Red, White and Blue Shortcake Stars

Submitted by Crafty Lady 13

"A variation of the usual strawberry shortcakes. These would be perfect for a 4th of July cookout and make a very pretty presentation. The star shaped shortcake is made with Bisquick and contains chopped dried cherries. I found this recipe in the Betty Crocker Summer Get-Togethers cookbook. Time does not include the 1 hour stand time for the strawberries. Time-saver tip: Use frozen whipped topping, thawed, instead of the whipping cream and sugar."

 

• Ready In: 27mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 quarts strawberries, sliced (6 cups)
• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 2⁄3 cups Bisquick
• 1 cup milk
• 1⁄2 cup chopped dried cherries
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons margarine or 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups blueberries
• 3⁄4 cup whipping cream (heavy)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

directions

1. Mix strawberries and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Let stand 1 hour.
2. Heat oven to 425°. Mix Bisquick, milk, cherries, 6 tablespoons sugar and the margarine until soft dough forms. Turn dough on surface lightly dusted with Bisquick; gently roll in Bisquick to coat. Shape dough into ball; knead 8 to 10 times.
3. Roll dough 1/2-inch thick. Cut with floured 3-inch star-shaped cutter. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Stir blueberries into strawberries. Beat whipping cream and 2 tablespoons sugar in chilled medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Split shortcakes in half while hot. Fill bottom of star with berries and whipped cream; top with top half of the star. For a special touch, garnish with toothpicks that have miniature American flags.
5. Do-Ahead Tip: Before baking the shortcakes, cover and refigerate the cut dough on the cookie sheet for up to 4 hours, or wrap and freeze for up to 48 hours. Bake as directed.