posted by Meryl 04-07-103 11:23 PM
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel cheese), softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
16 (about 1 pound) whole strawberries
8 graham cracker squares, finely crushed (about 2/3 cup)
In mixer bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and lemon peel until smooth and creamy; set aside.
Using a paring knife or small melon-baller, partially hollow out top of strawberries to a depth of 3/4 inch. Gently fill each with 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture. Roll tops into graham cracker crumbs. Arrange on serving platter.
Variation: Melt 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels; stir into softened cream cheese. Omit lemon juice and peel. Add 1/3 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Proceed as recipe directs. Substitute crushed chocolate wafers for graham crackers, if desired.
From California Strawberry Commission