Fresh Berry Compote over Shortcake Biscuits with Orange Whipped Cream

  

This may not appear simple, but it is rather easy. Most elements of it can be done ahead of time and put together when you are ready to serve it.

There are three basic components: biscuits; whipped cream; and the compote.  The biscuits and whipped cream can be done early, but I suggest making the compote right before serving.  The other aspect of this dessert is the Balsamic vinegar.  You may finish the plated dessert with a drizzle of F. Oliver's Ginger Spiked Blackberry balsamic as is or a reduction of it. The reduction is much thicker and acts as a syrup of concentrated flavors.

  

Total time: 30 minutes

Biscuits

• 2 1/2 cups of flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp butter (cold)
• 2 tbsp shortening
• 3/4 cup half and half

 For the biscuits, mix the all the dry ingredients together, then cut in the butter and the shortening with a pastry cutter or a fork.

Add the half and half to the flour mixture without over kneading the dough. Stop as soon as the dough comes together.  Place dough in fridge for 10 minutes.

Cut dough into 2 1/2 oz round circles, about one inch thick.  This should make about 6 biscuits.

Place biscuits on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 minutes or until the edges just turn a little brown.  Set aside to cool.



Orange whipped cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners sugar (I have used regular sugar and it worked just fine )
• 1 tsp vanilla
• zest of one orange

You can do this by hand or with either a stand or hand mixer.

By hand:
Place a large metal bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes.

With a large whisk, start whipping the cream in the cold bowl.

When the cream starts to thicken a bit, add the sugar, vanilla, and orange zest.  Finish whipping until you have soft peaks.

With a mixer:
 Combine all ingredients in the bowl and whisk until light and fluffy.

Berry Compote

• 2 cups hulled strawberry
• 1 cup blackberry
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp water
• 3/4 cup F. Oliver's Ginger Spiked Blackberry balsamic vinegar

Balsamic Reduction (optional)

• 1 1/2 cup F. Oliver's Ginger Spiked Blackberry balsamic vinegar

A balsamic reduction is just the vinegar simmered to half the original amount to intensify the flavor and create a thicker syrup.

Place all the other ingredients in a small pot.  Simmer on low to medium heat for 15 minutes or until the berries soften.

The F. Oliver's vinegar should create a wonderful smell in the kitchen and entice guests.

We found that we liked to cut the biscuits lengthwise into four or five pieces and fan on a small plate.

Next pour about 2 tbsp of the compote with fruit pieces over the biscuits and top with whipped cream.

To finish, drizzle a touch to the F. Oliver's vinegar (fresh or reduction) and sprinkle
with more orange zest.

  

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Photographs by Alene Pierro