Upside-Down Strawberry Shortcake

From Taste of Home magazine, www.tasteofhome.com

A slice of strawberry shortcake is always tempting, but this one is even more so with a surprising fruit layer on the bottom.

1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 package (16 ounces) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Fresh strawberries and whipped cream
Sprinkle marshmallows evenly into a greased 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish; set aside. In a bowl, combine strawberries and gelatin powder; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Pour batter over the marshmallows. Spoon strawberry mixture evenly over batter. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Garnish with strawberries and whipped cream.

Yield: 12-16 servings.