Stuffed Strawberry Bites

The United States produces the largest amount of strawberries in the world, over 1.3 tonnes in one year!   Our largest crop comes from California and it's the milder temperatures that allow us to have fresh strawberries almost year round.   Here in Texas we are anxiously awaiting fall but it was 112 degrees in Austin so we are still in summer-mode.   I wanted to create a snack for Emma that was on the healthier side but yet easy to pop into her mouth, so I prepared my stuffed strawberry bites!   She loves to grab the leaves, take her bite and throw the stem away.   Cool, creamy and sweet - these are sure to please!

Stuffed Strawberry Bites

 Ingredients:

• 15-20 strawberries, washed and dried
• 1 C mascarpone cheese
• 1 T sugar
• 1/3 heavy cream

Directions:   Wash and dry the strawberries and leave the leaves and stem attached.  I used a hand corer to core the center of each strawberry, then a small paring knife to remove it.   Set aside.   In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone and sugar until light and fluffy.   Slowly add the cream and beat until stiff.   Fill a piping bag with a star tip and gently pipe mascarpone cream filling into each strawberry and serve!   You can prepare these ahead of time, cover with Saran Wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Perfect for a Girls Night Out cocktail party, just serve with your favorite champagne!