Once a week I have the opportunity to teach an hour long “spin” class at Lifetime Fitness.  Our members are very loyal to attending our classes.  As a little “perk” once and a while I will bring them a “treat” to eat after class is over.  This past Saturday we celebrated a 2 hour special Valentine cycle (spin) class.  As a little healthy and fruity (did I say delicious) treat I decided to make them filled strawberries.  There are a few recipes for this on the internet, however I wanted to put my take on the original.  What goes better with strawberries than chocolate (and of course some champagne, but I can’t bring that to class).  Hope you enjoy my version!

1 quart fresh strawberries
1 package cream cheese, room temperature (you can also use fat free)
1/3 cup confectioners’ powder sugar
1-2 tablespoons Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

Cut a very thin slice from the top of the strawberries and stand upright on the cut side.  Make a criss-cross cut on the opposite side of the berry cutting down almost to the bottom.  Gently with your fingertip, spread each strawberry apart to make “pedals”, or room for the filling.

Cut an X almost to the bottom of the berry after slicing top off

Beat together the cream cheese, powder sugar and liqueur until smooth in a mixer or a food processor.  Place filling into a piping bag with a star tip.  Pipe filling into each strawberry and arrange on a serving platter.

Optional:  Garnish with fresh mint, shaved chocolate, blueberries or powdered sugar.

Note:  You can also use 8 ounces mascarpone cheese and different flavors of liqueur.

Healthy post exercise treat

I also added “Chocolate Dipped Orange Segments” topped with sea salt….Enjoy!!!