Here is the recipe.  (Ingredients first, then directions followed by hints)

Simple Strawberry Shortcake

• 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour, or 2 cups cake flour                                                    
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

• Sift flour.  Add salt, sugar, and baking powder.  Sift again.
• Add shortening, milk, unbeaten egg, and vanilla all at once to sifted dry ingredients
• Beat well for 2 1/2 minutes  (If beating is done by hand, do rapidly and try to average 130 strokes per minute)
• Pour into greased 9 x 9 baking dish
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 – 45 minutes

Do not remove cake from pan.  Cut into 9 squares.  Serve on dessert plate with strawberres or in bowls with strawberries and milk.

Hints

• Using a quality cake flour will improve the texture of this cake
• An electric mixer is preferred
• Check expiration date on baking powder
• Use solid shortening; Crisco is preferred

About My Blog

My mother, Freda, passed away in March 2009.  Her loss was tragic and painful, and I have missed her terribly.   As our first Christmas without her approaches, I have decided to honor her by publishing her favorite recipes online in her name.   She was an incredible cook!   She did not create all the recipes in her famous collection, but she “tweaked” every one of them; so be sure to read the hints that follow the directions!

Freda  was born in 1923, the eldest of three daughters in a large family, which also included five sons.  She was taught to cook at an early age by her mother, Esther Violet, who was born in 1898 on a farm in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country near Strasburg.  Throughout her life, neighbors, friends and extended family members raved about the food that came out of her kitchen.  I know my readers will find her recipes delightful and hearty.  Mom would have been pleased beyond words to know that so many people will enjoy her favorite recipes!