Apple Butterscotch Tart

So, I know it's totally lame that my first post is just a link. But, seriously, the Apple Butterscotch Tart that Jody makes is one of my favorite more recently added holiday family traditions. It's become my favorite thing to make whenever I need to contribute a dessert for a gathering of any size or fanciness, because (1) it's easy to make, and (2) it's amazingly delicious and tends to get rave reviews (plus you can tell them it's something your family makes for holidays and don't have to admit it's from verybestbaking.com). The only catch is that you do need to own a tart pan, but I've found that my $15 investment in one (that I've so far only used for this recipe) has been more than worth it.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Tomorrow is the 4th of July.
We're having a low-key party for friends in Seattle, which will be fun, but I'm really missing seeing everyone at Deep Creek. I'll be thinking of you all when I make and eat Jody's Strawberry Pretzel Salad!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad:

3/4 cup butter softened

3 Tbs. brown sugar

2 and 1/2 cups crushed pretzels

1 (6oz.) package strawberry flavored gelatin

2 cups boiling water

3 cups strawberries chilled

1 (8oz.) package cream cheese

1 cup white sugar

1 (8ox.) container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip) thawed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter with the brown sugar. Mix in the pretzels and pat mixture in the bottom of one 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, dissolve the gelatin the boiling water and stir in the strawberries. Chill until partially thickened.

In a small bowl beat the cream cheese and white sugar together until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream. Spread mixture over the top of the cooled crust, making sure to seal the edges. Chill then pour the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Chill until firm.

Makes 10 servings.