Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake

Preheat an oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease the bottoms of two 9-inch (23-cm) round cake pans.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and 1/2 cup (4 oz./125 g) of the sugar. Add the cold butter and cut in with 2 knives or a pastry blender to coarse-crumb consistency.

In another large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk and beat until fully combined. Gradually stir the egg and milk mixture into the flour mixture. On a lightly floured board, knead the dough for no more than 1 minute. Pat half of the dough into each cake pan. Brush the surfaces with the melted butter. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Turn the shortcake layers out onto wire racks and let cool.

While the layers are cooling, wash the strawberries and remove the hulls. Reserve a few berries for garnish. Cut the large berries in half, transfer to a large bowl and sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup (6 oz./185 g) sugar. Let stand for about 30 minutes.

Place one shortcake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread half of the whipped cream over the cake and spoon half of the berries with their juice on top. Place the second shortcake layer on top, spread the remaining whipped cream over the cake and spoon the remaining berries and juice over the whipped cream. Garnish with the reserved whole berries. Serves 8.

Recipe courtesy of Trisha Yearwood