So I actually meant to post this last week, but the end of the semester has got me thinking about things that are not so related to strawberries.
However, I am excited that I finally have found the history of Strawberry Shortcake--no, not the doll (even though she was awesome)--the dessert! Although no one can really date the actual date of placing strawberries on top of shortcake, there is a long history that starts with the creation of the shortcake. Shortcake is a traditional European recipe. It was common around the time of Shakespeare, and found its way into a 1594 recipe book. Even though the cake part originated in Europe, placing strawberries on top of it is completely American. Around 1850 people topped their shortcake with strawberries, their juice, and whipped cream to signify the arrival of summer. It's earliest recipe was found in an 1847 cookbook. [http://www.kitchenproject.com/history/Strawberries/StrawberryShortcake/index.htm]
I think it is rather appropriate that "the melting pot" has brought together these different traditions to make something so tasty. Learning that it started off as a treat served at parties celebrating the arrival of spring/summer allowed me to understand the dinning hall's overabundance of it recently.
I guess everyone is getting antsy for summer, and with 3 weeks til finals it is quite all right. This also means way more strawberry eating for me!
P.S. There was a huge strawberry display at my local grocery store this weekend, and they were 2/$5. Great deals!
However, I am excited that I finally have found the history of Strawberry Shortcake--no, not the doll (even though she was awesome)--the dessert! Although no one can really date the actual date of placing strawberries on top of shortcake, there is a long history that starts with the creation of the shortcake. Shortcake is a traditional European recipe. It was common around the time of Shakespeare, and found its way into a 1594 recipe book. Even though the cake part originated in Europe, placing strawberries on top of it is completely American. Around 1850 people topped their shortcake with strawberries, their juice, and whipped cream to signify the arrival of summer. It's earliest recipe was found in an 1847 cookbook. [http://www.kitchenproject.com/history/Strawberries/StrawberryShortcake/index.htm]
I think it is rather appropriate that "the melting pot" has brought together these different traditions to make something so tasty. Learning that it started off as a treat served at parties celebrating the arrival of spring/summer allowed me to understand the dinning hall's overabundance of it recently.
I guess everyone is getting antsy for summer, and with 3 weeks til finals it is quite all right. This also means way more strawberry eating for me!
P.S. There was a huge strawberry display at my local grocery store this weekend, and they were 2/$5. Great deals!
2 comments:
that looks absolutely delicious!
This is my favorite desert! I don't like when it is made with that thick sugary syrup aka strawberry sauce. Strawberry Shortcake NEEDS real strawberries!
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