Fresh Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients

• 1 qt. strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs, seperated
• 2 cups sweetened whipped cream
• Optional: fresh mint sprigs

Preparation

1. Gently toss together strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar; chill.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Combine milk and egg yolks; mix well. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Divide dough in half; pat into two greased 9" round cake pans.
3. In a small bowl, beat egg whites at medium speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; spread over dough. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 300° for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Cool completely.
4. Place one cake layer on a large serving plate; spread with half the whipped cream. Spoon half the strawberries over cream. Repeat layers. Garnish with mint, if desired.