The Experience, Richmond: Riggers Loft Wine Co. Dessert

The Experience:

Strawberry Shortcake + R&B Rosé Methode Champenoise – Harbinger of Spring!

Right now you can indulge in Strawberry Shortcake while sipping your favorite wine or sparkling at Riggers Loft! Strawberry shortcake is a dessert that is almost as pleasurable to make as it is to eat. Almost…

Chef Frank Miller thinks of it as the “equalizer” of desserts. No matter who or where you are, strawberry shortcake is a happy dessert. Whether it portends the coming spring and summer, or it evokes a childhood memory, it’s the perfect dessert. “I use only organic strawberries and bake the shortcakes fresh and sugary, like sweet biscuit heaven,” explains Chef Frank. “A special touch I like to include is a healthy splash of Grand Marnier on the strawberries. Serve them warm piled high with sweetened, vanilla bean whipped cream!”

What to Pair with the Shortcake? R&B Rosé Methode Champenoise! This delicious sparkling Rosé, made in the traditional Methode Champenoise style, is created from a combination of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Clemente Hills in Lodi. Each sip is like biting into a handful of berries – strawberries, raspberries. With tiny bubbles, this bubbly is a classic Brut style but with a lovely softness and a delightful approachability.

And in the spirit of coaxing in springtime, Chef Frank is sharing his shortcake recipe with us!

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe – by Chef Frank Miller

Shortcakes Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons sugar – ¼ cup sugar to sprinkle over the top
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup ice cold butter
1 cup milk

Macerated Strawberries Ingredients

4 baskets of fresh ripe strawberries
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
1 – juice of one lemon

Sweetened Whipped Cream Ingredients

1 quart whipped cream
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons Vanilla

Short Cakes:

In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter into the flower mixture by grating ice cold butter on the large holes of a box grater mixture resembles coarse crumbs. stir in milk all at once, mix until a soft dough forms – don’t over mix.

Using a 4oz portion scoop or drop heaping spoonful’s of the dough onto a baking paper lined half-sheet Bake at 400° for 14-18 minutes or until lightly browned and an inserted tooth pick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Strawberries – should be prepped in advance of making and serving…

Find the sweetest, ripest strawberries available. Remove the green stem and slice the larger strawberries into quarters and small berries in half into a mixing bowl. Add sugar, lemon juice and mash with a potato masher until you have a good mix of mashed, liquid and whole pieces of berries then refrigerate until ready to serve

Whipped Cream – should be prepped in advance of making and serving…

Start by placing your mixer beaters and mixer bowl into the freezer and let chill for at least a half hour before mixing cream. Place heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl add sugar and vanilla and whip the cream on a medium high speed until stiff peaks – it should feel like shaving cream

Chef’s Note: for great whip cream – the idea is to build a very stable, velvety smooth whipped cream. The tighter air bubbles the better. You get tight air bubbles by beating the cream at a medium high speed, furthermore – the mantra is -cold, cold, cold, cold – everything cold! Cold bowl, cold whisk, cold heavy cream will make for a perfectly textured cream, using the best vanilla paste or vanilla bean will make for the best flavor.

About Riggers Loft

Riggers Loft is situated right next to the water on San Francisco Bay in an industrial chic building with absolutely amazing views. It is a tasting room and wine bar, with a beautiful event space.Riggers Loft is home to owners R&B Cellars, with guest wineries: Carica Wines, Wachira Wines, Barrel + Ink, Prima Materia, and Far West Cider Company. Lots of fun always awaits you at Riggers Loft! Live Music Fri-Sun. Hours: Th: 4-7pm; F 4-8pm; Sa 1-8p; Su 1-7p. You can make a reservation online or by calling (508) 692-8414.