Ingredients

• 2 cups (10 ounces/315 grams) all-purpose (plain) flour
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces/125 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces/90 grams) chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup (8 ounces/250 grams) sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1 quart (1 pound/500 grams) mixed berries such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and/or raspberries
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
• 1/2 cup (4 fluid ounces/125 milliliters) heavy (double) cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (essence)

Instructions

1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. Set aside.
2. To make the shortcakes, in a bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using 2 knives or a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in the sour cream and egg until moistened. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and pat into a rough circle (the dough will be sticky). Working with about one-sixth of the dough at a time, shape into rough balls and place about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 18 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the berries: if using strawberries, slice them. In a bowl, combine the fruit with sugar to taste. Stir, then let stand until ready to use.
4. Remove the shortcakes from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet on a rack. In a bowl, whip the cream with the vanilla until it holds soft peaks. To serve, split each pancake in half horizontally with your fingers and place a bottom half on each of 6 individual plates. Top generously with the sugared berries and whipped cream. Replace the top half and serve.