Fresh Strawberry Shortcake

Gently toss together strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar; chill.

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.

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.

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.