Strawberries with Pecan Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients:

• 20 whole large strawberries, hulled
• 220 g cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla or almond extract
• 2/3 cup chopped pecans

Preparation:

1. Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each strawberry so that the berries stand upright. Place them cut-side down on a serving platter. Carefully cut a cross across the top of the berries, cutting almost all the way through but not all the way through the bottom. Gently pull the slices apart, being careful not to break them.
2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until combined, but still stiff. Using a small spoon or a pastry bag with a decorative tip, fill the strawberries with the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with finely chopped nuts. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.