Honey Soaked Peach-Strawberry Shortcake
29 Aug
I’m a huge lover of farmers (even hoping to be one some day). I am so happy I live a hop/skip/jump from about 6 farms to obtain fresh produce from. Today after our lovely “staycation” (more on that soon!), Mr. M and I went to one of our local farms, and the peaches really reached out to me. They looked juicy and plump…and were all worthy of being eaten on the way home.
Then, when we were home, we realized there were some strawberries that needed to be used….and a sad little bottle of honey that had been forgotten since Lil’ A claimed that last sore throat.
The three of these rebels came together and made tonight’s dessert perfect. Simple. Honest. The way life should be.
This desert made 12 single servings….6 servings if you use two biscuits per serving.
For the Peach/Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups of peeled and chopped peaches (learn how to peel a peach here!)
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup of honey
Toss all ingredients in a bowl and ensure the fruit gets thoroughly coated in the honey. Allow to sit for at least 3 hours while the fruit macerates and releases their juices. This will mix with the honey and create a heavenly liquid worth drinking with a straw. Stir every once in a while to ensure total coverage.
For the Shortcakes (adapted from Alton Brown):
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- 2 tablespoons cold shortening
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
In a food processor or large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. If you have one, force your child to do all of the dirty work:
Cut in the butter and shortening until it looks crumbly (my very scientific word). If you are not using a processor, use a pastry cutter, two butter knives or your hands. Mix in half-and-half until the mixture comes together. When ready, drop the mixture by large spoonfuls onto a pre-greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes on the middle rack of your oven. When done, set aside to hang out until you’re ready to serve.
When ready to serve, split a biscuit (or two) in half and top with the mascerated fruit. Top with whipped cream, ice cream, mint, or anything else that suits your fancy.
Give thanks that summer is still here and producing strawberries and peaches….then hope fall comes quickly so I can wear turtlenecks and drink hot coffee again.
Forever yours -
Adryon
I grew up on the farm and I would have to say it was a good life. Good luck to your dreams to farm someday. Till then…thank goodness for Farmers Markets and local farms!!
My husband and I were just talking about becoming farmers the other day. I think a lot of people are craving that connection to the land. I went to a talk the other night by someone who made a successful swith from corporate world to farmer at the age of 40. Good luck with your own swith.
That sounds absolutely fantastic! I think I’m going to have to try it this week.
Thank you! Fingers are crossed. Love your site!
Let’s buy a big plot of land and put 5 houses on it – get some like minded people together and work the land together.