Weekend afternoons is usually the time, when I find some time to do experimenting both with food as well as taking pictures. The little one is asleep and so gives me the “me-time” to do things without interruption. Of course, I take a short nap too, my small luxury and that helps me re-charge and try out things at a leisurely pace.
Late afternoon and early evening is also a time, when I start craving for something sweet along with a warm cup of tea. I enjoy having muffins, cookies, tea cakes rather than salty stuff along with tea.
So last week I was inspired by this idea of Cherry Short cake at Varsha’s blog here. I decided to give it a try with some work around and shortcut. Luckily I had some fresh Cherries and Strawberries that day and so decided to use them to make the Preserves.
I was also feeling lazy to bake a cake and instead decided to use the store bought Sponge Cake Dessert Shells for this. Add the freshly prepared preserve into the Dessert Shell groove/well and voila there you have it, my version of Strawberry Cherry Short Cake, easy, light tasting, delicious and almost fat free.
This is not a traditional Short Cake per se, as the primary qualification is to have the cake topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. OK, I admit I do not like whipped cream and so I do not keep stock of it. But by all means add some whipped cream to this and indulge J
I opted to make Preserves as it has small chunks of fruit in it and has some liquid consistency to it as compared to a jam or jelly and in my opinion pairs well with the light tasting, not too sweet Dessert shells. This is a great idea to serve at parties and the kids will love this too.
Oh, by the way for all you curious minds out there, know the difference between jam, jelly and preserve?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines these terms, and the definitions can be lengthy. However, as a general rule: Jelly is made from fruit juice; Jam is made from pureed fruit; Preserves are made from whole fruit. (Source)
Note: If you are not able to find the Dessert Shells, do not worry and enjoy this Preserve over warm toast or even a bagel.
This is my contribution to the event ’The Strawberry Feast’ at ‘My Kitchen Treasures’ hosted by Happy Cook
Ingredients: (for the Preserves)
· 2 cups of strawberries+ 2 cups of cherries, washed hulled, pitted
· 2 Tbsp lemon juice / vinegar
· 1 1/2 cups sugar
Method:
· Place hulled strawberries, cherries directly in heavy bottom pan over medium heat. No need to chop the fruits.
· The fruits begin to break and ooze out their juices. Stir frequently and this mixture begins to thicken. Reduce heat to low.
· Add the sugar, lemon juice/vinegar and stir until dissolved.
· Increase heat to medium stirring frequently until mixture thickens, for about 20 minutes.
· Allow the preserves to cool. Preserves can be prepared 1 week in advance. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Assembly:
· Scoop a spoonful of preserve into the Dessert Shells. Top it off with a cherry
Wow these look so cute!
These look so gorgeous! Yummy!
Lovely RC, I make different preserves at home.The idea of the Dessert Shells is interesting. My daughter will not have the preserves with bread, this will sure tempt her. Let me try.
I bought these dessert shells on the fly of temptation & they are sitting all except one ( which dd filled with ice cream & berries & had).. didn’t know what to do with it:-) One of your prettiest pictures Supriya! I did make some jam/preserve whatever with strawberries.
How perfect AND cute are these? Lovely pictures, RC!
they just look awesome!! soo very summery. I seriously have to get around making some preserves this summer!
So adorable! That too with homemade preserves. You rock!
So when are we snacking together next? I too could do with some treats like this for tea:). They look absolutely cute and tasty!
wow looking so delish and wish to have it now
wow they looks super cute…Love to taste it..
RC…..its looking soooooooo cuteeee…..little one’s with big temptation….very nice presentation.
What awesome pics!, I am seriously drooling here!!
Wat a gorgeous short cake RC…awesome clicks!
this looks heavenly…..nice click
Oh wow…….that’s an awesome and drool worthy recipe….
I always use the shortcakes the similar way with cut up strawberries and sugar on top.You have taken it one step furrther and produced a fabulous dessert.
Wow these look so cute …..fabulous one!
Parita thanks girl. Glad you liked it.
Lovliebutterfly thanks. They tasted light and yummy indeed.
Clinatro thanks.The dessert shell is mild and sweet in taste, kids love to eat it as it. My son loved to eat the shell and liked the addition of preserve in it. Crossing fingers for your DD.
Soma thanks girl. The pictures came out better than expected. The dessert shells are very tempting. At first I thought they were the Angel food cakes type, but they are not. The angel food cakes are loaded with vanilla. These taste good. I do that too, serve ice-cream in it and also whipped cream and some topping on it.
Thanks Vaishali. Those shells not only look pretty, but taste good too.
They look soo cute & pretty .. I would love to have that with my tea
That’s a very nice quick fix dessert/snack.
woww Supriya..urs look so good n lot better than mine..so gorgeous those lil bowls with preserves are..:)..Thanks for trying out n linking me..:)
I am slowly getting the hang of making preserves and compote. Those are some gorgeous snaps alright.
Wow… these look wonderfully tempting. Would like to have one
A very pretty dessert
The shells are very pretty and the preserves add to its beauty.Love it S,love the way you came up with this .Enjoy.
These looks so beuatiful, Supriya.
I’m not a fan of the traditional shortcake, as I don’t like whipped cream either, but these have my vote.
These look amazing! I would definitely eat them and even take the time to bake them!
Your pictures are so lovely! And those sugary cherries, mmm. We make tons of fruit/berry preserves for winter, thanks for a great idea on how to serve them! ^_^