Potluck/Picnic Desserts

Over the next two weeks, we'll be attending two (2, DOS, TWO) family reunions. One for his side of the familia, one for my side. So, I thought I'd share a recipe or two that I've made for the occasion:

Fruit Smoothie No Bake Cheesecake

2 graham cracker crusts
4 packages (8 oz. each) Neufchatel Cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 pkg. (12 oz.) frozen mixed berries, thawed, drained and smooshed with a fork (or use your blender thingy on your kitchen aid like I did...makes quick work of smooshing things)
1 8 oz. pkg. cool whip

So, smoosh your berries, add your sugar, then dump your 4 packages of cream cheese. BLEND. Toss in the cool whip. Fold it in well. (I dump everything into the KA, and let'r rip)

Put into crusts. Refrigerate. DELISH.


Ok, took this one to the church Memorial Day Picnic:

Strawberry Pretzel Squares

2 cups finely crushed pretzels
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 packages cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp. milk
1 cup thawed cool whip
2 cups boiling water
1 package 6 oz strawberry jello
1 1/2 cold water
1 qt. fresh strawberries, sliced

preheat oven 350. Mix pretzel crumbs, 1/4 sugar and butter, press on bottom of 13x9 pan, bake 10 minutes, and cool.
Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar and milk until blended. Stir in cool whip, spread on crust. Refrigerate.
Add boiling water to jello mix in large bowl. Stir until dissolved. Stir in cold water. Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours until thickened. Stir in strawberries. Spoon over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 3 hours until firm.

Enjoy!!