Spring is finally here and springtime gatherings like Easter, Mothers day and Bridal showers are right around the corner. This year make it special with individual servings of these beautiful fresh fruit tartlets with cream cheese filling. They are so simple because I use store-bought gram cracker crusts. Theses crusts are shelf-stable and good to keep on hand for last-minute treats. The filling whips together in minutes, decorating with fresh fruit is creative, and fun even children like to help. Your guests young and old will love these tartlets as they feature colorful fresh fruit on a lightly sweetened cream cheese base.

(Fresh Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese Filling)

Makes 6 (you can easily double this recipe to serve more).

6 store-bought individual graham cracker crusts
1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (more if you like things sweeter)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
variety fresh fruit (I like strawberries, kiwis and blueberries because you can slice the strawberries and kiwis to make them go further and these offer a good variety of color. Other good options are raspberries, blackberries, peaches or sliced grapes).

In a medium-large mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Mix these together well until creamy and smooth.

Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the 6 crusts and top with sliced fruits in a variety of patterns. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Easy Appetizers in an Instant

This snack is a prefect easy appetizer especially for last minute entertaining. All you need is a block of cream cheese, your spice cabinet and a few crackers to make easy appetizers in an instant that will have your guests wondering how you do it all so gracefully. Using the Pretty Plate Principles of Color, Shape and Texture you can turn everyday cream cheese into a gourmet treat.

Cream Cheese Trio is a perfect inexpensive, easy, delicious and impressive appetizer. You can have it ready in a moment’s notice.

Great things about cream cheese:

It is relatively inexpensive. Look for it on sale and pick up as few to have on hand.
As long as the package is kept sealed it will stay fresh for almost 2 months.
It goes well with so many different flavors and most people already love cream cheese.

Here is how to do it:

Cream Cheese Trio

Turn a regular block of cream cheese into an Easy Appetizers in an Instant

Take an ordinary block of cream cheese cut it in half to have to squares. Cut one square in half at an angle to create two triangles and cut the other square cut in half lengthwise to get two smaller rectangles. We cut 4 pieces but only need 3 for this application. Wrap one of the triangles and save it for other spreads or breakfast. I add toppings to the other three to make them interesting and unique.
Take one of the rectangles, lightly dust it with your favorite herb seasoning, Italian and garlic, lemon pepper, Cajun, whatever your family and friends like best.
Take the next piece and press it into some chopped toasted nuts, sesame seeds or even some cut up crumbs from crunchy-flavored crackers.
For the remaining piece – top it with your favorite jam: raspberry, orange marmalade, strawberry, almost anything will work.
Place all three pieces on a serving plate, add crackers, fresh veggies if desired and serving utensils.

You just made cream cheese a festive quick and delightful appetizer!

Remember cream cheese is white and pretty basic like a blank canvas. The goal is to add color, shape and texture to it, making it a stunning treat.

Pick up your copy of The Pretty Plate for more simple techniques and recipes, and learn about the five elements to make your everyday meals magnificent.