Ellen ~~Defining Myself

Have you ever..........just really took a deep breath? Smelled the outdoors? Felt ALIVE~!!!  I had a moment this morning, feeling frustrated~needing  a good feeling...sometimes , I sigh....well, that is all it took. I had a moment. I actually was sent somewhere. I am not sure where. But I felt fresh, healthy, and alive.  I encourage you to just really relieve your mind of all worries, and see if it will work for you.  Literally I was walking down the highway. So, it wasn't like I was in yoga or anything. I do believe this  can happen anywhere. I am not sure if it will happen again, but I am grateful.  

This is a crazy week. Catering at a turbo speed. We have graduations this week. So, I am making cake, mints, cupcakes, at all hours. So, I am not taking care of myself very well. But, I bring this on myself, I know. So, I missed class last week and will also miss it this week. I am in the need of inspiration. So, I blogged...you  all do inspire me. Thank you!!!

 

No Bake Strawberry Pie

This pie just says, "Summer"!

serves 8 ( 8 points +)

         25 Nabisco's Famous Chocolate Wafers

• 3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tsp. canola oil
• 6 oz. reduced fat cream cheese
• ⅓ c. powdered sugar
• ¾ tsp. vanilla
• 2 c. Cool Whip Free
• 2 T. seedless strawberry or raspberry preserves
• ½ tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 lb. small strawberries, hulled and cut in half
  

Place chocolate wafers in a food processor and process until finely ground. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave safe dish and microwave 1 minute or until chocolate melts, stirring every 15 seconds. Add melted chocolate and canola oil to the food processor; process until well combined.
Press chocolate mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9" pie pan. Freeze for 15 minutes.


Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. Fold in Cool Whip. Carefully spread over crust.


Place preserves in a large bowl. Microwave 10-15 seconds or until softened. Add lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Add berries and toss to coat. Arrange berries over pie.


Chill 30 minutes or until ready to serve.