Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

1 pound large strawberries

8oz. block cream cheese – soft

3 – 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (depends on how sweet you want the filling)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or use almond, lemon, etc. )

Graham cracker crumbs

Instructions:

Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top and clean out inside with a paring knife if necessary. I found most of the strawberries already had a nice hollow center so that step was not necessary. If you want to stand your strawberries upright (like in the picture) slice a bit off the bottom. One strawberries are prepped set aside.

Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla with a mixer or by hand. Add cream cheese mix to piping bag and fill strawberries. Once strawberries are filled dip the top in graham cracker crumbs. Devour and fall in love.

You could also drizzle or dip strawberries in chocolate if desired.

Soft Pretzels

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

1 1/2 C. warm water
1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast (1 1/2 pkg.)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 1/8 tsp salt
1 C. bread flour
3 C. regular flour
2 C. warm water
2 Tbsp baking soda
To taste, coarse salt
2 – 4 Tbsp butter (melted)

Sprinkle yeast on lukewarm water in mixing bowl; stir to dissolve. Add sugar, salt and stir to dissolve; add flour and knead dough until smooth and elastic. Let rise at least 1/2 hour.

While dough is rising, prepare a baking soda water bath with 2 cups warm water and 2 tbsp baking soda. Be certain to stir often.

After dough has risen, pinch off bits of dough and roll into a long rope (about 1/2 inch or less thick) and shape. Dip pretzel in soda solution and place on greased baking sheet. Allow pretzels to rise again. Bake in oven at 450 for about 10 minutes or until golden. Brush with melted butter and enjoy!

Toppings:
After you brush with butter try sprinkling with coarse salt.

Ranch Style Pretzels

1 Pkg. Pretzels 15 oz (small size)
1 Envelope Ranch Salad Dressing Mix (3 Tbs.)
1/2 C. Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 tsp. Dill Weed
1 tsp. garlic powder

Sprinkle Ranch dressing in bowl, add oil, dill weed, and garlic powder mix well. Place pretzels in small roaster or 13 x 9 inch cake pan. Pour oil and dressing mixture over pretzels and mix through pretzels. Place in preheated oven at 200 for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.