A Little Treat

So my sister Nikki and I love to try recipes out of my new cookbook that I got from my sister-in-law Catherine for mothers day. We made these yumminesses the other day and fell in love. They are perfect for a baby or bridal shower or just a little treat! It's a great way to add a little flavor to chocolate covered strawberries.

Cream Cheese Filled Strawberries

2 pints strawberries
1 package of cream cheese
3/4 c powdered sugar
1 tsp almond extract
1/4 c semi sweet choc chips
1/2 tsp shortening

Rinse and dry strawberries- set aside
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract with an electric mixer on high.  Using a sharp knife cut a strawberry from tip almost to the stem in the middle of the strawberry. Make another cut crosswise, making an "X" Be careful not to cut all the way trhough the strawberry. If the strawberry is stitting on the stem it should flare open, repeat this step with the remaining strawberries.
Using a filled decorating bag (or ziploc bag) gently pipe the cream cheese filling into each strawberry.
Place choc chips and shortening in small ziploc bag and microwave for 20-30 seconds or until the choc is melted. Make sure top is sealed and mash choclate with the melted shortening. Cut a small corner of the bag off and drizzle chocolate over the filled strawberries. Refridgerate and serve once chocolate has hardened.