Almond-Stuffed Strawberries

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The strawberries are back!!!  Hooray!!! Our family is crazy for strawberries, and I love how their lovely red color adds beauty to pound cakes, fruit pizza, and every bowl of cereal we eat!  However, when I'm feeling particularly fancy, I bust out a much beloved recipe (courtesy of my friend Heather) that's as much a treat for the eyes as the mouth.

Here's what you need:

  • 12 large strawberries
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 package cream cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds (about 24 pieces)
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Wash and half the berries.

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Using a small paring knife or a serrated grapefruit spoon, scoop out the middle (the "heart") of the berries.

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Dry with paper towels.

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Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and dip the berries in the chocolate halfway up the berries.

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Allow to cool completely.

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Meanwhile, blend the cream cheese, honey, and almond extract until smooth.

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Place a ziploc bag into a small glass for easy handling of the filling.

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Fill the bag with the cream cheese mixture.

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Gently squeeze the mixture in the bag to get rid of any air.  Snip the bottom so you can squeeze the mixture out.  (If you have a pastry bag, feel free to use that instead, but this trick works just fine!)

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When the chocolate has hardened, squeeze the cream cheese in a circle on the strawberry.

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Then fill in the circle with an extra pass of the cream cheese.

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Take a large single almond slice and place on top of the cream cheese.

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Have fun serving your pretty dessert, fancy pants!!!Enjoy!