Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

I made these for an after dinner treat this week and it was a huge hit with the family.

Ingredients:
20 whole large strawberries, hulled
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
2/3 cup chopped pecans or crushed graham cracker (if using graham crackers, crush up and put a few crumbs and place in the bottom of the strawberry then add the cream cheese filling. It looks better that way then to have a bunch of crumbs on top of the strawberry).

Directions:
Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each strawberry so the berries stand upright. Place berries, cut side down, on a serving platter. Carefully cut the berries into 4 wedges, cutting almost to, but not through, the bottoms with a criss-cross cut. Fan wedges just slightly, taking care not to break them. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until combined but still stiff. Using a teaspoon or pastry bag with decorative tip, fill the strawberries with the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the stuffed strawberries. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

This recipe and the picture were adapted from FoodNetwork.com.