Spark It Up, Shortcake!

posted June 30, 2005
by Sara Rae Gore, New York Dish

Hot dogs, hamburgers, sparklers. Oh my. America's annual birthday party is just around the corner. The year is filled with holidays specific to certain religions, but this holiday is for us all! America is a very diverse nation, growing more so with each passing year.

This celebration is about people. More specifically, it's a gathering of people in celebration of their independence. It's a bit of an oxymoron really, but I like it! On this day, we should overcome our differences and celebrate together our democracy in this nation and our right as individuals in this society. I feel that with all that we are faced with, in cultural boundaries, in societal pressures, in international wars, we should appreciate this day as our day, as American citizens, born or acquired.

Okay, enough of this patriotic hooha. Let's get down to brass tacks (I've always wanted to say that! Hmm, I wonder where that expression originated?). Anyway, back on the brass tacks track. My homework question is this: What is Independence Day, in practice, really about? Ding, ding, ding. That's right! It's about food! It's about fireworks! It's about the ever popular and acceptable form of kid-tested, mother-approved flame on a stick--sparklers!

Who doesn't like sparklers? They're fun at any age. Be careful, though, not to light someone's hair on fire. Unless you're annoyed with them for stealing the last strawberry shortcake. You know who you are! Don't think you didn't have it coming.

What I also love are the REAL fireworks! And if you've ever watched the Macy's Fireworks display on NBC, you know that in New York, it's no joke. A large percentage of the New York population becomes scarce during the summer months, heading to their "country" homes, in Westchester, Connecticut, the Hamptons, or what have you. But you can count on twice the usual number to leave for the Fourth of July weekend.

For those who stick it out in the sweltering heat, you can have a picnic with friends in Central Park, play Frisbee, and then grab a Tasti D-Lite to cool yourself off (which is my favorite "healthy" frozen dessert by the way). You also will be rewarded with seeing in the flesh the vaunted Macy's fireworks spectacular.

Granted, it airs on NBC, but to see it in person is a superlative experience. So, the remaining diehard New Yorkers who swarm up and down the east side of Manhattan along the river are treated to an amazing fire in the sky. Personally, I like to hit up the friend with the best roofdeck and beg them to host a party. The view from forty flights up is incredible. Often, in exchange for hosting the party, I'll cater! It's a fair exchange I think. Any takers out there? Well I'm booked this year, but maybe the next.

I love the thought of the entire country being outside somewhere, on a beach, in a field, on a boat, on a roof, having traveled any distance to celebrate their independence with the relatives and friends that they maybe only get to see once a year. So, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, do it with a sparkler in one hand and a cool tasty beverage in the other.

Check that. Try ... the cool tasty beverage in one hand, a strawberry shortcake in the other, with a sparkler on top! Yeah, that's the ticket to a fulfilling July Fourth. To help you on your way, try this strawberry shortcake recipe courtesy of CDKitchen.com for your celebration. Happy Fourth of July!

All-American Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
http://www.cdkitchen.com/

Serves/Makes: 8
Ready in: 1-2 hrs

* 3 pints Fresh strawberries
* 2 teaspoons Orange juice
* 4 tablespoons Sugar
* 1 orange, grated rind
* 1/4 cup Butter
* 1/2 cup Sour cream
* 4 tablespoons Sugar; optional
* 1/4 teaspoon Sugar or honey
* 2 cups Flour
* 4 tablespoons Baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1/4 cup Solid shortening
* 2 cups Whipping cream

WHIPPED CREAM: whip cold cream (with sugar) until soft peaks form. Combine sliced berries; sugar or honey; and orange juice. Let stand at room temp. for 1 hr.

Sift all dry ingredients together into a med bowl. Add orange rind. Add butter and shortening; and work them into flour-mixture thoroughly.

Lightly mix in sour cream with a fork to form a soft dough. Roll dough out onto lightly floured board; 3/4 in thick. Cut into 4 circles; about 4 in wide (use a 2-lb coffee can as a cutter.) Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400 about 20 mins. or until golden. While still warm; use fork and split cakes in half. Place each on dessert plate. Top with drained berries and second half of cake. Top with additional berries. ladle some juice on top. Garnish with whipped cream and a strawberry.

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