Alice in the Kitchen

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries (God Bless America)

God Bless America.  In honor of the Fourth of July (and in light of the fact that we were moving and unpacking boxes on the holiday weekend), I wanted to make something patriotic (and easy) to take to a BBQ before the fireworks.  The standard.  I decided on cheesecake stuffed strawberries, topped with blueberries, and they were delicious.  And easy.  And festive.

But don’t limit yourself to the Fourth of July for this dessert – Matt said, “Feel free to make those anytime.”  How’s that for Independence Day?  Feeling free indeed…

I hope the feeling inspires you too.

a pint of strawberries
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla (or vanilla bean paste)

chopped pecans
blueberries

Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla (I used vanilla bean paste – I love that stuff!) until combined.  Spoon the mixture into a large bag and cut off the corner.

Cut a slice across the bottom of each strawberry so that they stand upright.  Place berries, cut side down, on your plate.  Carefully cut the berries into 4 wedges from the point, cutting close the bottoms.  Next, spread the wedges with your fingers just a little so you can get the tip of your cheesecake filled bag inside!

Now.. fill the strawberries with the cheesecake!

Top with blueberries and pecans as you like.  These would also be delicious sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs!