Ingredients

Drunken Strawberries

1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup vodka
1/2 cup sugar

Shortcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
and cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold

Chocolate Mint Whipped Cream

1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup chocolate mint leaves, chopped
(regular mint can be substituted)
1 cup heavy cream

Procedure

Prepare the strawberries

In a medium bowl, stir together the strawberries, vodka and sugar. Cover and chill in refrigerator for 1-2 hours, depending on how strong you want the vodka flavor.

Drain (save the flavored vodka for mixed drinks).

Prepare the shortcakes

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.

Add the butter and use either a pastry blender or your fingers to incorporate the butter and dry ingredients. The pieces can range from pea sized to coarse cornmeal.

Pour the cream into the bowl and use a fork to incorporate into the dough. The less the dough is worked, the softer the final product.

Knead the dough briefly if necessary and a few additional tablespoons of cream may be added if it needs help coming together.

Divide the dough into 5 balls and lay them out on baking sheet several inches apart. Flatten slightly with your hand.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.

Prepare the chocolate mint whipped cream

In small saucepan, bring the sugar, water, and chocolate mint leaves to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the sugar is just dissolved and remove from the heat. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a small measuring cup.

Make sure to press the syrup from the mint leaves to get the most flavor.

In large bowl, whisk the heavy cream until it reaches a soft peak. Whisk in the chocolate mint syrup.

Plate the dessert

Slice the shortbread in half. Add a generous serving of the drunken strawberries followed by a dollop of chocolate mint cream. Serve at room temperature.

Formulation courtesy of California Strawberry Commission