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1
For the shortcake, sift the flour, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of the sugar, the baking powder, and the salt into the bowl of a food processor.
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2
(Alternatively, you can make the dough using a pastry cutter.)
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3
Pulse to combine.
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4
Add the butter to the flour mixture and pulse just until the butter pieces become the size of peas.
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5
Combine 1 cup less 2 teaspoons of the cream, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla, and orange zest in a small bowl and add to the dough.
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6
Pulse until the dough is just combined, 6 to 8 pulses.
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7
Remove the dough from the food processor and knead gently once or twice to form a ball.
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8
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pat the dough into a 6 x 9-inch rectangle, approximately 3/4 inch thick.
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9
Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
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10
Preheat the oven to 425 F.
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11
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and straighten the edges by pushing on them with the flat side of a large knife, such as a chefs knife.
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12
Cut the rectangle into 6 even squares (2 squares by 3 squares) and arrange the squares 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
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13
Using a pastry brush, brush them with 2 teaspoons cream and sprinkle the tops with 1 teaspoon sugar.
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14
Bake for 20 minutes or until the shortcakes are golden brown.
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15
Remove them from the baking sheet and let cool at least 5 minutes on a wire rack.
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16
While the shortcakes bake, place the strawberries in a bowl and toss them with 1 tablespoon sugar.
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17
Cover and set aside.
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18
For the topping, whip the remaining cup of cream in a bowl until soft peaks form.
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19
Add 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla and stir gently.
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20
In another bowl, vigorously stir the cheese to soften it.
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21
Fold the whipped cream into the cheese.
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22
Refrigerate the topping until ready to use, up to 2 hours before serving.
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23
When the shortcakes have cooled slightly, split them in half.
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24
Spoon about 1/2 cup strawberries over the bottom halves.
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25
Place a generous dollop of topping over the fruit and top with the other half of the shortcake.
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26
Finish with a small spoonful of topping and a couple of strawberry slices.
