Healthier Strawberry Shortcake

I know, I know.  It's January.  Many people are trying not to eat sweets and I think that is awesome.  I for sure am not eating all the cookies like I was in December, but I am also all about balance.  I'm back to making healthier choices when it comes to making or baking something sweet.  

Tonight my daughter and I made this healthier strawberry shortcake recipe and it was a winner!! Homemade shortcake and whipped cream and bonus-no sugar!! It just uses some pure maple syrup.  And remember-not only does homemade taste better and is better for you, it also doesn't have to be difficult!  

Hope you enjoy! ;) 

Healthier Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

Shortcakes: 

2 cups white whole wheat flour (or whole wheat pastry flour or regular)

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

Topping:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and thinly sliced

Directions: 

1.  Preheat oven to 450.

2.  In lg bowl, use fork to whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Pour in maple syrup and cream and  stir to combine just until dry ingredients are moistened.

3.  Pick up dough with your hands and set it on a floured surface.  Fold dough over itself, flattening down each time, about two dozen times.  Pat into a big square about 1 in thick, using extra flour if necessary to keep from sticking to your hands.

4.  Use 2 in cookie cutter to cut dough into 8-10 rounds.  Place on lg baking sheet 1 to 2 inches apart and bake until golden brown 12-14 min.

5.  Meanwhile, make topping:  Pour cream and maple syrup into jar with tig fitting lid.  Shake until no longer hear liquid hit the sides and it looks like whipped cream.  Or you can use an electric mixer to whip the cream.

6.  To serve, split a shortcake in half horizontally.  Set the bottom half on a small plate and top with a dollop of the whipped cream, some sliced strawberries, the top half of the shortcake, more whipped cream, and a handful of strawberries.  Serve immediately.

*from 100 Days of Real Food Cookbook