It's National What Day?

So, we thought you should know that it's National Strawberry Shortcake Day AND National Bourbon Day!  Nice way to kick off this beautiful weekend, right!

We have a fun little recipe to share, celebrating both.  First things first though.  Essential ingredients from local sources; FRESH strawberries from Smith Acres and high quality bourbon found right here at Mermaid Liquors.

Strawberries are in-season right now, just perfectly sweet and delicious.  Luckily, Teri and the Veggie Girls at Smith's Acres have plenty of native strawberries fresh from the fields just waiting for a good home.

Now for the bourbon.  Bourbon is the quintessential American spirit with over 95% production coming straight out of Kentucky.  In fact, bourbon has been defined as a “distinctive product of the United States" by Congress.
Not to mention the fact that is easy to work with and accents the sweetness of strawberries in a wonderful way.  

You can make a great strawberry shortcake with the classic recipe below, perfect for everyone in the family.  

For the grown-ups, celebrate by serving with bourbon whipped cream or soak the strawberries in some of the good stuff for an extra added oomph! 
Go ahead...ENJOY!

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients:
1 quart (about 2 pounds) fresh strawberries
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for work surface
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon table salt
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, plus extra for pie dish
3/4 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a 9-inch pie dish and set aside. Slice strawberries into a medium-size bowl and toss gently with confectioners’ sugar. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add milk, stirring with a fork just to blend. Dough will look shaggy.
Gather up dough and knead it twice on a floured board. Pat into pie dish and bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool slightly.
Meanwhile, make whipped cream: Using a handheld or standing mixer, whip cream with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and vanilla until medium-size peaks form.
Cut shortbread into wedges. Split each wedge and fill with sweetened berries. Top with another spoonful of berries and whipped cream.
(originally printed on yankeemagazine.com)