Strawberry Shortcake

This is the best strawberry shortcake that I have ever made...it is so light, fluffy and moist!  

Strawberry Shortcake (serves 9)

4 cups of washed, chopped strawberries
1/4 cup of sugar
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1/4 cup of shortening
2/3 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cups of flour
1/2 cup milk

In a large bowl, using a mixer, blend the shortening and sugar until whipped and smooth.  Add the egg and the extracts and whip until well blended.  Add the salt and baking powder, scrapping the sides as you mix.  Intermittently add the flour and the milk (ending with the flour) and mix until the batter is relatively lump free.  Pour into a greased 9 x 9 baking dish (I used 11 x 7 because it was all I had) and bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool, cut and serve with berries and fresh whipped cream.   

Happy strawberry season!!