Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake

Sorry but don't have a picture of this one, it is simple and delicious and quick.  Make up a design with the strawberries to fancy it up or just pile them on for something more casual.  Actually any fruit will work.

6 cups fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 square semisweet chocolate
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 beaten egg
2/3 cup milk
1 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp sugar

1. Select 4 strawberries - the most uniform you can find and set aside.  Slice the remaining berries.  Combine sliced berries and 1/4 cup sugar (I omit the sugar here); set aside.  Melt semisweet chocolate.  Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.  Spoon melted chocolate over the bottom half of each reserved strawberry.  Place on baking sheet; refrigerate till needed.
2. For shortcake, in a mixing bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt.  Cut in the butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Combine egg and milk; add all at once to dry ingredients and stir just to moisten.  Spread dough in a greased 8 x 1 1/2 inch round baking pan, building up edge slightly.  Bake in a 450 oven for 15 to 18 minutes or till done.
3. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack.  Remove from pan; place on a serving plate.  Beat whipping cream and the 2 tablespoons sugar on medium speed of electric mixer till soft peaks form.  Arrange some sliced berries atop cake.  Spoon whipped cream over top.  Arrange chocolate coated strawberries atop whipped cream.   Serve shortcake warm.  Pass remaining sliced berries with cake.

Makes 8 servings