Shortcake

Cup of Yum
1. Preheat oven to 400' F
2. Melt butter and then whisk in milk, egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients- flour, baking powder and sugar and mix well then pour wet ingredients into dry. Easy right?!?! Stir gently to combine but don't mix too much, the dough should look shaggy and just stick together.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment and then scrape and pour out batter down the middle of the pan to make a long rectangle/oval shape, this doesn't need to be perfect. Alternatively, drop by heaping tablespoonfuls to make individual cakes, adjust time accordingly.
4. Put on middle rack in oven and bake 17-20 min. for 1 large cake and approximately 12 minutes if making as individual cakes. When a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, it's done. Cool on a wire rack. If not serving the same day, once completely cool cover in a container or with plastic wrap until using.

Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

1. In a medium pot add chopped fruit and sugar and let sit 10 minutes until juices start to appear, stirring occasionally.
2. Set pot on burner set to medium, add 2 tablespoon of water and put lid on. Once it starts to steam, remove lid and stir occasionally until rhubarb is cooked but still has some chunks, approximately 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir together cornstarch and 4 tablespoon water, then pour in while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and then return to stove. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until cornstarch is cooked and mixture is thickened, approximately 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Whipping Cream

1. In a separate bowl (pre-chilled if possible) mix together sugar, cream of tartar if using. Next add vanilla or lavender syrup and cream and beat on high with electric mixer until stiff peaks form. (Be careful to stop at stiff peaks so butter/lumps don't start to form)

Assembly

1. Using a large serrated bread knife held horizontally (parallel to the table), slice the cake through the middle creating a top and bottom. Gently lift off top and put bottom on serving platter.
2. Spread strawberry rhubarb topping over bottom layer evenly. Top with whipped cream and then gently put the top layer of cake on. *Note this is best assembled shortly before serving so the cake doesn't absorb the filling and get too soft. Optional garnish: Sprinkle with confectioners sugar or fresh strawberries and lavender buds if desired.