Valentine’s Day helps us to focus on love. Love between couples, parents, grandparents, children, neighbors, and pets are all inclusive in this wonderful holiday. Strawberry Shortcakes send a loving and seasonally sweet message. There are many Strawberry Shortcake recipes; you just need to choose one that is more like a scone or has a sweet biscuit texture. The shape of your shortcake depends on your preferred decorating style. Are you making individual Strawberry Shortcakes or just for two to share? Will it be a family-style dessert? Next make a decision about your strawberry selection and presentation. I always utilize organic strawberries because those are naturally sweet and fortified. The strawberry sauce can be made by running the strawberries through the blender and then through a strainer or left with small chunks of the natural fruit. Add a touch of sugar or sweetener and heat to infuse the flavors. No shortcake is complete without whipped cream or Chantilly cream. Have enough whole strawberries in reserve to decorate your final design and/or plate with at least one chocolate covered strawberry. Personally, I like to create a whole dessert design concept which includes a beverage on the dessert plate, too. So, in a grand composition, plate the dessert presentation with an outstanding Strawberry Shortcake, topped with fresh strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Then, decorate the top of the Strawberry Shortcake with sliced strawberries in floral design. (If you wish to make a quick and sweet strawberry sauce, simply melt down the contents of one jar of strawberry jelly in a sauce pan. Then, strain it. This sauce can be dropped in small spots on the plate and then run the back side of a knife strait through the spot(s) to create a heart. Continue the design concept, on the same plate, by presenting a small Strawberry Daiquiri! The reviews from your Valentine(s) will rave with awesomeness. And your response is simply…it was made with love. © Kelly McBride Loft