Strawberry Shortcake

California farmers use efficient irrigation practices that help stretch water supplies, especially during a drought. World-class conservation means you can be proud of local farm products when you “Keep the State on Your Plate!”

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh strawberries

• ⅓ cup white sugar

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup white sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup butter cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• ¾ cup half-and-half

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

• 1 ½ cups whipped heavy cream

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan with butter and lightly dust with flour.
2. Slice the strawberries and toss them with 1/3 cup of white sugar. Set aside.
3. Combine flour, 1/4 cup of white sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of mixture; add beaten egg, half-and-half, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
4. Stir mixture until just combined and no dry spots remain, being careful not to overmix.
5. Spoon batter evenly into prepared cake pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean and top is golden brown, about 18 minutes. Let cool partially in cake pan, about 10 minutes. Flip cake onto a clean work surface.
7. Meanwhile, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
8. Cut partially cooled cake in half horizontally, making 2 layers; set top layer aside.
9. Drain reserved strawberries in a colander placed over a small bowl, reserving any juice. Brush strawberry juice evenly over top of bottom cake layer. Evenly arrange ½ of the drained strawberries over bottom layer of cake. Spread ½ of whipped cream evenly over strawberries; place top cake layer over whipped cream. Top with remaining strawberries and whipped cream.