life is delicious: strawberry shortcake

life is delicious: strawberry shortcake It is my pleasure to introduce you to our newest series: Life is Delicious. On the original Strawberry Shortcake poster you will find those words. And, it is so true, isn’t it?! When I was writing the Star Wars post I was looking up other happenings in 1977. I stumbled upon the Strawberry Shortcake character that was designed in 1977 by Muriel Fahrion, a greeting card illustrator at American Greetings. Strawberry Shortcake and her cat, Custard, were originally seen on greeting cards, but the adorable character became a huge hit. She could soon be found on lunch boxes, posters and sticker albums. It was in the 1980’s, though, that Strawberry Shortcake and friends became the big trend with young girls. Eventually Strawberry Shortcake TV specials, video games, and movies were made that included many of the thirty two characters Fahrion created. Each subsequent character had a fruit or dessert themed name and coordinating clothing as well as a pet with an appropriate name, which is quite sweet. Some of Strawberry Shortcakes friends were Huckleberry Pie and his dog Pupcake; Blueberry Muffin and her mouse, Cheesecake; Orange Blossom and her pet butterfly, Marmalade; Crepe Suzette who’s pet, of course is a French poodle named Éclair. Strawberry Shortcake, to me, is the epitome of innocence. The character brings back many memories of my own childhood. Today, when walking through the toy store I see dolls such as Bratz that scream out at the consumer and make young girls look “cool”. Even Barbie, with her disproportioned body and glamorous wardrobe doesn’t quite offend as some of these newer dolls. With their scent related hair and their cherubic faces the Strawberry Shortcake characters let young girls remain just that…young. Our new series, Life is Delicious, will recall each Strawberry Shortcake character and their corresponding dessert. We will talk about life, the good times and the times during which we might say that life isn’t so delicious. This brings to mind a quote, if you’ll indulge me for it is not related to Strawberry Shortcake, but utterly relevant to our theme. It is from the movie Parenthood:
Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. Gil: Oh? Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride! Gil: What a great story. Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.
Life is full of ups and downs, but always delicious! Strawberry Shortcakes with Whipped Cream (adapted from the back of the Bisquick box) This recipe came about when I botched the actual recipe on the back of the Bisquick box. I was new to baking and in a hurry. You’ll see the ingredients are the same as on the box. What you will notice is that the sugar placements are reversed! I liked my botched version and have been making it that way ever since.

Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream

Ingredients 1 quart strawberries, sliced 2 tbsp sugar ¼ cup sugar 2 1/3 cup Bisquick mix ½ cup milk 3 tbsp butter, melted Whipped cream (recipe below) Directions
  1. In a medium bowl mix the strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set aside.
  2. Heat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  3. Stir the Bisquick mix, ¼ cup sugar, milk and butter until a soft dough forms.
  4. Drop by the spoonful onto parchment lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

Whipped Cream

Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Directions
  1. In a large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form.
  2. Do not over whip the cream or you will begin to have butter.

Angel Food Cake

Ingredients
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cake flour, sifted
  • 10 egg whites (the closer to room temperature the better)
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or almond extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a food processor spin sugar about 2 minutes until it is superfine. Sift half of the sugar with the salt the cake flour, setting the remaining sugar aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use a balloon whisk to thoroughly combine egg whites, extract, and cream of tartar. After 2 minutes, switch to a hand mixer. Slowly sift the reserved sugar, beating continuously at medium speed. Once you have achieved medium peaks, sift enough of the flour mixture in to dust the top of the foam. Using a spatula fold in gently. Continue until all of the flour mixture is incorporated.
  4. Carefully spoon mixture into an ungreased tube pan. Bake for 35 minutes before checking for doneness with a wooden skewer. (When inserted halfway between the inner and outer wall, the skewer should come out dry).
  5. Cool upside down on cooling rack for at least an hour before removing from pan.
Photography Data: Featured: Terra Gram ApertureFNumber: f/13.0 Make: Canon Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT ExposureTime: 1/6 FNumber: 13/1 ExposureProgram: 1 ISOSpeedRatings: 100 Flash: 16
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44 comments

    • May 29, 2012 at 11:47 am //

      Thanks Jay = )

  • May 29, 2012 at 12:26 pm //

    What a fun idea for a series! If this shortcake is representative of what is to come, I can’t wait! What a gorgeous and delicious cake. Beautiful photograph!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:04 pm //

      Thank you. I love Strawberry Shortcake and her whole gang, do you remember Holly Hobby?

  • May 29, 2012 at 12:31 pm //

    that is a great food in summer, but i think there are too much cream, but strawberry is great.

    • May 29, 2012 at 1:48 pm //

      Thanks for commenting = ) It’s great to have options, I’ll send you a spoon so you can scoop some off = )

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:05 pm //

      Definitely a summer treat = )

  • May 29, 2012 at 6:51 pm //

    Gorgeous! I just love fresh strawberries; the smell reminds me of long, warm summers. This is such a good looking dessert for this time of year!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:05 pm //

      YES, long warm summers, sitting on the porch enjoying a slice = )

  • May 29, 2012 at 10:27 pm //

    This looks absolutely delicious. My mom always used to make us Stawberry Shortcake with strawberries from our garden… the picture is so fresh! Love it!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:06 pm //

      Strawberries from the garden… BLISS!!! I used to love going strawberry picking with my mother = )

  • May 30, 2012 at 2:02 am //

    Gorgeous looking dessert! Can’t wait to try the recipe :)

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:06 pm //

      Thank you Priscilla = )

  • May 30, 2012 at 2:58 am //

    I was a HUGE fan of the Strawberry Shortcake character as a kid and I have to say that I am no fan of her recent (10 years ago??) makeover, So not the same. But I am a fan of this! Perfect nostalgic treat.

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:07 pm //

      YES, do you remember their hair smelling just as sweet as their name? I’m a huge fan of Holly Hobby as well. I don’t think I’ve seen her make-over? She is adorable as she was originally created.

  • May 30, 2012 at 4:13 am //

    this looks incredible.. gorgeous photos. i love how it isn’t too bad in nutrition.. and how u incorporated bisquick.. smart! gorgeous photos.. i could eat your blog!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:08 pm //

      Gotta love bisquick!!! I love how bisquick as more healthier alternatives and less preservatives as well! It’s a nice treat.

  • May 30, 2012 at 8:55 am //

    This is beautiful! Such a light and airy summer dessert!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:08 pm //

      Thank you Vicky.

  • May 30, 2012 at 11:57 am //

    Stunning photo and dessert! I’d love to sit on the back porch and enjoy this with you!

    • May 30, 2012 at 1:08 pm //

      Yes, the more the merrier, you are welcome to anytime. Are you on the East Coast as well? = )

  • May 30, 2012 at 1:13 pm //

    Love this idea for a series, and what a delicious way to kick it off.

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:04 pm //

      Thank you Anna = )

  • May 30, 2012 at 10:15 pm //

    This looks so delish! Can’t wait to try it out!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:03 pm //

      Thank you = )

  • May 30, 2012 at 10:31 pm //

    Just the name, Strawberry Shortcake, evokes so many nostalgic thoughts and memories. Sounds delicious!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:03 pm //

      And their adorable gang too! Do you remember Holly Hobby?

  • May 31, 2012 at 12:50 am //

    Great idea for a series! I haven’t made a strawberry shortcake in years. Probably time I do so again, don’t you think? Love the picture – really nicely done. Thanks for this.

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:02 pm //

      Thank you = ) it’s so wonderful and light, strawberry shortcake reminds me of summer.

  • May 31, 2012 at 12:50 am //

    What a splendid post! I adore the strawberry shortcake and “life is delicious” metaphor. I’m charmed :):):)

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:03 pm //

      Thank you Deb, do you remember Holly Hobby?

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:02 pm //

      Thank you Jenn = )

  • May 31, 2012 at 3:47 am //

    I love strawberry shortcake!! Yours looks fabulous.

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:01 pm //

      Thank you Veronica = )

  • May 31, 2012 at 7:15 am //

    I love strawberry shortcake too! This looks amazing!!!! I want to make it right now.

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:01 pm //

      Thank you Skye!

  • May 31, 2012 at 9:18 am //

    Woo hoo this looks fantastic, and that photo is killer. Love this!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:01 pm //

      Thank you Suzi = )

  • June 1, 2012 at 1:21 pm //

    I really need that cake right now to brighten up my day!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:01 pm //

      Thank you Cindy = )

  • June 2, 2012 at 9:06 am //

    Strawberry Shortcake was one of my favorite toys when I was a kid. And now that I’m an adult, Strawberry Shortcake is one of my favorite desserts! This looks delicious!

    • June 3, 2012 at 12:01 pm //

      And their hair, their hair smelled so wonderful. Do you remember Holly Hobby?

  • August 28, 2012 at 7:21 pm //

    It smells SO GOOD in the bulnidig on Tuesdays! Thank you, thank you to Catherine and Erica for the time and effort they give to make such delicious meals. It’s a highlight in the week for the students in my class!