This recipe is like a simple tart using the store-bought cookie dough as quick and easy crust. The tartness of the fruit (I used fresh fruit, not canned) helps offset the sweetness of the cookie crust. The cream cheese layer is sweetened, but not too sweet. I adapted this recipe for a July Fourth party by doubling the recipe, baking it as a rectangle in a jelly-roll pan, and adding a layer of Cool Whip as the backdrop for the stars (blueberries) and stripes (strawberries). For fruit, I used a layer of thinly sliced FRESH pineapple and bananas over the cream cheese mixture. Then I spread Cool Whip over that fruit layer, and added the flag design using berries. It was a hit at the party!

Reviewed On: Jul. 5, 2011

I substituted sweet yellow onion for the red, and I added half a poblano chili, roasted and diced. I served this recipe with pasta and Italian sausage. A guest who generally avoids vegetables went back for seconds!

Reviewed On: Jul. 10, 2008