Honey Lavender Strawberry Shortcake

Honey Lavender Strawberry Shortcake

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

For Honey Lemon Buttermilk Scones:

2 1/4 cups - all-purpose flour

3 T - honey

3/4 tsp. - baking soda

1 tsp. - baking powder

1/2 tsp. - salt

2 T - finely minced lemon zest

1/2 cup (4 oz. wt.) - butter, cut in small pieces, cold

3/4 cup - buttermilk

1 large - egg

honey for brushing

For Honey Lavender Strawberries:

1/2 cup - honey

1/2 tsp. - dried lavender, crushed

4 cups - fresh strawberries, sliced

For Honey Country Whipped Cream:

1 cup - whipping cream

2 - 3 T - honey, depending upon sweetness desired

1/4 cup - sour cream

1/2 tsp. - vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

For Scones:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Sift together the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or rub together with your hands until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the lemon zest.

In a separate bowl, mix together the egg and buttermilk. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the liquid into it. Combine with a few swift strokes. Dough should form a ball and all flour should be incorporated. Do not overmix.

On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a 3/4-inch-thick round (about 7-inches across). Carefully place on an ungreased baking sheet and cut into 6 wedges, leaving the sides still touching.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until cooked through and scones are golden. Brush with honey after removing from oven. Cool before serving.

For Honey Country Whipped Cream:

Combine cream and honey and whip until soft peaks form. Add sour cream and vanilla and gently whisk in. Do not over whip. Store refrigerated until ready to use.

To Serve Shortcake:

Mix the honey with the lavender and then gently toss with the strawberries. Allow the berries to macerate for 10–30 minutes to become juicier.

Split scones, top with berries, and finish with whipped cream.

TIP

Mix the honey and lavender together a few days ahead of time – the longer it infuses, the more delicious the flavor.

For Honey Country Whipped Cream: Tart sour cream adds a tasty tang alongside the sweet honey flavor. Try adding a dash of bourbon to spike things up.

This is a great basic scone recipe that is also excellent served as a breakfast item. Switch it up by using orange zest and adding dried currants, cherries, cranberries, or blueberries.