Happy Birthday Canada!

~ our beautiful country is 148 years old! she doesn't look a day over 147! a day spent with friends, family and fireworks makes for a wonderful day. we love to entertain with our family and friends and wanted to share with you a super easy and delicious dessert Oz made that celebrated the red and white of the true north ~

~ Lemon Cream Cheese Puff Pastry with Strawberries ~

ingredients:

1 package thawed puff pastry

flour {to sprinkle for easy rolling of pastry}

lemon cream cheese filling {recipe below}

strawberries {any berry works. we chose red to represent Canada}

icing sugar {optional ~ for decorative purposes}

~ roll out puff pastry {be sure to liberally sprinkle some flour on your rolling pin and work space as puff pastry sticks}. don't over work it too much, roll out to your desired shape and thickness

~ cut slices in whatever shape you prefer. i did long rectangles because i thought it looked pretty

~ bake according to box instructions but keep an eye on it to be sure it doesn't over bake. you want it raised, golden and flaky, not dark brown and flat

~ allow to cool before spooning mixture. i used about a tablespoon of filling per slice

~ top with strawberries {or whatever berry flavor you desire}

~ voila! a delicious and easy dessert that looks fancy!

Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

~ this filling is a staple of mine. i use it for a variety of different desserts, including tarts. it is very easy to make and freezes well if you make too much ~

1 package cream cheese {softened at room temperature}

1 can sweeten condensed milk

a splash of vanilla extract {or to your own preference}

the rind/peel of one lemon

the juice of one lemon {less/more to your own preference}

~ beat cream cheese until smooth with either a hand mixer or kitchen aid

~ add the full can of sweeten condensed milk and continue beating {mixture will be liquid-like at first but will thicken as mixed}

~ add splash of vanilla, combine

~ add lemon peel and juice, combine

~ pour into a small bowl and allow to set in fridge for about 15 minutes before using