The Ultimate Sweet-Heart Dessert

I've always been a big fan of small bites. Things that can be made quickly, efficiently and are easy to eat. That is why these sweet hearts are absolutely perfect for anyone who has an eye for desserts but is short on time. I love this recipe because it's rich, creamy and the level of sweetness can be controlled based on the recipe - which is perfect for a girl like me who doesn't like overly sweet things. It also gives a nice fresh alternative to an overly rich cheesecake. Whether it be a special treat for your friends before a night out or for a night spent in watching a movie, it has always been a crowd pleaser for me. 

Sweet-Hearts

1 block of cream cheese (I used Philadelphia)

1 pound of strawberries (the larger the better)

4 tbsp of powdered sugar (or sometimes I use agave, use any sweetener you'd like!)

2 tsp of pure vanilla extract (you can also use lemon extract, anything to your liking)

3 tbsp of graham cracker crumbs

1. In a mixing bowl place in cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and 2 tbsp of graham cracker crumbs, reserving the remaining tbsp for the topping. 

• Mix thoroughly 

2. Before cutting strawberries ensure they are fully washed.

• Then cut the tops off by creating a v-shape.
• Hull out the strawberries by holding the strawberry with the stem side up and place a top rounded knife gently into the center of the strawberry.
• Twist the knife until a small hole is created 

3. Fill the cheese cake mixture into the strawberries allowing them to overflow.

4. Finish off the strawberries by topping them with a sprinkling of the remaining graham cracker crumbs. If you added lemon extract also top with some lemon zest and a sliced almond. 

5. Eat immediately - they taste much better this way! Otherwise the strawberries just get soggy. 

• If you don't intend on eating that many I would suggest making a half portion or storing the remaining cheesecake filling in a bowl to dip the strawberries in instead. 

6. Clean up!

The inner nerd in me actually had a great time making this arrangement. Simplicity is beauty.

Another easy way to hull the strawberries would to use a small melon baller! 

Such a sinfully delicious snack!

I hope you are all rushing to the kitchen to make this delectable treat! Makes you feel like you're eating something sinful yet it can't be that bad with all that fruit right?... 

Until next time,

Kelly