STRAWBERRIES & BAILEYS IRISH CREAM CHEESE TART

Another retirement party! So far three principals, a director of elementary education at the board office, and a dear teacher colleague and friend. I t has been a busy week, another school year over and new adventures for the future. So far the weather is beautiful, although rain was predicted, but in honor of our friend's retirement, the pool party will go on without a hitch.

Strawberries are in their prime,and sooo sweet, so why not try this beautiful tart that combines everyone's favorite ingredients, strawberries, Baileys Irish Creme and of course cream cheese. I originally saw this recipe a few months ago on Nicole's site Baking Bites.com and made a few adjustments ,so that it would fill my ten inch tart pan. So if you have a smaller tart pan do check out her site for the original recipe.

Crust (I did not double this, it was fine for the 10 inch pan, it will be thicker for a 9 inch pan .)

2C all-purpose flour

3T sugar

2/3C butter

1/4C ice-water

In the food processor pulse the first 4 ingredients until mixture is crumbly.

Stir in water, adding an additional tablespoon if necessary, until dough comes together.

Press dough into a disk and refrigerate 30 minutes. Roll out and press into your tart pan. Freeze for at least another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Place aluminum foil on top of pastry. Fill foil with weights ( beans, or rice) and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Remove foil and weights and continue to bake until golden brown. 20-25 minutes

Cool completely.

Filling

I needed to double the filling recipe, so use your judgement.This is the DOUBLED recipe.

2 8- oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 cup powdered icing sugar

4 T Irish Creme (or 2tsp vanilla and 4T milk)

Strawberries cut in half.

Melt 4 ounces of chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.. Pour into crust. Spread evenly to coat the bottom . Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Beat cream cheese , powdered sugar and Bailey;s until smooth. Pour into cooled crust. Top with sliced berries melt remaining chocolate and drizzle over the berries.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Enjoy!

HAPPY RETIREMENT!