[ mmmm.... cheesecake! ]

THESE TARTS are the cutest little treats! with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'm always looking for some new sweets for my sweetie. These are from Better Homes and Gardens. I think i may just give these a try...

lisa

tiny raspberry cheesecake tarts

ingredients

2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, cut up 

1/2 teaspoon shortening 

1 2.1-ounce package baked miniature phyllo dough shells (fifteen 1-1/2-inch shells) 

1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened 

2 tablespoons dairy sour cream 

2 tablespoons powdered sugar 

2 teaspoons raspberry liqueur or milk 

15 fresh raspberries (optional) 

Fresh mint leaves (optional) 

directions

1. In a small saucepan, stir the cut-up chocolate and shortening over low heat until melted. Remove pan from heat. Using a clean small paintbrush, brush the inside (bottom and sides) of each phyllo shell evenly with the melted chocolate mixture. Return each shell to plastic tray included in package. Chill phyllo shells in refrigerator about 20 minutes or until chocolate is set.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in liqueur or milk. Transfer mixture to a small resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Snip off a corner of the bag. Pipe about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each shell. Cover tarts loosely; chill 2 to 4 hours.

3. If desired, garnish each tart with a fresh raspberry and mint leaves. Makes 15 tarts.