Strawberry-Almond Tart

Crust
  • 36 honey graham crackers (about 9 sheets)
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp light butter, melted
  • 4 tsp. water
  • Cooking spray
Filling
  • 2/3 cup light cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp. almond extract
Topping
  • 6 cups small fresh strawberries, divided
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp sliced almonds, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  To prepare crust, place crackers in a food processor and process until crumbly.  Add 2 tablespoons sugar, butter and water and pulse until moist.  Place graham cracker mixture in a 9-inch round removable-bottom tart pan (or 8 x 12-inch rectangular pan) coated with cooking spray, pressing into bottom and up the sides of the pan to 3/4 inch.  Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare filling, combine cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and extracts in a medium bowl and stir until smooth.  Spread mixture evenly over bottom of tart shell.

To prepare topping, place 2 cups strawberries in your food processor and process until pureed.  Combine strawberry puree, 2/3 cup sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-heat, stirring constantly with a whisk.  Bring to a boil, continuing to stir constantly, and reduce heat to low.  Cook for 1 minute.  Remove glaze from heat, and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Combine 4 cups of strawberries and juice; toss to coat.  Arrange berries, bottoms up, in a circular pattern over filling.  Spoon half of glaze evenly over berries and reserve remaining glaze for ice cream topping or any other use you desire).  Sprinkle toasted almonds around edge, cover and chill up to 3 hours.  Enjoy!