Strawberry Chocolate Éclair Fantasy

A 1st Prize winning recipe in the NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE and Better Homes & Gardens Recipe Contest, this recipe was submitted by Linda Morten of Katy, TX. Just like your favorite chocolate éclair, this recipe combines rich, semi-sweet chocolate with flavorful strawberries in a beautiful presentation highlighted with whipped cream and strawberries.

Preparation Time: 1 hr
Cooking Time: 25 mins
Cooling Time: 4 hrs 30 mins refrigerating

Servings: 8 servings

ÉCLAIR SHELL
3/4 cup water
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs

FILLING
1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
3 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 package (8 ounces) Neufchâtel (light cream cheese), softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar

15 large strawberries, hulled and tops trimmed level
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
1 3/4 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Powdered sugar

PREHEAT oven to 450 degrees F. Grease 9-inch pie plate.

FOR ÉCLAIR SHELL:
HEAT water and butter to a boil in small saucepan. Stir in flour and salt. Reduce heat to low; stir vigorously for 1 minute or until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until smooth. Spread evenly over bottom of prepared pie plate.

BAKE for 15 minutes or until sides puff up. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F; bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Press center down when cool.

FOR FILLING:
PLACE 1 1/4 cups morsels and milk in medium, uncovered microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Do not overheat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread mixture evenly over bottom of éclair shell. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar and remaining vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Spread evenly over chocolate layer.

ARRANGE strawberries on cheese layer with pointed sides up. Microwave jam in small, uncovered microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 30 seconds; stir. Brush jam over strawberries and drizzle between strawberries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

PIPE or dollop whipped topping between strawberries and éclair shell edge.

PLACE remaining morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 30 seconds; knead. Microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut small hole in corner of bag. Squeeze to drizzle over strawberries. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Nutritional information: Calories: 530 Calories from Fat: 270 Total Fat: 30 g Saturated Fat: 19 g Cholesterol: 125 mg Sodium: 260 mg Carbohydrates: 56 g Dietary Fiber: 3 g Sugars: 39 g Protein: 8 g

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Nestle and meals.com