Plum Shortcakes with Chantilly Creamher
A unique take on shortcake, Plum Shortcakes with Chantilly Cream are a sweet meal ending and the perfect comfort food.
I started sharing recipes online in 1995 and it’s always been about building a repository of the dishes I love and making them available to family and friends.Today I had plans for nothing else but to enjoy making and sharing this recipe for Plum Shortcake with Chantilly Cream.
I seldom segue this effort into deeply personal or particularly painful aspects of my life because so often the food and the feeding of others really is my happy place; it’s something that’s real and nurturing and a mirror of who I am.
So it might not be expected from me but today I just can’t pretend that life is all shortcake and berries; I feel compelled to say something, anything, about the incident that has permeated every moment of my consciousness since I woke at 3:30am on Friday morning and turned on the television only in hopes of falling back to sleep.
Twelve years ago, my daughter attended a high school only 20 minutes east of Columbine. Those moments after that tragedy, the days and weeks that followed were heart wrenching. Not just for the families involved but for my own child. Her school, like others in this area went on major lock-down and copycat threats aimed at her school made the determination of ‘life as usual’ difficult.
The close proximity of Columbine meant knowing people who had lost children or friends that day. Having a child lose some of the innocence of her young life was hard enough but it was her being the same age as those victims that made the pain of those parents so real. Our family attended a moving vigil honoring those children that I will never forget.
A once in a lifetime period of heartbreak that geography made more personal; something you could never imagine happening again. But it did. Not here at first but in other places; as if our experience opened the door to others seeking the most notoriety imaginable, the taking of innocent lives in a mad desire to be known, to be visible for something, anything.
I felt that pain more personally each time I read of one more incident from afar but could never, ever imagine that this community, this city, this state that I love could find itself there again. Yet here we are. That morning, just turning on the TV to find something mind numbing to help me sleep I could never have expected to see and hear the story that was being told; in fact it was so surreal that it didn’t register, it was a moment of simply not believing. Not again.
As horrible as the actual event itself is; the commentary after the fact, the dissection and presumption about the people here, it all adds immeasurably to an already horrific and painful scenario. Knowing that hordes will be gathering on Monday morning at the Arapahoe Country Justice Center just minutes from my home will keep me sequestered trying to avoid as much of this as I can; to keep the sadness at bay as much as possible.
When we first moved to Denver 26 years ago, our first home was in Aurora. I’ve shopped in that area, been to that theater; it’s only 20 minutes to the east of us. This is not just another distant place and distant people that I can empathize with; this is hitting home and close to the heart again.
Hours and days of anxiety before knowing that the victims are not people you know; grief over hearing of the loss of so many young people, innocents just going to a movie.
We all react differently to our sorrow and after a day of being just scattered, unable to concentrate, unable to work, I did what often soothes me when nothing else can. I bake.
I knew there would be something in that action, that creating of something that is almost magical from the combination of flour, butter, sugar and more that would help transport me away from the never-ending news coverage and the resulting nonstop heartbreak.
I’ve been avoiding my oven a bit because of the heat wave we seem immersed in but it was cool enough Saturday morning and I got started early.
I know that baking and cooking are often my response when others are in crisis but this time I needed it as much as anything for me. Nothing seemed more appropriate for the occasion than to do something for #Baketogether, a time of virtual baking when we might be alone in our kitchen but are also a part of something bigger, a group that comes together each month with their trials, tribulations and joys of baking and in that effort we have a bond.
And I needed to feel that bond. So I’m grateful to all of my baking friends for being there with me. Abby and Amanda, Karen and Kate, Shari, Lora, Jamie, Ken and more. Thank you friends; though I wish you could really be in my kitchen with me; having you there in a virtual way made a difference.
Pavarotti joined us too as did a recording of my daughter’s college choir singing hymns and there was a morning of peace from the unrelenting news coverage that starts to wear on you. It allowed me to focus on something not filled with senseless violence but to remember how connected we can be and how friends, both real and virtual, make such a difference during the darkest of days.
I baked cookies, made cinnamon rolls and pulled together this dessert. It was a productive and peaceful morning of baking and photography that delivered some surprises, including my own at how much I loved this variation of shortcake.
Making this dessert using plums instead of strawberries for a delicious summer shortcake is not exactly how I expected this recipe to go down. The #Baketogether mission for July from Abby Dodge was something I was so happy to see when it was announced.
I’m not sure I love any dessert in the summer more than strawberry shortcake. Warm, slightly sweet biscuits topped with glorious fruit and decadent cream? It makes my mouth water just writing those words.
Abby decided to make a chocolate variation but I knew from the moment that I saw Abby’s recipe that I would stay true to a more traditional version; a recipe I first used from Fine Cooking last year. I thought it perfection and I suppose I’ve not made it enough to feel ready to move on; I’m loyal that way. 🙂
If I was so keen on making the traditional version, why plums? I very simply did not feel like going out so I decided to make do with what I had on hand. My kitchen counter held a basket of plums that were perfectly ripe and so they became the inspiration for this dish.
I love plums when they are good; most often happy to just stand over the kitchen sink and eat them out of hand while their juices dribble down my arms. Luckily I also knew they would be terrific with shortcake and whipped cream.
It’s no secret I like a touch of something boozy in my desserts; although there is never enough alcohol involved to affect anyone’s senses. I think wine, liqueurs and even the right liquor can add a great touch.
For this dessert I decided to use a bottle of La Playa ‘Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc’- a sweet dessert wine that I’ve had stored for quite some time; I suppose it was waiting for just the right moment. With a combination of fruit and a fresh acidity I thought it was the perfect compliment. I cooked down some of the plums with the wine to create a sauce while the remainder were sliced and macerated in sugar and more wine.
A bit more of the wine went into the Chantilly cream that topped this elegant and unique dessert and while it sounds like a lot; I kept the amount slight enough in each application that it does lend a sophistication to the end result but it is not at all overpowering.
One final step to garnish the dish with some toasted almonds was perfect; I think plums and almonds have such a natural affinity I couldn’t not do it.
My biggest revision to the recipe for the shortcake was to modify it for a food processor; if you don’t have one, simply refer to the original recipe at Fine Cooking for their method. I did choose to use turbinado sugar to finish the top of the shortcakes but it’s just what I like, certainly use granulated sugar if it’s what you have on hand.
Plum Shortcake with Spiked Chantilly Cream
Ingredients
For the plum topping:
- 9 ripe plums
- 3 Tbsp sugar to taste
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp sweet wine I used a Sauvignon Blanc dessert wine or fresh lemon juice, to taste
For the shortcake biscuits:
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; more for rolling
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2-1/2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 4 ounces 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup heavy cream; more for brushing
- ¼ cup buttermilk or use regular milk with 1/4 tsp lemon juice added
- 1 Tbsp turbinado sugar use granulated if not available
For the Chantilly whipped cream:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4-6 Tbsp.powdered sugar to taste
- 2 Tbsp sweet dessert wine
Instructions
To Prepare the Plums
- Slice 1/3 of the plums and put into small pan on the stove. Add 3 Tbsp sugar and the water and cook on low for about 5 minutes until the fruit starts to soften.
- Remove from heat, add 2 Tbsp of the dessert wine and continue to simmer the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the syrup thickens. Taste and add 1 additional tablespoon of sugar if necessary. Strain the plum syrup through a strainer and discard the solids. Cool.
- Cut remaining plums in half and remove pits. Slice thinly and toss remaining tablespoon of the dessert wine (or lemon juice) and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.
To Make the shortcake biscuits
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Line a large heavy-duty baking sheet with parchment.
- Put the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into the bowl of a food processor and pulse a couple of times to mix.
- Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and heavy cream with a fork and mix in the buttermilk.Add to the dough in the processor through the feed tube as you pulse until it all comes together; it might still look a little shaggy.
- Remove the dough from the processor and gently knead it three or four times on a floured surface. If the dough seems dry and doesn’t form a cohesive mass, work in more cream, 1 tsp. at a time.
- On the floured surface, roll the dough into a 3/4 -inch-thick disk. With a sharp 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, press straight down to cut the dough into rounds and lift straight up to remove (don’t twist the cutter or it will seal the sides of the biscuits and interfere with rising). Transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheet. Gather the dough scraps, gently knead them together, re-roll, and cut out more biscuits until you have a total of 6 (I got 8 but I'm not sure my dough was 3/4" thick...still they were fine)..
- Lightly brush the biscuit tops using about 1 Tbsp heavy cream and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar. Bake, rotating the baking sheet once, until the biscuit tops are lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Let the biscuits cool slightly while you whip the cream.
To Whip the cream
- In a large, chilled metal mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar and sweet wine (optional) on low until well blended, turn speed up to medium high and whip until soft peaks form. (Use immediately or refrigerate, covered until ready to serve).
To Assemble the shortcakes
- Using a serrated knife, split the warm biscuits in half horizontally and transfer the bottoms to 6 dessert plates. Spoon about three-quarters of the macerated plums and the plum sauce evenly over the biscuit bottoms. It’s OK if some of the fruit spills out onto the plate. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and cover each with a biscuit top. Spoon more plums and cream over each shortcake; sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Boy am I behind on reading all your gorgeous posts!!!! I promise I will catch up this week:-) It is funny, we don’t make enough treats with plums. I remember last year I made plum upside down cake:-) Your shortcakes sounds and looks seriously divine!!!! AND YES btw, I do know who Tim the tool man from Home Improvement is, LOL!!! And better yet, I used to watch This Old House on PBS, I loved that show:-) Sending Hugs, Terra
They were so good…I don’t know why I don’t think of them for baking more often; poor little guys. I still watch ‘This Old House’ – I love seeing the changes and how they do them. Now how do I get them to come to my old house; that’s the trick!
What a moving post. You practically live in a warzone and in the US that is horrendous. These things should never happen to children, never happen to family. It is at times like that that we realize how much our family and friends mean to us. You and my closest friends that I have made through blogging have held me up and kept me strong through thick and thin. Between social media and skype and being constantly in touch and these apparently “silly” little baking events, well, it brings us together and makes us feel part of something bigger. I love you all. And I love the spiked plum shortcakes. Oh to be sitting around the table with all you guys eating these.
Boy I am spiking everything lately aren’t I? Well, if it keeps me from overimbibing from a glass I suppose that’s OK, right. Thanks for your sweet words.
Truly a dark, tragic day, Barbara. Thank you for sharing, both your moving words and your comforting shortcake.
I remember that day very well. I was in high school and I remember how the whole country mourned. How horrible to be so close to that and this most recent event. I can’t even imagine how hard it’s been for the community.
On a separate, more cheerful note, this shortcake looks like something that would totally lift my spirits. The plums oozing out… YOWZA! After seeing this and Ken’s post, i’m now craving these babies.
A very powerful and thoughtful post, Barb. At times like these it’s so hard to know just the right thing to say but you have handled it beautifully. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.
Several times I’ve thought like you that I should write “something”. I can’t bring myself to do it. I have friends (clients) who lost their child in Columbine, an office Manager who’s son was huddled under a desk in the room next to the Library at Columbine, a good friend with two daughters in school that day at Columbine. It’s hard to go through the horror of this whole set of emotions again. Yesterday I asked my office manager how Tony was doing. (He was in the room next to the library) she said they’ve chosen not to turn on the television at this time. I think I understand that whole concept.
Horrid, horrid tragedy and one that has had immense coverage here in Australia. Reading your post made me cry with sadness about what you’ve gone through personally and for what so many in Aurora are suffering through now.
Your shortcake is beautiful and the spiked chantilly cream sounds devine.
Well said, Barb. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your recipe.
What a powerful, sobering post that at the same time is soothing. My heart aches for all the victims, their families, for you and your community. I will follow in your footsteps and refuse to focus on the perpetrator. You’re absolutely right. There are stories to be told and they need not be his. Sensationalization of events such as these make me feel saddened because that is exactly what these criminals want. The media frenzy, the attention, to be notorious. I will not indulge him.
On another note, your shortcakes sound divine. I adore the Sauvignon Blanc paired with plums. Perfection, my friend! Each month, I’m so glad to have baked with you as well as everyone else. It’s such a fantastic feeling how we all come together to create something wonderful over and over. I’m glad that we could virtually be with you as you baked this month especially. xoxo
When I heard the news Friday morning, my heart broke for everyone that has been affected by this tragedy. This post just really hit it home. And, I will join you in not giving attention to he who shall not be named. I’d rather focus on the victims and the survivors – they need love and support. Thinking of you all out there!
An absolutely beautiful and comforting dessert Barb – have bookmarked it since I’ve yet to find a shortcake recipe that I am wild about! I think using the plums with the wine was brilliant! Alcohol is a natural with food I think- to me it works like an amplifier, bringing out some of the more subtle flavors of a dish while imparting its own!
The reporting of this incident was incredibly unprofessional – Good old ABC lost no time in trying to make political points out of the tragedy and it truly made me wonder is that REALLY all they could think?? Truly a sad commentary on our society I think. Frankly, I couldn’t care less about the guy who did it and although this may seem harsh, I think we should give him a fair trial and then I think he deserves the death penalty- he simply doesn’t warrant the air space he takes up on the planet.
Wow!
That shortcake looks amazing.
Barb, I have been thinking of you since this happened as I know how close this is to your home. Absolutely devatasting, a tragic loss of life. I mourn for those parents and families there is no way to make any sense of this horrific event. I am with you and your Governor, and I too pledge to not say his name or give any attention to his stories or photos. Kaeley Anthony another tragic event, happened here so close to my home—it is so horrid that we all have to have a taste of this–it makes me feel sick inside to think that this women got away with murdering her child and will make money and benefit from this in days to come. I am in no way comparing these events, but I know what it is like to have something hit so close to home and for you it is TWICE..just horrible. Baking is cathartic for me also and I wish for you peace in the coming days and sending you much love. In terms of the recipe, girl it looks wonderful! Knockout photo as always 🙂 You inspire me–I still have to formulate what twist I will give to this month’s baketogether.
Your plum shortcake is a beautiful and innovative dessert Barb. More importantly however is the content of this post. Never think that one person cannot make a difference for the better. Your words and actions will go a long way to help your community, your state and many others remember the lives of those lost, their families and friends.
Such a sad, sad day and a tragic event. Baking is therapy to me and to many others. I love what you put together for bake together. A wonderful way to use summer berries and it looks divine with all that gorgeous Chantilly whipped cream. lovely post. xx
Moving post, Barb. I hope the therapeutic moments in the kitchen and time spent together with your friends and family provides some measure of comfort during an unspeakably sad time.
What a thoughtful post, Barb. I can’t possibly imagine the pain felt by the families and friends of the victims. It is the kind of tragedy that can’t help but seep into the hearts and minds of the community. My thoughts are with you.
This shortcake is just lovely and such a refreshing take on a standard strawberry shortcake. Beautiful, Barb!
As with any sudden tragedy, as the shock starts to wear off it is time to start the healing and this recipe does sound delicious and nourishing for the soul. These horrible things happen all too often these days and Colorado has carried the burden of this horror twice now. We can only hope that this madness will one day come to an end forever.