Sensational Strawberries

With strawberries popping up all over the city in droves (and at excellent prices), why not try making stuffed strawberries for your next function. Each one is like a mini-strawberry cheesecake and sure to be enjoyed by your guests. The recipe first appeared in Martha Stewart a few years back but this is a timeless dessert perfect for the dessert buffet.

Stuffed Strawberries
- Whip 6 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese on medium speed until slightly fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 1 1/2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar.
- Trim tops and bottoms of 12 strawberries to level.
- Use a small melon baller to scoop out tops.
- Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch star tip with cream cheese mixture; pipe into berries until it brims over tops.
- Toast 1/4 cup sliced almonds in a 350 degrees oven until golden-brown, 3 to 6 minutes; arrange slices over filling.