Strawberry Pecan Pretzel Salad

The fact that this is called a 'salad' would explain a lot about me.  There are much prettier pictures around the net, but the fact that I remembered to take a picture at this stage in my life was a win.  This is like one of my favorite strawberry desserts I've been making for years, but it adds pecans, and is all mixed together instead of layered (which can be a bugger).  This recipe can from thegunnysack.  

It's a great sweet dessert for summer, or a great 'salad' if you are willing to stretch the word.  I am.  

Strawberry Pecan Pretzel Salad

Ingredients:  1 c. crushed pretzels, 1/2 c. chopped pecans, 3/4 c. brown sugar, 3/4 c. butter (melted), 3 c. strawberries (diced), 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 c. sugar, 1 t. vanilla, 3 c. cool whip

Instructions:  

1.  Mix together the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, brown sugar and melted butter.  

2.  Spread the mix on a large baking sheet with sides.  Bake at 400 for 7 min.  Cool and break into small pieces.  Set aside.  

3.  Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.  

4.  Fold in the cool whip.  Cover and place in the fridge to chill.  

5.  Before serving stir in the strawberries and pretzel mix.  

Strawberry Shortcake

I always have good intention when I buy fruits and vegetables, but.....soon they rot.  I did start a compost pile this summer, but I'm trying to at least do something with my purchases before I just toss them into the bin.  So...I found myself with some strawberries that were about to meet the pile, and I decided the best way to consume a bunch of strawberries was to turn them into a cake.  I found the most delicious recipe for shortcake.  It made 8x8 pan, so not too much.  I just added my strawberries on top and some whipped cream b/c I like a little sugar with my sugar.  I found the original recipe at mybakingaddiction.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Ingredients

1 1/4 c. cake flour, 2/3 c. sugar, 1/4 t. alt, 1/4 c. butter (cubed and softened to room temp), 1 t. vanilla, 1/2 c. whole milk, 1 egg, 2 T vegetable oil, 2+ c. strawberries+ 1-2 T sugar, whipped cream

Instructions:  

1.  Cut strawberries and add about a T of sugar.  Toss together and place the strawberries into the fridge so the strawberries can release some of their juices.  

2.  Preheat the oven to 350.  

3.  Grease an 8x8 cake pan.  

4. Sift the flour, sugar, powder, and salt.  

5.  Add milk and mix on medium speed until dry ingredients are just moistened (about 1 min). 

6.  Add egg and oil. Mix for about 30 more seconds until completely combined, but don't over mix.  A few lumps are OK.  

7.  Pour into pan and bake for 20-22 minutes.  

*.  Cool and top with strawberries and whipped cream.