1 qt. strawberries, sliced
2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
2 tbsp. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c. milk
1/3 c. butter, melted
Sweetened whipped cream (optional)

Sprinkle berries with sugar; let stand 1 hour.

Heat oven 450 degrees.

Mix flour, 2 tbsp. sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in milk and butter until blended.

Sprinkle a surface lightly with flour. Turn dough onto surface. Gently smooth into a ball; knead 20-25 times. Roll or pat dough 3/4 inch thick; cut into shortcakes with floured 3 inch cutter or inverted glass. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, 10-12 minutes.

Split warm cakes, fill and top with berries. Serve with sweetened whipped cream.

SWEETENED WHIPPED CREAM:

Beat 1 cup chilled whipping cream and 2 tbsp. of powdered sugar in a chilled bowl until stiff. 6 servings.