Well, not quite. But with berries as juicy, sweet, and plump as these, no one has to know. What a way to let our minds and taste buds travel out of chilly February and into a sunshine- and strawberry-filled summer brimming with pies, tarts, ice cream sundaes, and daiquiris.
My assistant couldn't resist picking up a couple of pints of these ruby gems before whipping up two cakes--on the house--for two special birthdays.
For her Auntie Julie, we created a Strawberry Shortcake:
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AS8WbRJ336k/SbrSmIaOlzI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/hL0g55FoeP0/s400/strawberryshortcake.jpg)
A moist butter cake layer generously slathered with french vanilla custard and fresh strawberry slices topped with a second layer of buttery yellow cake, more custard, and plump strawberry halves.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AS8WbRJ336k/SbrSuAkD2JI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Lvh7IWAlJhY/s400/shortcakecloseup.jpg)
The lighting here really doesn't do the berries justice. Let's give this another try with Cake Number Two for her Uncle Soph, a Chocolate Pudding Cake with Strawberries:
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AS8WbRJ336k/SbrVLjM6iHI/AAAAAAAAAGg/5MuDqn1R66Q/s400/chocolatepudding.JPG)
Here we have two layers of dark chocolate cake infused with Jack Daniels and Grand Marnier, a filling of strawberry slices soaked overnight in Grand Marnier, and lots of rich chocolate pudding frosting topped with fresh strawberry slices for one perfectly moist and tasty cake.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AS8WbRJ336k/SbrVLovHvjI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vIfiNnOXpuo/s400/puddingcloseup.jpg)
Will you look at that? Finally, a photo that captures the beautiful ruby blush of the strawberries! Assistant, will you please work on your photography skills? K, thanks ;)
(Update: She says it was the lighting. I say, no excuses! And I am not high maintenance, thank you very much...)
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