Easy Strawberry Shortcakes

2 (16-oz.) containers fresh strawberries, quartered
1 cup sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
8 frozen biscuits
Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Combine strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and, if desired, almond extract. Cover berry mixture, and let stand 2 hours.

Beat whipping cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add 2 Tbsp. sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Mix in almond extract if desired. Cover and chill up to 2 hours.

Roll frozen biscuits in sugar and bake according to package directions.

Split biscuits in half horizontally. Spoon about 1/2 cup berry mixture onto each shortcake bottom; top each with a rounded Tbsp. chilled whipped cream, and cover with tops. Serve with remaining whipped cream. Garnish, if desired.

Strawberry Jam Shortcakes: Prepare recipe as directed. Before topping shortcake bottoms with strawberry mixture, stir together 1/4 cup strawberry jam and 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint. Spread cut sides of bottom shortcake halves evenly with jam mixture. Proceed with recipe as directed.