The Big Strawberry Shortcake Fake-Out

 My knitting buddy, Pat, gave me this quirky recipe. She told me her father made it up once when he was in a pinch wondering what to make with strawberries that the kids would like. Now, I make it as a dessert or snack and I've added my own twist, which I'll tell you about after I give you the main recipe.

• 4-5 Ritz Crackers (more or less)
• 4-5 Strawberries (more or less), sliced
• 2 Tablespoons whipped cream (more or less)

In a bowl, break the crackers into pieces, do not crush. Next, add the strawberries, Top this with dollops of whipped cream. Makes one serving.

I like to stir mine all up, but Pat eats it like it is. I am here to tell you, this tastes better than traditional strawberry shortcake. The combination of the sweet strawberries and cream are the perfect compliment to the buttery, salty crackers. I was a skeptic, too, but try it, you'll like it. And kids LOVE it!  

Now, for my twist on this recipe. Once I ran out of strawberries and decided to substitute a container of chocolate pudding. I used the lunch box size, since that is what I keep on hand for my grandson. WOW! It tasted just like chocolate pie. The crackers were like the pie crust.

I have since substituted a lot of things for the strawberries:

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Butterscotch pudding
• Vanilla pudding
• Lowfat puddings
• Lowfat whipped topping
• Reduced fat Ritz Crackers
•  
• No, matter what I change, the outcome is still the same, delicious! I gave this recipe to my sister and she expanded it to make a large dish, which she served at a family get together. The reaction from them all was the same as mine--they loved it.

Try this quick and easy recipe and let me know how you like it.