SANDRA'S SUPERB STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

A quick and easy method in which
to make a superbly sensational dessert...

Servings: (6)
Prep: 10 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Macerate Strawberries
6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice

***Freshly Whipped Cream (See *Tip below)
2 cups fresh whipping cream
1-1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 (10.75 oz. pkg.) pound cake, cut into 12 slices
--(If frozen, thaw)

--Fresh springs of mint for garnish

METHOD

Add the sliced strawberries, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in medium bowl, and set aside, while occasionally stirring , to macerate to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the whipping cream to a medium metal or glass bowl, and with a hand mixer begin mixing.   When soft peaks begin to form, add 1-1/2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla, while continuing to mix until desired fluffiness is achieved, about 4 to 5 minutes. (Don't overbeat because it will turn to butter.)

After strawberries are macerated for 10 minutse, place a slice of pound cake on each dessert plate, and spoon some strawberry mixture over each cake slice, and top with some whipped cream; repeat steps for second layer. To serve, top each dessert with a bit more of the strawberry mixture, and sprig of fresh mint for garnish. – Enjoy!


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*Tip:  If you chill the whipping cream, mixer blades, and metal or glass bowl in freezer for 15 minutes prior to mixing , it will whip up much faster.

SANDRA'S CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES and CHAMPAGNE

I traditionally prepare this romantic delight 
every year to share with my husband
on Valentine's Day...

Servings: 2
Prep: 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

10 large fresh strawberries, stems intact (at room temperature)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons half n' half
1 tablespoon brandy, (or your favorite liqueur)

***Drizzle:
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon half and half

METHOD

Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Wash the strawberries and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels, and set aside.

In a heavy-bottom, small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips, cream, and brandy, stirring just until completely melted (this may take time, do not turn up heat).

Grasp the stem while lifting the green leaves of the strawberry at the same time, and dip into the chocolate, while swirling to partially cover. Give the strawberry a little shake as you withdraw it from the chocolate, and then swirl over bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off, then place on wax paper. Repeat with the remaining strawberries.

Make the white chocolate drizzle in the same method as previously stated, and when it is slightly cooled place the drizzling mixture inside a ziploc bag, and snip one corner (a very small snip). Pick up a strawberry and drizzle as shown in photograph; repeating until done.

Allow the chocolate to harden, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and share these tasty morsels with your special one, along with flutes of champagne.

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Tip: Please make sure the strawberries are at room temperature and completely dry (refrigerator causes condensation). Even a drop of water in the melted chocolate can cause it to 'seize' and turn the entire mixture into a grainy mess.