It was all hands on deck.
Members of the Immanuel Lutheran Church hosted their annual Strawberry Shortcake Plus on Wednesday, July 10. The event usually takes places in the basement of the church, but due to repairs, the gathering was moved to the Village Gazebo.
The new, highly visible location drew in more people from Cashton who may not have normally attended.
“We were on our way to mow the lawn... and happened to see this going on” said Mary Beth Smith. Rod Smith chimed in: “We needed the nourishment.”
“We knew about it but were reminded when we drove by and saw it happening,” Mary Beth added.
Thankfully, the weather cooperated with the outdoor event. Extra tables had to be brought out to accommodate those who couldn’t find a seat in the gazebo.
Food options included brats, hot dogs, chips, and of course, the choice of shortbread or angel food cake. The decision between ice cream, Cool Whip, and homemade whipped cream was tough.
And don’t forget about the strawberries.
According to Betty Amundson, 32 quarts were donated and processed to make the topping that graced the homemade cake.
Church members donated their ingredients, time, and expertise to supply the feast with enough dessert to go around. The hardest choice to make was: shortcake or angel food cake?
“Shortcake is more dense, dry, and thicker,” said church member and cake server, Laurie Hall.
“I prefer the shortcake,” said Dawn Hilden. “I love it. Just remember that it’s dry and mix in the berries.”
The debate between making shortcake with Bisquick or going the “from scratch” traditional route with milk and baking soda was a light-hearted point of contention between a couple members.
But after adding a ladle full of strawberries and cream topping, it could be hard to tell the difference.
When everyone finished eating, Pastor Amanda Schultz led the worship service with music by Sandy Schmitz on accordion.
Funds raised from the free will offering will be used towards the youth mission trip to New Orleans, which includes 10 kids from Cashton. The church is also actively collecting donations to go towards their kitchen repairs.
Immanuel Lutheran Church is located west of Cashton, near the intersection of Odessa Ave.
and County Hwy PC. Immanuel is part of the Three Point Parish that includes Bethany and Trinity Lutheran churches.
