Over the fourth of July weekend I made a couple of dessert items to take to my friend's house. I've been wanting to make stuffed strawberries, and this seemed like the perfect time for them. The recipes I found weren't exactly what I was looking for. I decided to try it on my own and not follow a recipe which I need to do more often. It's really easy to rely on recipes, but it's time to get out of my comfort zone. I knew I wanted cream cheese in there so I started thinking about what would go well with it. (Cream cheese is one of my favorite things on this planet). Cinnamon and almonds sounded like great additions, and that's where I started. These turned out exactly the way I had hoped. Savory, sweet and nutty — I'm already craving more.
Stuffed Strawberries
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 package cream cheese, softened
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1 tbsp. heavy cream
1 cup powdered sugar
2 lbs. strawberries
DIRECTIONS
Rinse strawberries and set aside on a paper towel to dry. In a food processor (I used my magic bullet) combine sliced almonds and cinnamon. Blend to a medium-fine consistency.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth with a mixer.
Add heavy cream and almond extract. Beat well.
On medium-low, gradually beat in the nut mixture, then the powdered sugar. You want the mixture to be creamy but thick enough to be piped and to hold its shape in the strawberries. More or less powdered sugar may need to be added.
Using a paring knife, hollow out the center of the strawberry going around the stem in a cone shape. Cut approximately 1/4 inch off the tip of the strawberry so it can stand up on its own.
Add the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a wide star tip. Fill strawberries with the cream cheese mixture. Keep in fridge until serving.
I linked up at:
tasty tuesdays - for the love of blogs
sweet shot tuesdays - life with my 3 boybarianstuesdays around the world - communal global
Genius - those look so yummy!
These sound awesome, I might just make these for a party coming up. I might figure something out with a chocolate filling as well, any ideas? Do you think just adding cocoa would do it? I think the almond flavor would still be good even with chocolate. Thanks!
Debbi, you could drizzle them with melted chocolate. That would be yummy!
Oh my, I've never seen this before.
Looks delightful and I can't imagine how great they taste.
http://susan2956.blogspot.com/
yum! I bet those are delicious!!
Oh yum!!! Going to make these!!
These look absolutely amazing!
oh that looks awseome :) I'm definitely gonna try these :)
mmmm perfect post-bbq desert!
what a great idea! you have a such a great blog!
These look delicious! Such a great idea!
what a great idea...looks yummy!!!
Oh my goodness Amy! These look scrumptious! YUM!
What a delicious treat...
I'm making these for the office tomorrow; I've already whipped up the filling and it's delicious. I'm sure the office will be pleased!