Cooking 101 - Summer Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake

We had a fun little pot-luck lunch today with the women from my church and this is what I brought to share. You know - because it's LOADED with vitamin-rich strawberries and bone building dairy. Who needs a sandwich when you could have THIS?

This dessert is sweet, tangy, and oozes summertime! You have to try it. It only takes TEN MINUTES TO MAKE, which is a huge bonus. Be sure you can give the rest of this away after you have a piece because you'll eat the whole thing.



Summer Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake

Crust:
2 c. Graham cracker crumbs
6 Tbsp. Butter, melted
1/4 c. Sugar

Mix together, press firmly onto bottom of 9 x 13" pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

Filling:
4 pkgs. (8 oz) Light cream cheese, softened (like THAT'S gonna make a big difference if you use "light"!)
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. Strawberry preserves
2 c. Fresh strawberries, chopped
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed**
Chopped nuts (optional)

Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer until well blended. Add strawberries and preserves, mix well. Stir in whipped topping until combined. Spread over crust, sprinkle with nuts if you like nuts; cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or until firm.

**If you don't have Cool Whip, combine 1 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream and 1/4 to 1/2 c. sugar; beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until stiff.