Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Pomp and Circumstance



Spring is often a time of celebrations. Whether you’re planning a graduation, anniversary, or other gathering, impress your guests with the Van Otis EliteSwiss Fudge Chocolate Fountain by Sephra. If you live in the Manchester, NH area, the Elite fountain is also available for rental. Call Van Otis at (800) 826-6847 for more information.

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, (Chocolate Fountain of Youth and You’d Eat (Blank) if it Were Covered in Chocolate), chocolate fountains are a great party centerpiece, appreciated by both kids and adults. Part of the fun is finding different dipping items. This is a new favorite.

Cheesecake Strawberries

Approximately 20 large strawberries
8 oz. package of softened cream cheese
2 tablespoons of sour cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 graham cracker pie crust

  • Wash strawberries
  • Remove stems and core strawberries with a small knife to make approximately a one-inch-deep well in the top of each berry
  • Mix cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla with an electric hand mixer or in a food processor until smooth
  • Put pie crust in a separate bowl and break into crumbs with a fork
  • Fill each strawberry with cheesecake filling using a spoon or piping bag
  • Press the exposed cheesecake filling on the top of each strawberry into graham cracker crumbs
  • Skewer or insert toothpicks into the top of each berry for dipping


It’s important to pre-insert a dipping holder into the top of the berry. You want guests to dip the berry tip NOT the cheesecake/graham cracker end. If the filling or crumbs get into your chocolate, they may clog the fountain mechanisms. Extra-long toothpicks or wooden skewers work well.