BANANA SPLIT STUFFED STRAWBERIES
8-10 med-large strawberries
¼ cup melted chocolate (I used semi sweet choc. chips)
¼ cup roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted) crushed
4 oz softened cream cheese
3 tbls. Powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla
½ banana (mashed up)
Whipped cream for topping
Maraschino cherries (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)
Rinse and dry strawberries, cut a little off the bottom (to make it stand easy)
Cut off stems, and with a paring knife or a ¼ tsp measuring spoon, cut out a scoop of strawberry from the center (to make room to stuff with cream cheese)
Dip bottoms of strawberries in chocolate, and then dip in crushed peanuts, set on parchment paper placed on a baking sheet , and let set up.
In medium bowl, mix up softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and mashed banana until well combined.
When strawberries in chocolate are set up, stuff each berry with cream cheese filling ( using a teaspoon or a piping bag) Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve. Before serving top with a dollop of whipped cream, cherry and sprinkles. ENJOY!
NOTES- these are also cute with a little chocolate drizzled over top of whipped cream. You can put a little piece of pineapple on a toothpick, and stick in top. These taste the best, when served on the day prepared.
