Florida Strawberry and Citrus Shortcake

Ingredients

Preparation

Shortcake

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Next add melted butter, 1 cup milk and half of the orange zest and juice. Stir until combined, do not overmix. Drop dough by tablespoonful onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle remaining sugar on each shortcake. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked thoroughly. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Strawberry Sauce

In a small saucepot, combine strawberries, remaining orange zest and juice, ground pepper and cornstarch. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Whipped Cream

Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat cream, vanilla and confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.

Assemble by cutting shortcake in half and topping with strawberry sauce and whipped cream.