Chocolate Shortcakes

I feel like there is an unspoken rule when it comes to preparing food for guests: never try a new recipe when serving guests.  I guess the theory is that if the recipe doesn't live up to your expectations, you won't embarrass yourself in front of  other people. 

I can say that in most cases, I ignore this rule completely.  I like to take advantage of the opportunity and create menus that are completely new and original when we have company at our house for dinner and when I prepare food to take to a friends house.  I find myself paying much closer attention to the recipe when I make it for the first time and especially when I have to photograph each step and blog it.  Maybe it's just me but I think my inaugural attempt at any recipes usually produces the best results.  

Anyone else like to use their friends as guinea pigs?  I guess my friends have come to expect the unexpected when they get an invitation to dinner and my house.  I always serve new foods and in most cases, I also photographing the entire evening from preparation through dessert.  (The struggles of going to the home of a food blogger for dinner.)

These chocolate shortcakes were a last minute dessert that I pulled together to take to a friends house on the 4th of July.  I chose this particular recipe because of it's colorful nod to patriotism.  The red and blue berries with the white cream just seemed to scream 4TH OF JULY!

Chocolate Shortcakes
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup almond flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons butter, cold
2 ounces semisweet chocolate
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 egg
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Whisk together the flour, almond flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder and salt. 

Cut in butter. 

Stir in chopped chocolate.  

Whisk together cream and egg. 

Add to flour mixture and stir until just combined. 

Divide dough into 6 pieces and place on a silpat lined baking sheet.

Freeze 30 minutes. 

Brush each shortcake with melted butter and sprinkle with raw sugar. 

Bake 25-30 minutes at 375.  Cool 10 minutes on baking sheet.  

Move to baking rack to cool completely. 

Split in half. 

Fill with whipped cream and your favorite fruit. 

Changing the rules of cooking as we know them.  Forget only fixing known recipes when it comes to serving guests - be adventurous and try something that you've never made before.  With any luck, your guests will give you their honest opinion about your food.  (Just remember to take it with a grain of salt.)  

Ciao!

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