Hot summer evenings call for cool treats. Sometimes we take a walk to the local ice cream shop. Other times we have some fresh fruit treats. Strawberry shortcake is a favorite way to use fresh fruit, but some people aren’t big strawberry fans. Can you believe that?

My neighbor has been talking about a raspberry patch he has in the back forty of his property. My husband spoke up and mentioned how much he likes raspberries. And don’™t you know, we came up with a great idea for dessert!

Raspberry shortcake is a fantastic way to use those raspberries that grow in your (or your neighbor’s) garden. I have found some great juicy looking berries at the farmer’s market this summer too.

[bctt tweet=”Raspberry shortcake, it’s for dessert! ” username=”ApronFreeCook”]

I know there is a big debate about the correct type of biscuit to use when making shortcake. Some people use angel food cake, others use buttermilk biscuits. I was raised on a shortcake biscuit that is mildly sweet and quick rising.

I did a little digging through my grandmother’s recipe box and found her recipe for shortcake. That is the recipe I used for this dessert.

Raspberry Shortcake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 c. Flour
• 2 TB. Sugar
• 4 tsp. Baking Powder
• ½ tsp. Salt
• 3 TB Shortening
• 1 Egg
• ½ c. Milk
• 2 c. Red Raspberries
• 2 c. Black Raspberries
• 2 c. Whipped Cream Topping

Recipe Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Sift the dry ingredients together.
3. Cut in shortening and mix thoroughly.
4. Add beaten egg and milk. Stir until just mixed.
5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 11 minutes or until golden.
6. Place biscuit in a bowl and top with berries and whipped topping.

Approximate Nutrition Information:

Servings Per Recipe: 6, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 192, Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 380g, Total Carbs: 37g, Protein: 4g.

Make it a Meal:

Serve with a drizzle of milk or over ice cream. On a hot summer evening, this cool treat can count as a full meal, especially if you eat several servings.

Variations:

Substitute any other fresh berries or fruit for a summer treat. If you don’t want to make biscuits from scratch, check at your local bakery for some biscuits or use an angel food cake.

Summer berries are especially sweet, and those you pick yourself are doubly so. If you are going to pick berries, be sure to wear long sleeves and watch out for the brambles. If you are not up for that much adventure, then check the grocery or your farmer’s market, you will be glad you did.

We enjoyed grandma’s shortcakes and the fresh raspberries while sitting on the deck the other evening. What a great way to end a hot summer day!

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