Special Dessert Recipe

Strawberries and peaches are both in season, and either may be used in this recipe.

Creamy Fruit Squares

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Bake Time: 68 minutes

Serving: 16 squares

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

3/4 cup of butter, melted

3/4 cup of chopped pecans

1 cup of granulated sugar

1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons of strawberry or peach flavored gelatin

1 cup of water

2 cups of powdered sugar

1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened

1 8-ounce carton frozen whipped dessert topping, thawed

3 cups of sliced strawberries or peaches

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. For crust, combine the 1 1/2 cups flour and the butter; stir in

pecans. Pat pecan mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cool in pan.

2. For strawberry or peach topping, in a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, the 1/4 cup flour and the strawberry or peach flavored gelatin; stir in water. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Cover surface and chill about30 minutes or until partially set (consistency of unbeaten egg whites).

3. In a large mixing bowl, gradually add powdered sugar to cream cheese, beating with an electric mixer on medium speed until com

Electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add whipped topping by spoonfuls; beat until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust. Arrange sliced strawberries or peaches on cream cheese layer Spoon strawberry or peach topping over cut strawberries or peaches. Cover; chill for 4 to 24 hours.