I recently was at the gym attempting to keep my apple bottom together to fit into a catsuit for my solo show SEX! and of course I was watching The Food Network during my workout. What else would I be watching?
Ina Garten aka The Barefoot Contessa happened to be on making a strawberry shortcake, there was however a twist... it was deconstructed. When she went and served it to her husband after she was finished, I knew it was a dish that a courtesan would cook.
Strawberries have been an aphrodisiac since Roman times. The little heart shaped fruit was a symbol of Venus due to their many seeds that represent fertility.
The French use to serve newlyweds cold strawberry soup to help promote the aphrodisiac of honeymoon romance.
What a sexy and yummy desert to make for your boo or for any guests that you may want to seduce. Enjoy this fabulous food porn!
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, DECONSTRUCTED
( by Ina Garten)
Serves 6
FOR THE SHORTCAKE
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup cold heavy cream
1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk, for egg wash
FOR THE STRAWBERRIES
2 pints fresh strawberries
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur
Sweetened whipped cream
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Sift the flour, two tablespoons sugar, the baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Blend in the butter on low speed and mix until the butter is the size of peas. Combine the eggs and heavy cream and, with the mixer still on low, add to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended.
3. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface. Flour a rolling pin and roll the dough ½-inch thick. You should see lumps of butter in the dough. Cut 16 biscuits with a two-inch plain round cutter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the tops with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and the insides are fully baked. Cool.
5. To serve, toss the strawberries with the granulated sugar and Grand Marnier. Place the berries in martini glasses, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and serve with two small shortcakes on the side.
