A Good Read and a Recipe

by Shirley B. Ring

Rachel Starkey Tobias was born into the Starkey family shipping empire. During the year of 1930, a hard and ugly ruin slams many in this country. The events of the era later described as The Great Depression. None of this affects Rachel. She remains one of the wealthiest women in the world. She is also one of the deadliest.

In early March, Rachel returns to the family homestead on Palmetto Key. Due to an exceptionally mild north Florida winter, she plans to prepare her spring garden early. A fresh crop of culinary herbs and other botanicals wait for her in the greenhouse.

Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients

Original recipe makes 12 servings Change Servings

• 3 cups all-purpose flour    
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup butter

• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 3 tablespoons white sugar

• PREP
  25 mins
• COOK
  20 mins
• READY IN
  55 mins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
   
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and cream of tartar. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives. Stir in cream and egg. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 minutes. Press into a half-inch thick sheet. Cut into squares. Place on baking sheets.
   
3. Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, or until golden. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons sugar over sliced berries.
   
4. Let shortcakes cool before splitting and filling with sugared berries.