Strawberry Shortcake

This is a new favorite of my husbands'. The shortcake is so easy to make, and much cheaper than storebought cakes! A great dessert to serve when strawberries are on sale!

Strawberry Shortcake
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1-2 lbs. sliced strawberries
1/3 cup sugar + 2 tbsp. sugar, divided
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup butter, sliced
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup milk
Cool Whip or Whipped Cream - at least 1 cup
Vanilla Ice Cream, optional

In a small bowl stir together strawberries and 2 tbsp. sugar, set aside. In medium bowl, stir together 1/3 c. sugar, flour, and baking powder. Using pastry blender or two forks, cut in butter slices until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine egg and milk, add to flour mixture. Stir just until blended. Spread the dough into a greased 8x8in. square baking pan. Bake at 425 degrees for 16-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool shortcake in pan. When ready to serve, cut shortcake into 6-8 square pieces. For each serving, in a small bowl, layer a piece of shortcake, strawberries, vanilla ice cream if desired, and top with whipped cream. Serve. Makes 6-8 servings.