If you have little ones at home it’s time to start thinking about what they’re going to leave out for Santa and his reindeer this year! Some cookies, a glass of milk, and some carrots or an apple are the traditional standbys. But wouldn’t it be fun to stand out from the rest and give Santa a treat that he’d be sure to remember? After all, he’ll be getting plenty of cookies at the other houses! We may be a bit biased here at Strawberries.com, but we think leaving Santa a strawberry treat would be a nice surprise.
Here are a few simple suggestions!
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Ingredients:
· 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
· 1 pound strawberries (about 20), washed and patted dry
Directions:
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper. In a microwave-safe glass bowl, microwave the chocolate, stopping and stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.
- Hold the strawberry by the stem end, dip it in the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. As you set the strawberry down, slide it ½ inch to the side to prevent the formation of a chocolate “foot.” Repeat with the remaining berries.
- Refrigerate the strawberries on the baking sheet until the chocolate is firm, at least 30 minutes.
Recipe adapted from RealSimple.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberries
Ingredients:
· 3 dozen large fresh strawberries
· 2 packages (one 8 oz., one 3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
· ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
· ¼ teaspoon almond extract
· Grated chocolate
Directions:
- Remove stems from strawberries; cut a deep “X” in the tip of each berry. Gently spread berries open.
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and extract until light and fluffy. Pipe or spoon about 2 teaspoons into each berry; sprinkle with chocolate. Chill until serving. Yield: 3 dozen.
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.
Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Topping
Ingredients:
· 1 loaf angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 2 packages (.3 oz each) sugar-free strawberry gelatin
· 2 cups boiling water
· 1 package (20 oz.) frozen unsweetened whole strawberries, thawed
· 2 cups cold 1% milk
· 1 package (1 oz.) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
· 1 carton (8 oz.) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed
· Chopped fresh strawberries, optional
Directions:
- Arrange cake cubes in a single layer in a 13-in. x 9-in. dish. In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water; stir in strawberries. Pour over cake and gently press cake down. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set.
- Spoon over gelatin layer. Spread with whipped topping. Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with chopped fresh strawberries if desired.
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.