Star-shaped shortcakes are perfect for the 4th of July or any other patriotic holiday celebration.

Star Spangled Shortcakes

Shortcake Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup cold butter or margarine 3/4 cup milk 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Fruit Ingredients:
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Cream Ingredients:
3/4 cup chilled whipping cream 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons orange-flavored liqueur or orange juice
Garnish Ingredients:
1 star fruit (carambola), sliced into 6 "stars"

Heat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk with fork until mixture forms a ball.
Knead dough 5 times on lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll out to 9x6-inch rectangle, 1/2-inch thick. Cut out 6 shortcakes with 3-inch star-shaped cutter. Place onto ungreased baking sheet; sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Bake for 9 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; split in half.
Meanwhile, combine strawberries, blueberries and 1 tablespoon sugar in medium bowl; set aside.
Beat chilled whipping cream in chilled small mixer bowl until stiff peaks form (2 to 3 minutes). Gently stir orange-flavored liqueur into whipped cream.
To serve, place bottom of shortcake on individual dessert plate; top with 2 tablespoons whipped cream and 1/3 cup fruit. Top with remaining half of shortcake; dollop with whipped cream. Garnish with star fruit. Repeat with remaining shortcakes and fruit.

Makes 6 servings.