haven’t had any yet this year… get your act together and get out there and get yourself some of the final berries of the season too.

Strawberry Shortcake

3 pints fresh strawberries

1/2 cup white sugar

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons white sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup shortening

1 egg

2/3 cup milk

Slice the strawberries and toss them with 1/2 cup of white sugar. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease and flour one 8 inch round cake pan.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, 2 tablespoons white sugar and the salt. With a pastry blender cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the beaten egg and milk. Stir until just combined.

Shape the dough into the prepared pan. Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool partially in pan on wire rack.

Slice partially cooled cake in half, making two layers. Place half of the strawberries on one layer and top with the other layer. Top with remaining strawberries and cover with the whipped cream.