My sister-in-law, Georgia, has been here on vacation and is on her way home to Tennessee. We usually get to see her only once a year and had a good-bye dinner the other night … I was asked to bring dessert. I needed to use whatever I had at home and because there was no time for a grocery store trip. Seven people would be at the dinner … four of which are diabetic and I know that they rely on sugar-free instant pudding as a safe dessert. There were strawberries in the fridge that “needed” to be used. So, I came up with this combo and it was sooo simple and fast!

This is what I used … strawberries, sugar-free (or regular) instant pudding mix, milk, cream cheese and vanilla bean paste …

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and vanilla bean paste …

Add milk … and pudding mix

Beat until smooth …

Scoop into dessert dishes …

Top with berries …

Garnish with whipped cream, if desired …

Easy pudding with berries

4 ounces softened cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (vanilla extract may be substituted)

3 cups milk

1 box (6 serving size) instant vanilla pudding mix (regular or sugar-free)

2 – 2 1/2 cups sliced strawberries (other berries may be substituted)

Whipped cream for garnish

In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Add milk and pudding mix … beat until smooth. Scoop into dessert dishes. Top with berries and chill until ready to serve. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Serves 8