Bernardus Lodge & Winery Lavender Strawberry Shortcake

These aren't just any old shortcakes! Savor the sweet delicacy of Lavender Strawberry Shortcakes from Chef Ben Spungin of Bernardus Winery & Lodge.

Cook Time: 5 1/2 hours (includes 4 hours of chilling)

Pair With: a glass of sparkling wine or a white dessert wine.

Source: Recipe and photo courtesy of Bernardus Winery & Lodge and Chef Bengin

INGREDIENTS

For the Shortcakes:

1 1/4 cup of butter
4 cups flour
1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers, chopped
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons baking powder
Pinch salt
3 1/2 cold cream
crystal sugar

For the Strawberries & Whipped Cream:

2 pints strawberries – stems removed and quartered
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

For Shortcakes:

Cut butter into small cubes and place in the freezer until the other ingredients have been measured. Place dry ingredients in a mixing bowl fit with a paddle attachment. Mix on speed #1 until butter pieces are crumbly.  Slowly add the cold cream in three increments; stopping the mixer frequently to stir (by hand) the dry ingredients up from the bottom of the bowl. Stop mixing before the dough comes together. Press dough into a large mass.

Using plenty of flour, roll out dough into a large rectangle. Give dough 1 single turn (fold in thirds) and place on a well floured silpat. Roll out dough to about an 1” thick or to the size of the silpat. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.  (no longer than 24 hours)

Remove and roll out dough 1/2” thick. Using a well floured cutter, cut dough into 3” circles. Place on a parchment lined sheet pan and top with crystal sugar. Place pan in 350 degree oven and immediately reduce to 325 degrees. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

For Strawberries & Whipped Cream:

In a small bowl, combine sugar and strawberries.  Let rest for up 20 minutes.

In mixer fit with a whisk attachment, combine heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar.  Whip on low-medium speed until fluffy.

Recipe Courtesy Of

Bernardus Winery

The focus of Bernardus is to create wines that flatter the palate and stimulate the imagination.