All About Strawberry Shortcakes

Strawberry shortcake may be a 200 year-old American invention. With the coming of chemical leavenings in the early 1800's, biscuits became popular. Since strawberries have always been facilely available, it is likely that biscuits and strawberries have been together for quite some time. Before the middle of that century, strawberry shortcake recipes were showing up in the method books.

Today strawberry shortcakes are made from every method from biscuits to white cake and even angel Food cakes but the former recipes always called for biscuits. Normally these biscuits are made richer with dAiry products and sugar. This is an former biscuit-like shortcake. It is rich and tender and flaky and very, very good.

What follows are a strawberry shortcake recipe, a blueberry cream cheese shortcake recipe, and a chocolate caramel raspberry shortcake recipe.

Three Ways to Make Shortcakes

1. Make them as drop biscuits. The dough must be moist sufficient to drop from a spoon and pat into a flat disc. Add more milk as needed to get the desired consistency.

2. Make them as cut-out biscuits. The dough must be slightly firm to cut into shapes on the counter. Sprinkle a minute flour on the counter or add flour to the dough if needed. Don't add so much flour that the dough is firm like sugar cookie dough. Pat the soft dough out on the counter and cut into three-inch discs. If the dough is wet and the shape is a minute ragged, it's perfect.

3. Make one large shortcake. Spread the dough into an eight-inch cake pan or nine-inch pie pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Strawberry Hints

Always use fresh, succulent, ripe strawberries. Choose plump looking strawberries with green caps and avoid those that look bruised or mushy. Do not wash them or remove the caps until they are ready to use. Strawberries should be used promptly; they will not stay fresh long.

Original Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or more--see above)

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold butter cut into chunks

1 large egg

3/4 cup cream (or more--see above)

1 tablespoon melted butter or cream for brushing

2 tablespoons large crystal sugar such as turbinado sugar

2 pints ripe strawberries

1/4 cup sugar

1 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

2-4 tablespoons sugar

Directions

For the shortcake:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

1. Merge the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

2. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender.

3. Whisk the egg into the cream. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the cream blend into the well. Mix with a fork until the ingredients just stick together. Drop into biscuits on a greased cookie sheet and then pat with the back of a spoon to make to about 3/4-inch thick. To make cut-out biscuits, pat the dough into a sheet on a floured countertop and cut into three inch shapes with either a knife or a cookie cutter.

4. Brush the tops with the melted butter or cream. Sprinkle the tops with sugar. Bake for about fifteen minutes or until golden brown. remove to a wire rack. Serve while still fresh and warm.

Note: For the best results, always serve shortcake fresh. The dough can sit in the refrigerator for up to two hours while waiting to bake.

For the strawberries:

Wash and slice the strawberries. Sprinkle the strawberries with sugar and toss to coat.

For the whipped cream:

Combine the whipped cream, two tablespoons sugar, and the vanilla in a chilled bowl. Whip on medium speed until soft peaks form. Sweeten with the added sugar if desired.

To serve:

Split the warm biscuits open. Fill with berries and whipped cream. Top with added whipped cream and berries.

Chocolate Caramel Raspberry Shortcake Recipe

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or more--see above)

1/4 cup cocoa

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold butter cut into chunks

1 large egg

3/4 cup cream (or more--see above)

1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing

2 tablespoons large crystal sugar such as turbinado sugar

1 1/2 pints ripe raspberries

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

2-4 tablespoons sugar

Chocolate syrup

Caramel syrup

Directions

For the shortcake:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

1. Merge the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

2. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender.

3. Whisk the egg into the cream. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the cream blend into the well. Mix with a fork until the ingredients just stick together. Drop into dough on a greased cookie sheet and then pat with the back of a spoon to make to about 3/4-inch thick. To make cut-out biscuits, pat the dough into a sheet on a floured countertop and cut into three inch shapes with either a knife or a cookie cutter.

4. Brush the tops with the melted butter. Sprinkle the tops with sugar. Bake for about fifteen minutes or until done. remove to a wire rack. Serve while still fresh and warm.

Note: For the best results, always serve shortcake fresh. The dough can sit in the refrigerator for up to two hours while waiting to bake.

For the raspberries:

Wash the raspberries. OrnaMent the sweetmeat with the raspberries.

For the whipped cream:

Combine the whipped cream, two tablespoons sugar, and the vanilla in a chilled bowl. Whip on medium speed until soft peaks form. Sweeten with the added sugar if desired.

To serve:

Split the warm biscuits open. Fill with berries and whipped cream. Top with added whipped cream and berries. Drizzle with chocolate and caramel syrup.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Shortcake Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or more--see above)

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold butter cut into chunks

1 large egg

3/4 cup cream (or more--see above)

1 tablespoon melted butter or cream for brushing

1 1/2 pints ripe blueberries

2 tablespoons sugar

2/3 cup heavy cream

1 eight-ounce package cream cheese

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

For the shortcake:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

1. Merge the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

2. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender.

3. Whisk the egg into the cream. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the cream blend into the well. Mix with a fork until the ingredients just stick together. Drop into biscuits on a greased cookie sheet and then pat with the back of a spoon make to about 3/4-inch thick. To make cut-out biscuits, pat the dough into a sheet on a floured countertop and cut into three inch shapes with either a knife or a cookie cutter.

4. Brush the tops with the melted butter or cream. Sprinkle the tops with sugar. Bake for about fifteen minutes or until golden brown. remove to a wire rack. Serve while still fresh and warm.

Note: For the best results, always serve shortcake fresh. The dough can sit in the refrigerator for up to two hours while waiting to bake.

For the blueberries:

Wash the blueberries. In a small bowl, smash the berries, add the sugar, and stir. Cover the bowl and heat it in the microwave until the berries are hot and starting to bubble.

For the whipped cream:

Pour the whipped cream into a chilled bowl. Whip on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest and beat until combined and fluffy.

To serve:

Split the warm biscuits open. Fill with whipped filling. Top with added whipped filling and berries.

See photos and the printable version of All About Shortcakes.

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Gooseberry and its Miraculous Benefits

Have you ever wondered why the hAirs and skin texture of most of the artist's look beautiful? The luster, gloss, gleam and thick wholesome hAir, and the glow on the face of artists are not always the results of botox injection, rejuvenating cream, hAir treatMents, and expensive shampoos. Nature has bestowed many bounties to mankind; out of which, herbs are one of the best sources of miracle. Out of many herbs, goose berry is the most noteworthy miraculous herb and a potent gift of nature to mankind. Goose berry is popularly known as Amla. Humanity has utilized its benefits for decades, and it forms a crucial part of the Ayurvedic medicine. Naturally, it has power to cure many skin and condition associated problems within no time. The gooseberry is native in Europe and western Asia, growing simply in alpine thickets and rocky woods in the lower country, from France eastward, well into the Himalayas and peninsular India.

It is the finest herb and is nowadays prominent all over the world due to its copious benefits. Where synthetic products can leave so many risky side effects on health, skin and hairs, goose berry is showing up a path to the population to perform charm target without any harm. Herbal charm products are nowadays piled up with goose berry in it as a main ingredient, because population are now shifting towards natural products to cut side effects of chemicals.

Gooseberry is generally ready in herbal stores in the form of dry seeds or in powdered form. Luckily, small sized original gooseberry is nowadays ready in super markets. It might be green, white, yellow, or red in color. The size may vary from pea size fruits to the size of hen's eggs.

Since centuries, population are using gooseberry for its restorative and nutritious properties. It is very sour in taste, and it is bitter and pungent, when used in dried form. . It is the best vitamin C suppleMent in contains as much as 20 times that of an orange. The fresh fruit contains more than eighty percent of water also protein, carbohydrates, fibre, minerals and vitamins. Minerals and vitamins in general contain calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, Vitamin C and B complex. It also contains gallic and acetic acid

It enhances Food absorption, balances stomach acid, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and thinking functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, is good for the skin, promotes healthier hair, acts as a body coolant, flushes out toxins, increases vitality, strengthens the eyes, improves muscle tone and it acts as an antioxidant.

Here are some of the miraculous effects of Goose berry:

Gooseberry can be turned into a favorite drink, which can be used to treat the question of scurvy. Not only that, but a glass of gooseberry drink can also improve skin tone and texture within a month.
The Vitamin C in gooseberry helps in reducing blood cholesterol by dilating the blood vessels and there by reducing the blood pressure. It also strengthens heart muscles. One tablespoonful of powdered gooseberry can be used with one glass of Luke warm water on regular basis to stabilize blood cholesterol level.

Gooseberry has anti- diabetic potential. It contains chromium, which has a therapeutic value in diabetics. It stimulates the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. Thus it reduces blood sugar in diabetic patient. Mix dried gooseberry with bitter gourd powder, and eat a pinch every morning to regulate the blood glucose levels.

Frequent intake of sweet, sour, spicy and oily Food causes acidity. Moreover, late night eating, and drinking coffee or tea in excess can triggers the condition of acidity. Either you have a question of acidity, heartburn, or reflux, gooseberry is a good substitute of antacids. It is also useful for remedies for diarrhea and dysentery. A tablespoon of gooseberry juice or powder in a glass of water can lessen all upset stomach problems instantly.
If you have question of thin and lusterless, then wash your hair with gooseberry for a week. Soak dried gooseberry in one pint of water, and then mix the juice in a tub with lowly tap water. It will not only vigor hairs, but will also solve many problems of scalp. It will kill lice and at the same time, will add body to your limp hair. Anyone worried about graying hair would be delighted to know that gooseberry powder and henna soaked in water and left in an iron utensil can be used to get a lovely new natural color, similar to streaking. Gooseberry also enriches hair increase and hair pigMentation. It strengthens roots of hair, maintains color and adds body to hair.

It raises the total protein level and helps maintaining body weight due to its richness in nutrients. Add a pinch of gooseberry powder in Luke warm water and drink it after every meal in order to take off the flabbiness of stomach.

Gooseberry is also productive for respiratory complaints. It is wise sufficient to experience doctor before using Gooseberry in case of asthma or any respiratory tract disorder.

Gooseberry can also improve your eye sight. Taking Gooseberry juice with honey is good for enhancing eyesight. It improves nearsightedness and cataract. Drinking its juice or eating marmalade or pickle can also edge your vision.

Due to its antibacterial and astringent attributes, the gooseberry protects against infection. You can apply its juice on your skin as a toner commonly to fade off your spots and to cut pimples.

Gooseberry is also a noteworthy antioxidant agent. Many condition problems are conduced by oxidative damage Vitamin C is a good antioxidant agent and so is Gooseberry. You can apply powdered or original gooseberry pulp on your face twice a week to take off fine lines and wrinkles. If your skin is damaged or you have sensitive skin, do not use it without consulting doctor.

Daily dose of gooseberry can relive you from day-today stresses. It can detoxify your body systems efficiently. It is a perfect way to boost your immunity and resistance system of your body. It is a great revitalizer which thoroughly helps in reactivating your whole body system.

It is also used as remedies for fever, liver disorder, indigestion, anemia, urinary problems, respiratory problems, and cerebral illness. It increases red blood cell production and strengthens teeth and nails.

Remember, wholesome and permissible balanced diet and intake of immoderate water, along with using gooseberry can cure lots of problems. It is wisely hint to the enTire charm lovers to turn their interest towards natural products than synthetic in order to improve the capability of condition and life.

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Greek Cinnamon Chicken method

Well, my wife Sue said this is the very best thing that I have ever cooked to date. I must admit that the blend of flavors is as a matter of fact unique. I am not as a matter of fact a fan of cinnamon, but I Love the way that it worked in this recipe!

Ingredients:

6 to 8 chicken thighs (with skin)

3 tbsp. Extra-virgin olive oil

2 tsp. Ground cinnamon

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1 tsp. Tasteless ground black pepper

1 (14.5) oz. Can diced tomatoes with juice

1 (3.8) oz. Can sliced ripe olives, drained

1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth

3/4 cup dry, white wine

4 cloves minced garlic

2 cups yellow onions, diced

1 tsp. Dried oregano leaves

1 tsp. Dried mint flakes

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

6 to 8 servings cooked rice pilaf

(Cook the pilaf agreeing to instructions on package.)

Instructions:

Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Mix the salt, pepper and cinnamon in a bowl. Rub this seasoning on all sides of the chicken. In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add chicken, browning for about 5 minutes on each side. Then take off chicken, put on a platter and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium and add the onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly and cook for a few minutes until the onions are tender and a light golden brown. Add the wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon, loosening everything that is stuck to the bottom of the skillet.

After a few minutes, add the tomatoes, the olives, the chicken broth, the dried oregano leaves and the dried mint flakes. Stir everything together and return the chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for an hour, or until chicken is wholly cooked. Serve the chicken over the pilaf, cover with the sauce, and sprinkle feta cheese over the top. Serves 6 to 8.

Copyright © 2008 Lee Griffith. All proprietary reserved.

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Does Trader Joe's Sell Acai Berry? - Is Trader Joe the Best Place to Get an Acai Berry Online Trial?

Trader Joe's is one of the prominent chains of agency market all across the Usa. Like all others in the league, even they sell acai diet suppleMents. Acai is the supreme wonder fruit from Brazil. It is now the No. 1 Super Food on the diet charts of some medical & condition experts. It is most known for its utmost nutritional value. The facts that some celebrities are promoting it and are vouching for its benefits, have added to the fame.

With so many brands on the run, it is in fact tough to pick one. Trader Joe's is a rather favorable means of getting this diet suppleMent. Picking out the acai suppleMent from here would you the luxury to buy a refill when ever you need it. You do not need to place an order in advance. Also it has the disadvanTAGe that you can not have any free trials. That you can enjoy only with the acai suppleMents you buy online. These trials not only cost you better, they are also safer. While choosing one of these on the internet make sure that you read the ingredients well.

At Trader Joe's you can do that as well, though in case they do not suit you, you would have a money back guarantee. A straightforward resort to this issue can be the following:

· Discuss with your doctor that you want to consider the acai supplements.
· You can only take them in case you are 18 years or above of age.
· The women must not be pregnant.
· Discuss the success of the brand you have chosen with your friends & family.
· If potential read its comments & reviews on the internet.

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