Honey Strawberry Shortcakes with Honey-Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

I've never seen strawberries from Wal Mart that are as ripe as the ones we've bought this year.  It's crazy!  That never happens. 

Kellen's grandma always talks about how she likes the ones that are handpicked because they aren't "white in the centers like the strawberries from the store."  I completely agree, but this year the centers are pink.  

So, what do you do when life hands you pink-centered strawberries?

Make strawberry shortcakes! These are so light and sweet.  Perfect for a summer treat.

Honey Strawberry Shortcakes with Honey-Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
From:  Green Market Baking Book

Fruit Topping:  

3 cups local organic strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup honey

Shortcakes:

3/4 cups AP flour

2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 Tbsp cold butter
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp buttermilk
3 Tbsp honey


Whipped Cream:

1/2 cup whipped cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup honey

Topping:
1. Pour the honey over the sliced berries and mix gently to combine. Let stand until ready to serve – up to 1 hour.

Shortcakes:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Cut the butter in small pieces and mix quickly with a fork or your fingers until the butter is evenly distributed. 
3.Whisk the buttermilk and the honey together in a measuring cup. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently to combine.
4. Dust a clean surface with flour and empty the dough from the bowl onto the counter. With floured hands, pat dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Using your favorite biscuit cutter, cut into rounds or fancy shapes.
5. Place on baking sheet and bake for about 9-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside and cool until ready to assemble into cakes and serve.

Whipped Cream:
1. Beat together the whipped cream and cream cheese until combined.
2. Add the honey to the cream and whisk it in.  
3. Cut each piece of shortcake in half horizontally. 
4. Place the bottom half on a plate or shallow bowl.5. Top with a spoonful of berries and a dollop of cream.6. Add the top half of the shortcake and spoon more strawberries over it.
7. Finish with another spoonful of honey-sweetened whipped cream.8. Repeat with the other pieces of shortcake and serve.