Fruit Bouquets by 1-800-FLOWERS.com

Mixed Berry Margarita.

I was recently given the opportunity to sample the fruit bouquets from 1-800-FLOWERS. I received the mixed berry margarita, above, from the Charlotte location. To order in Charlotte, you can call the store directly at (704) 910-1199. Of course you can call 1-800-FLOWERS.com or go to their website to have fruit bouquets or flowers or other gifts such as cookies, popcorn and candy delivered anywhere they serve (most states). The berries presented as a beautiful bouquet - very impressive and tasty, although I would love to see a dark chocolate option - these use milk and white chocolate and various toppings including sprinkles, coconut and ground toffee. This is a unique gift in lieu of traditional flowers and can be delivered the same day they are ordered.

 

Homemade Individual Strawberry Shortcakes

Over the weekend I had the urge to make strawberry shortcake for my family while they were in town. I perused several recipes and cookbooks before choosing to bake homemade cream scones to go with the homemade whipped cream and sliced strawberries tossed in sugar that I believe make strawberry shortcake truly delicious. I toyed with making biscuits instead - and as anti-boxed-mix as I am, Bisquick actually makes very tasty biscuits for shortcake. Still, I'm glad I tried this scone recipe. The best thing about these scones is that they are very easy and quick to make because you substitute heavy cream for the butter and egg. While I believe a traditional scone made with butter may have a slight advantage taste-wise to the cream scone, these were pretty darn good. These would be great with a few chocolate chips or dried berries mixed in. Here is the recipe from "Joy of Cooking."

Cream Scones
Preheat oven to 425
Mix the following:
2 c. all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 T. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
Add in:
1 1/4 c. heavy whipping cream

Stir until moistened. Knead a few times in the bowl and gather the dough into a ball. Transfer to cookie sheet or stone or granite/stone countertop. Pat the dough into an 8 inch round about 3/4 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges. Transfer to cookie sheet or stone if not done already.

Sprinkle with granulated sugar and cinnamon (if desired) and pop into the oven. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Hot cream scones fresh from the oven.

The finished product.

Berries in Action

Strawberry Shortcake

With the wonderful strawberries we picked on Saturday I baked a basic yellow cake, sliced strawberries on top, whipped some cream with a pinch of sugar and plopped some of the perfect, stemmed berries on top. It was a hit with the office and the book club!

Yum!

Strawberry Power!

Our Bucket 'O Strawberries

Yesterday morning a couple of friends and I ventured out to Loganville, GA to pick fresh strawberries from Washington Farms. About 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, Washington Farms produces strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and pumpkins throughout the year. We had a fun time picking the sweet, juicy berries and it was nice to get out of town, even if only for a little while.

Kimberly and Calvin picking Berries

Fresh Strawberries, right off the vine!

Calvin Holds the Perfect Berry

A Close Up!

Kimberly Keeps Her Berries Cool!