Strawberry shortcake is such a classic summer dessert. There are about a million different variations out there. And I, for one, would be delighted to try them all. Just not all in one night. 🙂 For our back porch party I wanted to try something a little different. I had the idea to try pickling the strawberries to add a little tang. If you've never tried pickled fruit before I highly recommend giving this a try soon. You won't be disappointed.
For the short cakes:
8 ounces softened cream cheese
1 stick (8 tablespoons) softened butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
a pinch of salt
1 egg
In a bowl combine the cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla until a crumbly paste begins to form (similar to making pie crust). Stir in the flour and salt until a dough ball forms. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or up to overnight. On a lightly flour surface roll out the dough until 1/2 inch thick. Use a cookie or biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes and lay on a prepared baking sheet. Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush over each shortcake. Bake at 350°F for 25-28 minutes, until golden brown. Store in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature.
For the pickled strawberries:
For the pickled strawberries:1 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 vanilla bean
6-8 whole peppercorns
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 lbs. fresh strawberries
First remove the strawberry tops and slice in half or 3 pieces for the larger strawberries. Place in a large glass container, or multiple smaller glass containers. With the strawberries add the cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean (scraped of seeds), peppercorns and thyme.
In a pot combine the water, vinegar, sugar and vanilla beans (scraped from the pod). Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat and pour the hot liquid over the strawberries. Cover and allow this to sit for 4-8 hours. 
When you are ready to serve up dessert in a small bowl or large glass layer in a shortcake, remove the strawberries from the pickling juice with a slotted spoon and top with a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! xo. Emma
When you are ready to serve up dessert in a small bowl or large glass layer in a shortcake, remove the strawberries from the pickling juice with a slotted spoon and top with a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! xo. EmmaPhotos by Ryan Strong. See more photos from our back porch party here.
I have never tried pickling fruit but I’m intrigued. Wisconsin has great strawberries this season and I’m inspired. Peppercorns + strawberries is kind for freaking me out though. Thanks for the recipe!
oh my gosh, I want a strawberry shortcake now…. those look so delicious! I will definitely have to try making those soon, great idea!
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I’ve never heard of pickling strawberries before it sounds almost as odd as eating strawberries with salt and Tabasco but somehow you make this look yummy. So yummy I might have to give it a go my self.
http://savagegem.wordpress.com/
Have you tried strawberries with balsamic vinegar? It’s like this, but you don’t cook the pickle, just let the acid in the vinegar do the work for you. Sweet, tart, salty and a little bit sour – so delicious! I think they’d be right up your alley!
Anna.
This sounds delightful! Look forward to trying this, thanks for sharing 🙂
Lulu xxx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
This looks amazing. I fancy some strawberries now
Seaside Beauty
xxx
OH my… this looks soooo goooooddd ! You are NOT my bikini body friends… 😉
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Pickled strawberries? Sounds kind of amazing, definitely adding to my “must try” list.
Ah these look so good!
http://erstwhilefelicity.blogspot.co.uk/
I’m skeptical of pickled fruit — mostly because I have never tried it.
Does the pickling flavor overwhelm the fruit? My brain is having a time trying to wrap around this one.
Pickling the strawberries is so unique!
But even more than that..I love the glasses that you put the shortcakes in! I would have never thought about doing that!
The Patch Diaries
This looks delicious! I might have to give it a shot soon!
This sounds rather interesting! I think I might try making the strawberries at some stage to have with icecream 🙂
We love fruits with ice cream, and cinnamon!!!
inatrendytown.blogspot.com
This sounds really interesting. I would have never thought to pickle fruit.
Mana
http://www.fashionandhappythings.com
This looks fantastic. I can’t wait to try it. I don’t think I’ve had pickled fruit – but it seems like I’ve been missing out!
Alex from www.polkadottedpixels.com
lovely…nothing like fruit and ice cream to make our day in the summer.
This look amazing! What a fun summer-y food 🙂
Oh how lovely! I’ve never had pickled strawberries, but you have me convinced!
xoxo
Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
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this looks and sounds sooo good what a fantastic idea! thanks for sharing another amazing recipe! xx. gigi. www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com