MARTHASTEWART.COM

Peach Shortcakes

Blanch the peaches in boiling water to remove the skins, if you like.
Martha Stewart Living, June/July 1993
  • Yield Serves 4
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Ingredients

  • 4 ripe peaches
  • 1 tablespoon kirsch, or peach schnapps (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling tops
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons dark-brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for sheet
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk, plus more for brushing tops
  • 1 cup heavy cream, for whipping
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Slice peaches; sprinkle with kirsch or schnapps, if desired, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Set aside.

  2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the rest of the dry ingredients. Add butter; process with on-off pulses until mixture resembles coarse meal. While pulsing, slowly add enough cream or milk until dough just comes together.

  3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured board, and knead once or twice. Pat into a 3/4-inch-thick square. Trim edges, and cut into four squares. Brush with additional cream or milk; sprinkle with sugar.

  4. Place on a lightly buttered baking sheet; bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer cakes to a wire rack, and allow to cool slightly.

  5. Meanwhile, whip the cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form; set aside. Split cakes horizontally. Place bottom halves on dessert plates, and top with peaches and vanilla whipped cream. Cover with top halves of shortcakes, and serve.

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