Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon Cream (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Strawberry Filling

01 - 1 quart strawberries, sliced
02 - 1/2 cup sugar

→ For the Shortcakes

03 - 1/3 cup shortening
04 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 3 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 3/4 cup milk
09 - Additional granulated sugar for topping (optional)

→ For the Lemon Cream

10 - 1/2 cup lemon curd
11 - 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup of sugar. Let them sit for at least 1 hour to macerate - this draws out the juices and makes them extra sweet and syrupy.
02 - Heat your oven to 450 degrees. In a bowl, cut the shortening into the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the milk just until combined - don't overmix!
03 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently 20 to 25 times. Roll it out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a floured 3-inch biscuit cutter.
04 - Place the biscuit rounds 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with a little extra sugar if you like. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown - don't overbake or they'll be dry.
05 - In a medium bowl, combine the lemon curd and heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened and billowy.
06 - Carefully split each warm shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon strawberries and their juices over the bottom half, add a dollop of lemon cream, then replace the top. Serve immediately while the shortcakes are still warm and enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Bake the shortcakes until just golden brown for the best tender texture.
02 - Double the lemon cream if you love extra sauce for drizzling!
03 - This recipe serves 6 but scales easily for more or fewer servings.
04 - Store shortcakes at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
05 - Store strawberries and lemon cream separately in the fridge in airtight containers.