Recipe for Love: Sweetheart Strawberry Shortcake

Hey there, lovebirds! 💕

Welcome back to the HeartFolio blog, where we're serving up a delicious dose of romance with a side of sweetness! Today, we're whipping up a love-filled recipe that's sure to make your heart skip a beet and your taste buds swoon: Sweetheart Strawberry Shortcake!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

- 1 cup heavy cream

- Whipped cream, for topping

- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the strawberries are coated in the sugar mixture, then set aside to macerate while you prepare the shortcakes.

3. Make the Shortcakes: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Shape the Shortcakes: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual shortcakes. Place the shortcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake: Bake the shortcakes in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Assemble: Once the shortcakes are baked and cooled slightly, slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of each shortcake on a serving plate and top with a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries. Add a dollop of whipped cream, then place the top half of the shortcake on top.

8. Garnish: Finish off your sweetheart strawberry shortcakes with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your sweetheart strawberry shortcakes to your special someone with a side of love and affection. Whether you're celebrating a romantic dinner for two or a cozy night in, this sweet treat is sure to melt hearts and create cherished memories.

Share the Love: Don't forget to snap a photo of your sweetheart strawberry shortcakes and share it with us on social media using the hashtag #HeartFolioRecipes. We can't wait to see your love-filled creations!

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And there you have it, a deliciously romantic recipe that's perfect for sharing with your sweetheart. Happy baking, lovebirds! 🍓💕

With love and puns,

Founders of HeartFolio

Kerri & Jared