WildWSS: Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cookie Pizza

Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cookie Pizza

O k, I know! The past few recipes have been focused on something a bit spicy or hot or soupy and we are now sporting Spring heading into Summer. Memorial Day just left us and Independence Day is marching home. What better time to celebrate the traditional Strawberry Season! The grocery store, farmers markets, roadside stands are hubs of Strawberry Activity!

D id you know the strawberry plant was mentioned in ancient Roman literature. How about the fact that the entire strawberry plant was used to treat depressive illnesses. Just check out this storied history of the STRAWBERRY: click here! And the strawberry is one of about four fruits that has it's seeds on the outside! Wow! See:

H ere in California, Strawberries are King! California is the nation's biggest producer of strawberries with over 2.3 BILLION, yes BILLION, pounds of strawberries harvested in 2013 which is about 88% of the nations total strawberries including fresh and frozen. And one last California fact, all California strawberries are hand picked! OMG, my back aches!

G eesh, I almost FORGOT! We were suppose to be talking about Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cookie Pizza! This little dessert is easy to make, creates a "pretty presentation" and, shh, your guests will think you slaved away in the kitchen for hours! SO...

Let's Try It!

Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cookie Pizza

(adapted from Kitchen Meets Girl)

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. roll sugar cookie dough
3 - 4 c. sliced strawberries (California strawberries of course...)
1 container (approx. 13 oz.) strawberry glaze (usually found in the produce section)
1 c. chocolate baking chips (or white baking chips for a bit lighter presentation)*
1 8 oz. tub/package cream cheese, softened
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

*note: For lighter cream cheese filling, use less baking chips. Maybe 3/4 cup.

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. While the oven is preheating, press the cookie dough into a 10 inch glass pie dish - much like you are creating a pie crust. Try to make sure the dough is evenly distributed for a uniform 'crust'. Bake the dough for approximately 20 minutes until a light golden brown. Allow the 'baked cookie crust' to cool completely.

3. While the dough is cooling, you can slice your strawberries and gently mix with the glaze. Set aside.

4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate baking chips on high for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Stir to mix and smooth. In a
medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with electric mixer, medium speed, until smooth. Stir the slightly cooled & mixed baking chips with the cream cheese until blended.

5. With the cookie dough crust cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.

6. Spread the strawberry glaze mixture over the cream cheese filling. Refrigerate until serving!

7. Alas, garnish servings with a little sprig of fresh mint! Guess what, I have fresh mint in my garden!

W ow! Does that not look amazing! So, what are you waiting for? Get your Fresh California Strawberry Fix today. I have to go... Cause I think I need another slice... or two...