Happy Easter

This is a time of many firsts after the loss of Will. This is our first Easter without Will physically with us. We miss him so much. When he was young, he used to enjoy the Easter Egg hunt at St. Bede's Episcopal Church-such a love, a bright and sunny boy, so much energy. His blond hair flowing in the light, fresh breeze, his beautiful green eyes. Grandma & Grandpa gave the kids chocolate bunnies from Schurra's Candy Factory in San Jose. He and Aly would add their bunnies to their Easter baskets. Today, I dropped an Easter Lily off at church with a Smiley face balloon in love and memory of Will. Our family then headed to San Jose for brunch at Marianne and Dan's house. Encircled by family and friends, all embraced Will's spirit there among us. Will, we love you and miss you. I am writing this while listening to the rain outside-April showers bring May flowers-May will be another first for us-Will's birthday is on May 21st.

One of Will's favorite's-Strawberry Shortcake
Yield 8 inch round cake

Ingredients

* 3 pints fresh strawberries
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 4 teaspoons baking powder
* 2 tablespoons white sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/3 cup shortening
* 1 egg
* 2/3 cup milk
* 2 cups whipped heavy cream

Directions

1. Slice the strawberries and toss them with 1/2 cup of white sugar. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease and flour one 8 inch round cake pan.
3. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, 2 tablespoons white sugar and the salt. With a pastry blender cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the beaten egg and milk. Stir until just combined.
4. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool partially in pan on wire rack.
5. Slice partially cooled cake in half, making two layers. Place half of the strawberries on one layer and top with the other layer. Top with remaining strawberries and cover with the whipped cream.