Old-Fashioned Shortcake

Ingredients and Weight:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 tsp baking powder
3. 1/2 tsp salt
4. 1/4 cup sugar
5. 1/2 cup butter (unsalted), cut into small cubes
6. 1 cup milk
7. 1 egg, beaten

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
2. Add cubes of butter and, using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk and beaten egg. Stir gently with a fork until just combined.
4. Using your hands, bring the dough together to form a soft dough ball.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cutter or glass.
6. Place the shortcake circles on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or cold with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming the serving size is equally divided among 8 people)

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Classic American flavor with a light and fluffy texture.
• Perfect for summer with fresh fruit or as a dessert with whipped cream.
• Simple ingredients that are easily available in supermarkets.

User Comments:

1. "This shortcake is so delicious! The texture is perfect, not too dense and not too crumbly."
2. "I love the classic flavor of this shortcake. It reminds me of my grandma's baking."
3. "This is a great summer dessert! The shortcake is light and fluffy, and the fresh fruit on top is the perfect complement."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure that the butter is cold and cut into small cubes for easier mixing into the flour mixture.
• Do not overmix the dough; this will result in a tough shortcake.
• Bake until golden brown and let cool completely before serving to ensure the best texture.