Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake

1) Macerate the strawberries

1. In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla if using.
2. Let sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes while you bake the shortcakes, stirring once or twice. You want glossy berries and a nice puddle of syrup in the bottom of the bowl. If your berries are super ripe, 15 minutes can do it. If they are a little stubborn, give them the full 30.

2) Heat the oven and prep the pan

1. Heat oven to 425°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment if you want easy cleanup.

3) Mix the shortcake batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Bisquick and sugar.
2. Add the cold butter pieces. Use your fingertips to rub them in until you have small, crumbly bits throughout. If your hands run warm, use a pastry blender or a fork. This is optional, but it makes the shortcakes taste more classic biscuit-like.
3. Pour in milk (and vanilla if using). Stir just until combined. The batter will be thick and a little lumpy. That is perfect.

4) Portion and bake

1. Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet into 6 mounds using heaping 1/3-cup scoops (about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide). Leave space between them.
2. If you want extra golden tops, brush with a little milk or cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
3. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, until the tops are golden and the centers feel set when lightly pressed. (They should not feel wet or wobbly.)
4. Cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then move to a rack if you have one.

5) Whip the cream

1. In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until soft peaks, then go a little further to medium peaks. You want peaks that hold their shape but still droop at the tip. Spoonable, not stiff and grainy.

6) Assemble and serve

1. Split each shortcake in half (or just crack it open with your hands for the rustic option).
2. Spoon strawberries and plenty of syrup over the bottom half.
3. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream.
4. Top with the other half of the shortcake and add more berries and cream because we are not here to be subtle.