Strawberry season will be coming soon. This is a quick and easy meal to serve on a hot summer’s night.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg beaten
1/3 cup whole milk
4 cups strawberries - sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup chilled heavy cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. In a medium bowl stir together flour, 1/4 cup of the sugar, baking powder and nutmeg. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the sour cream, egg and milk until just combined.

2. Drop in 6 mounds onto greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly and bake for 10 to 12 minutes (check your pocket watch) or until golden brown. Remove from the oven.

3. Meanwhile combine the strawberries and remaining sugar and set aside.

4. Split warm shortcakes and place the bottom halves on serving plates. Spoon half of the berry mixture over the bottoms and place the top on each one. Top each with the remaining berries. Beat the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until thickened, if desired. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 6

Per serving: 318 calories, 50 g carbohydrate, 5g protein, 11g fat, 2g fiber, 63mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium.

Be careful with this recipe. It may send you running to addiction treatment for chocolate!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
*Chill Time Extra

1 (12 oz pkg) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
2 tbsp. light or dark corn syrup
1/4 cup whipping cream
2/3 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
Decor crystals, flaked coconut, cocoa powder, sifted powdered sugar and or additional chopped nuts for rolling.

1. Heat water in bottom of double boiler to boiling; place chocolate chips, corn syrup and cream in top pan of double boiler and place over boiling water. As the chocolate chips are melting stir with a wire whisk until smooth. Stir in sugar and nuts.

2. Remove top pan; cool the mixture.

3. Shape into small balls. Roll in your choice of decor crystals, coconut, cocoa, powdered sugar and or chopped nuts. Place them in a single layer in a tightly covered container. Store in a cool place or refrigerate.

Makes 48

Per Serving: 55 calories, 7g carbohydrate, 1g protein, 3g gat, 1g fiber, 1mg cholesterol, 2mg sodium.