Valentine's Day Recipe - Low Calorie Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

I made the mistake today of going to the grocery store during the 5pm hour. On Valentine's Eve. As Homer Simpson would say, "D-oh!"

Not only was I amazed at the sheer number of people in the store, I was amazed at the things they were purchasing! Cupcakes, candies, and chocolate covered strawberries galore! I am convinced there was more business in the store today than there is during the Christmas season. (Maybe I just did a better job of avoiding the mass hysteria in December?)

Anywho, I was trying to decide what I could create and bring to work tomorrow that was 1) healthy 2) delicious and 3) sort of Valentine's-y. At long last, I stumbled across a recipe for Low Calorie Strawberry Cheesecake Bites. At a whopping (not so much) 17.5 calories per bite, this recipe is the perfect combination of naughty (delicious) and nice (healthy!). If you ever need to make a quick and easy snack that you won't feel guilty about, here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1/8 c. fat free cream cheese 1 tbp. and 1 tsp. powdered sugar 2 packets Splenda 8 large strawberries 1/4 reduced fat graham cracker sheet

Directions

*Makes 8 strawberry cheesecake bites, 1 per serving*

1. In a small mixing bowl use a fork or mixing spoon to beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and Splenda until smooth and creamy, set aside.
2. Using a paring knife, hollow the strawberries, being careful not to puncture the sides. Gently fill each with cream cheese mixture just slightly above the tops. Place them on a cookie sheet (I found mini muffin tins to also work well) as you do this.
3. Once all of the strawberries are filled, dip each top into the graham cracker crumbs and place back onto the cookie sheet.
4. Place the cookie sheet into the refrigerator and leave them for a few hours or over night to completely chill.
5. ENJOY!

Before:

Tada! The completed product! After: