Everyday Mom's Meals: Childlike Summers
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Friday, June 17, 2011

Childlike Summers

Remember when we could play all day, and our curfew was "come home when the street lights come on"? I sure do. I grew up in a small town and I could ride my bike everywhere (as long as I didn't cross the "big" highway) and not come home until supper time, then be right out the door again. Hot sunny days spent on my swing set, riding bikes, playing w/ neighborhood kids. Warm evenings spent at the ballpark either playing or watching, playing in the sprinkler, roller skating around town (yes, actual roller skates, not Rollerblades). These are all things I remember about summers gone by. And when I think of these I think of those meals mom always saved or the hot months. Chicken wings on the grill (my dad's are awesome, and so easy), macaroni salad, corn on the cob, and for dessert--one of my dad's favorite things for mom to bake. Home made shortcake. Just thinking of it brings a smile to my face and a growl to my stomach. Honestly, I have never made it-probably b/c those sponge cakes in the produce section are so convenient and usually $.79 in the summer!! But if I want GOOD shortcake, this is it. She was telling me the other day dad was asking for it, and I knew it was time to get the recipe from her and give it a try. I have excepted the fact it will not taste as good as hers, nothing I makes of her ever does, but I'm okay w/ that, as long as it's close. Plus it gave me a reason to take Alex strawberry picking for the first time! He had so much fun and can't wait to go again! With strawberries coming in season, and how beautiful they are this time of the year, I am sure this will show up on our menu multiple times this summer!



Mom's Strawberry Shortcake
2 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. shortening
1 egg
1/3 c. milk

Preheat oven to 450. Grease and flour a 8 x 8 cake pan or pie plate. Sift dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly. Mix egg with milk and add to mixture. It will still be crumbly. Press down to even out. Bake for 12 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Serve with macerated berries, whipped cream and/or ice cream.



9 comments:

Tricia @ Recipe Roundup said...

Very similar to the recipe we use. I love it! I don't want a light, fluffy cake (such as angel food) for my shortcake. I want a dense, heavy cake! We eat it warm with mild and sugared strawberries....my mouth is watering just thinking about it! Ps. Love the pic of Alex. He's getting so big!

Tricia @ Recipe Roundup said...

oops..that was warm with milk and sugared strawberries!

Krista said...

You sound like Dad. The density/thickness of this is why it's his favorite. And we do milk on our shortcake too!!!! Well, Alex and I do, not Adam. It must be a Shartle thing:)

MamaMonki said...

Looks like the cake my mom used to make too. Yummy! Makes me want to go find one of those you pick places and spend the day picking berries. Know of any around the Fort Wayne area?

Krista said...

That's what inspired this. I wanted to take Alex for the first time. We went to a place in Leo, but Hilgers in Fort Wayne has u-pick going on right now!

Our Italian Kitchen said...

Cute cake! Love it! Sounds great! I'm your newest follower!

Krista said...

Thank You, and welcome!

The Country Cook said...

How did I miss this recipe?? Looks delicious! Love the pictures too.

Unknown said...

Oh My Goodness! I Love Strawberry Shortcake! Alex looks great with the strawberries he picked. Can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing on Thursday's Treasures Blog Hop. <3 ad Hugs!