STRAWBERRY "CHEESECAKE" PARFAIT

Dessert...Dessert...Dessert!

I love cheesecake but am a little leery of making it from scratch and the whole "baking" thing.

This tastes just like cheesecake and you can use whatever sliced fruit or berries and roasted glazed nuts....sometimes I even substitute crushed biscotti cookies for the nuts...whatever you like!

It is a great make-ahead dessert too which I need since I am just not a baker or much of a dessert fan. This makes about 4 servings so adjust the ingredients for your crowd.

Ingredients:

2 ounces Brie cheese, room temp

3 ounces cream cheese, room temp

2-3 tbl sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

2 cups sliced strawberries

1/2 cup butter-toffee glazed sliced almonds (bulk section of your grocery)

drizzle of honey (optional)

Discard the rind of the Brie cheese. In a medium bowl beat Brie, cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice until almost smooth.

In a parfait glass divide about half the strawberries in the bottom of the glasses. Top with the cheese mixture and then sprinkle with almonds. Repeat this and if you want, drizzle some honey on the top.

And just for GRINS...costs about $3.50 per person and only has 250 calories per person!!!!!

ENJOY!

STRAWBERRY-WATERMELON SMOOTHIE WITH GINGER

Another hot one at the beach, so here is my last summer smoothie!!!!! If you are in the mood to add a little bit more health benefit to these smoothies, try a little of the following ingredients to boost your electrolytes, antioxidants and alphalynolenic.

Coconut Water (not milk) boosts your electrolytes and adds a lot of potassium
Acai Puree is loaded with antioxidants, minerals, fiber and vitamins A and C
Flaxseed Meal has alphalynolenic which promotes heart health and has cholesterol reducing fiber


For this great smoothie:

Combine
3 cups cubed seeded watermelon
2 cups cubed strawberries (stems removed)
1-1/2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
1-1/2 tsp fresh lime juice
Lots of good vodka
crushed ice


Blend in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add a little of any other ingredient listed above to at least make you feel better about the glorious VODKA!
ENJOY!

ELLEN'S STRAWBERRY SALAD

Yes another great recipe from my dear friend Ellen. As all summer fruits and vegetables are at their best, mixing them in great summer salads are always great and appreciated on these hot days. Ellen says every time she makes this salad it is always A BIG HIT!

Adding a nice ciabatta or other italian bread or even nice sliced toasted tortillas makes it more of a meal.

Ingredients:

Salad

2-1/2 cups sliced strawberries

6 cups field greens

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Dressing

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp pepper

Mix all salad ingredients in a large serving bowl. In a small bowl mix together all dressing ingredients and pour over the salad. Gently toss and serve.

A nice summer treat!

Thanks Ellen!

ENJOY!