Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2

Using your hands, work the coconut oil in until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, and milk and mix until just combined. The dough will be more moist and pliable than traditional biscuit dough.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured piece of parchment paper and pat into a ½-inch-thick rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds and pat or roll again until 1-inch thick. Freeze for 20 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5

Remove the dough from the freezer and use a 2½-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out 3 to 4 biscuits. Re-roll the scraps as necessary to cut out 8 1-inch thick biscuits. Place the biscuits on the baking sheet.

Step 6

If desired, brush the tops of the biscuits with a little almond milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Step 7

Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

Step 8

Assemble the strawberry shortcakes with the biscuits, strawberries, cream, and mint, if desired.