Nothing says summer like a light, sweet shortcake. Here are our takes on this summertime classic!
Grilling isn't just for savory delights, it is perfect for all the wonderful stone fruits summer has to offer. After grilling up some amazing portabella burgers I decided to slice up some peaches and throw them onto the grill. Grilling fruit, like peaches, enhances the flavor tremendously; and is an unexpected addition to a typical shortcake recipe.
The base of my recipe was the buttermilk biscuit. I found a great recipe for a simple biscuit here (follow the ingredient list and omit the cinnamon butter, unless you want to make some for the leftover biscuits).
I simply filled the biscuit with homemade vanilla cream, grilled peaches, more cream, crushed pretzels (for the salty/sweet combo so many of us love), and finally the other half of the biscuit. If you want to omit the pretzels, then sprinkle some coarse sea salt on the cream before topping it off with the biscuit.
If it is too late in the summer to find the perfect peach, any stone fruit would be delicious. the biscuits aren't too labor intensive, however, require more preparation and baking time. I recommend making them ahead of time, allowing them to cool while you prepare the other elements of the dish. This shortcake is the perfect way to enjoy the warm summer nights!
I enjoyed my shortcake with a strong, soy iced latte with a dash of cinnamon.
Perfect music for a warm August night:
1). The Drifters: Under The Boardwalk
2). Willie Nelson: Worry B Gone
3). Bob Marley: Waiting in Vain
4). The Rolling Stones: Beast of Burden
5). Bob Dylan: To Be Alone With You
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| Sweet and Salty Strawberry, Cream Cheese Whipped Cream and Pretzel Shortcake |
One of my favorite desserts is something that Monica makes with strawberry sauce, cream cheese and pretzels. When we were mulling over the idea of a shortcake dessert, I wanted to try something different but really capture that sweet and salty combination that I love. So I topped the shortcake with strawberry sauce, whipped cream with added cream cheese and then I crumbled pretzels over it - it was delicious! A quick and easy summer night dessert that satisfied my sweet and salty craving.
Green tea iced tea
I had just watched the first episode of Treme (great show, by the way) and they played Louis Prima's Buona Sera in it's entirety. I hadn't heard that song in years and it sounded great! So this playlist is Treme/ Louis Prima inspired.
1). Louis Prima: Buona Sera
2). Dean Martin: Volare
3). Dr. John: Junko Partner
4). Louis Armstrong: Skokiaan (South African Song)
