Strawberry and Rhubarb Shortcakes

• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
• 2 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (start with 2 tablespoons, add more if the berries aren't very sweet)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons finely ground black pepper, optional
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 1/2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch dice (2 to 3 stalks)
• 1/2 cup cold milk, plus 2 tablespoons for brushing
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar
• Whipped cream, for topping

1. For the macerated strawberries: Combine the strawberries and sugar in a medium bowl.
2. Toss to combine.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.
4. For the shortcakes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper if using.
6. Using a bowl scraper or your fingers, work in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal (using your fingers will create a more cake-like texture).
7. Add the rhubarb and toss to coat; make a well in the center.
8. Combine the 1/2 cup milk, the cream and the vanilla, and pour this into the well.
9. Mix just until combined.
10. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead 5 or 6 times, then roll into a 3/4-inch-thick disc.
11. Cut out rounds using a 3-inch biscuit cutter; make sure you don't twist the cutter, otherwise you'll squish the sides and the shortcakes won't rise.
12. Knead the scraps together, re-roll and cut out rounds until all the dough has been used.
13. Place the rounds, bottom-side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
14. Brush each with milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
15. Bake until the tops are golden brown, about 25 minutes.
16. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
17. With a serrated knife, cut the shortcakes in half horizontally and place on a serving plate.
18. Top the bottom halves with macerated strawberries and whipped cream, and cover with the top halves.
19. Serve immediately.

strawberries, sugar, allpurpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground black pepper, salt, cold unsalted butter, rhubarb, cold milk, heavy cream, vanilla, turbinado sugar, cream

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/damaris-phillips/strawberry-and-rhubarb-shortcakes.html (may not work)