Strawberry Three Cheese Mold Recipes

NO-BAKE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BRAIN

Steps:

• For the graham cracker crust: Pulse the graham crackers, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a food processor until crumbs form. Drizzle in the butter and pulse until the mixture looks like wet sand. Transfer to a bowl and wipe out the food processor.
• For the cheesecake: Whisk the gelatin into 1/3 cup warm water and let sit until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Pulse the cream cheese in the food processor until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Then add the granulated sugar, vanilla, salt, lemon juice and softened gelatin. Pulse until completely smooth. With the food processor running, add the heavy cream and enough food coloring to make the batter a light pink. Process until combined.
• For the strawberry syrup: Combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring to a simmer and simmer until the berries are very soft but still holding their shape. Strain the syrup, transfer the berries to a small bowl and chill. Return the syrup to the saucepan and continue cooking until thickened, about 10 minutes. Chill the syrup until ready to use.
• Coat a plastic 9.75-by-8.5-by-4-inch (7-cup) brain-shaped gelatin mold generously with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the mold, swirling the batter to cover all sides of the mold. Freeze for 5 minutes to let the batter thicken. Using the back of a spoon, spread the batter up the sides so there is a 1/2-inch-thick coating around the entire mold. Freeze for 10 minutes to set the batter.
• Add the strawberries to the center of the mold. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the strawberry syrup over the strawberries. Evenly spread the remaining batter over the berries, pressing the batter into the mold to fill any gaps. Top with the graham cracker crumbs, pressing to create a firm crust. Place the cheesecake in the freezer until the sides are very firm and almost frozen, about 2 hours. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 2 hours before serving.
• To unmold the cheesecake: First, carefully place the mold briefly into a bowl of hot water, then run a small offset spatula around the edge of the mold to help release the cheesecake from the sides. Invert onto a plate and poke small holes in the mold with a paring knife to help release the cheesecake from the mold. Carefully pull off the mold. Top the brain with the remaining strawberry syrup.

VELMA'S STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE SALAD MOLD

Steps:

• Prepare jello according to package instructions. Have jello cold, but not set.
• Blend cream cheese and cream till smooth. Add to jello. (Don't worry about any lumps of cream cheese that may be in the mixture. They are quite pretty - and tasty - in the final product!).
• Add diced celery, drained pineapple, and nuts. Stir till well mixed.
• Pour into mold and refrigerate until firm.
• Note: if you're having a brunch or shower, consider serving this along side Recipe #319338 (Chicken Mold) - they are wonderful together!

STRAWBERRY THREE CHEESE MOLD

Steps:

• Line a 2 cup mold or bowl with plastic wrap, letting the wrap hang over the edges.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the 3 cheeses.
• Add the vinegar and mix well.
• Season to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper.
• Spoon into mold, cover and refrigerate until firm.
• One half hour before serving, unmold unto a serving plate.
• Lightly press strawberry slices on to surfaces, covering top and sides.
• Grind more pepper over strawberries.
• Top with fresh basil and serve with crackers.

HOMEMADE CHEESE STRAWS

Steps:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry dough to a 9-by-20-inch rectangle. Sprinkle 3/4 cup cheese over center of dough. Starting at the near short end, fold dough into thirds, enclosing cheese. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate 1 hour. Repeat. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Cut dough in half; wrap half in plastic, and refrigerate. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half the dough to a 12-by-15-inch rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. (Do not press too hard on edges.)
• Using a pastry brush, dust off excess flour; brush beaten egg over dough until well moistened. Sprinkle 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cheese and a pinch of salt over lower half of dough. Fold top half over cheese-covered half. Gently press to seal. Brush top of dough with beaten egg; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cheese and a pinch of salt.
• Trim dough to 12 by 6 1/2 inches with a pastry wheel or knife. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough, cheese, and salt.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Using a pastry wheel, cut dough into 3/8-by-12-inch strips; twist into spirals. Space 1/2 inch apart on baking sheets. Press ends onto sheets to prevent straws from straightening. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Bake until golden and cooked through, about 18 minutes. Loosen straws from sheets with a thin spatula; transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in airtight containers at room temperature up to 1 day.

STRAWBERRY JELLO MOLD -

Steps:

• Add boiling water to jello. Add frozen strawberries and stir until separated. Add crushed pineapple with juice. Pour half of mixture into glass bowl lightly sprayed with cooking oil and refrigerate to set. When firm, spread whipped cream cheese on top of the chilled strawberry jello and pineapple mixture. Add the rest of the jello mixture to top the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until well firm and serve.