Chocolate Chip Strawberry Shortcake

Chocolate and strawberries just naturally go together for me.  I mean, I'll take them dipped in chocolate, in chocolate strawberry jam (recipe is to die for!) smothered in whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate.... great, now my keyboard has drool on it.

This month's Have the Cake challenge was strawberry shortcake. I know I have made shortcake before but it was way long ago - so long ago that I can't remember when, but my mom reminds me that I did indeed make it for her many years ago. 

Obviously, my fetish for chocolate and strawberries made me seek high and low for a recipe that would allow my beloved mix.  Thank you Taste of Home for coming to my rescue! These chocolate chip shortcakes were fast to put together and put in just enough punch of chocolate to not overpower the sweetness of the strawberries.  Served with homemade whipped cream and it was a plate of deliciousness!

Chocolate Chip Strawberry Shortcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar, divided

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, melted, divided

1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Whipped cream, optional

Directions

In a small bowl, combine strawberries and sugar; cover and refrigerate until serving.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, combine cream and 1/2 cup butter; stir into dry ingredients until a thick batter forms. Gently stir in chocolate chips.

Drop by 1/3 cupfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Brush with remaining butter; sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Cut biscuits in half horizontally. Spoon fruit onto bottom halves. Top with whipped cream if desired; replace biscuit tops. Serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Put medium size mixing bowl in freezer along with beaters to chill for at least 1/2 hour before mixing.

Remove bowl from freezer and add ingredients.  Whip on medium speed until soft peaks form.