To the editor:
It’s time for Chamber Strawberry Shortcakes. This winter has been one for the history books with the volume of snow, high winds and sub-degree temps. As the snow begins to melt and the ground gives way to thaw, we can look forward to the smells of spring and the excitement of early daffodils.
I have been dreaming of spring and strawberry shortcake. You know, the ones with the nice ripe, juicy, delicious strawberries. That deep rich, red color has set in and you can taste it by admiration and imagination alone.
Growing up, a happy place was visiting my grandmother, with her flour dusted floral apron with the little frills at the straps. She kneaded the biscuit dough while the smell of yeast filled the air. Her salt and pepper hair started to fall in her face. She blew the hair away from her eyes and began to roll the dough out. She used a drinking glass to cut the biscuits out. She’d gently place them on the baking sheet. Presentation was everything. They must have a light fluffy airiness, and yet be dense enough to satisfy the biscuit beast: me. I can still smell them.
What is a strawberry shortcake without the whipped cream? My Mum had one of those green heavy KitchenAid mixers. She’d pour the entire carton of cream into her steel bowl, lock the top and turn it on. As the cream began to whip, she’d collect her sugar canister and the real vanilla. The result: sweet, smooth, silky and wonderfully complementary to my strawberries and biscuits.
Assembly was the part of the process in which I was always allowed to participate. I’d try to contain my excitement. I could belly up to the best strawberry shortcake, ever. Picture it. The first half of the biscuit was set gently down in the bowl. Then those luscious berries. And the strawberry juice. Let’s ladle a little of that for the biscuit to sop up. A dollop of whipped cream. Repeat. Then, to conclude this work of art, a few strawberries on top to make it pretty. Sit back. Admire. Then dig in and destroy. The sweetness was addicting and worth its weight in gold. The balance of flavors is spot on. So much happiness.
The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce wants to appeal to your love of strawberry shortcake. On June 13, we will host an entire day of strawberry shortcakes. Spring has finally arrived in true fashion, so, we must celebrate with the springiest of treats. Order today and relive a memory.
For more information or to order your shortcakes, contact us by calling 207-764-6561, emailing info@centralaroostookchamber.com or visiting online at www.centralaroostookchamber.com or on Facebook.
LaNiece Sirois
Executive director
Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce
