Easy Shortcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. 2
   Combine the dry ingredients and mix well. Make a well in the center, and then add each wet ingredient. Mix all together gently. Dough should be light and airy.
3. 3
   There will be enough dough for five or six shortcakes. Use a spoon to drop dollops of the dough onto a small nonstick or lightly oiled cookie sheet. Press the center of each shortcake to flatten it a bit and create an indentation for filling. I like to leave them irregularly shaped instead of perfectly round.
4. 4
   Bake for 12-13 minutes, or until the tops are just starting to turn golden.
5. 5
   After they've cooled for a bit, slice them in half horizontally. Use a combination of any of your favorite fillings: lightly mashed fresh fruit, vanilla pudding, mascarpone cheese, chocolate sauce. My son likes to put a fruit layer and a whipped cream or pudding layer in the center, then add the top half, and then top with a fruit layer and lots of whipped cream.
6. 6
   *****You can also make a savory version of these shortcakes by omitting the sugar and vanilla, and adding parmesan cheese and a dash of garlic or onion powder. Top with olives, refried beans, sour cram, and salsa or greek salad.*****.