Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Pie

NOOOO! Summer is almost over! (There's only a month left!) I hate fall! Nonononononooooooo! I want sun and blue skies! And warmth! And sundresses and shorts! And flowers and green trees and just happy summertime! I dread the leaves and everything dying and the gray skies and colors shifting from blues and yellows and pinks to oranges and browns. I abhor the idea of wearing a jacket and boots instead of a tank top and flip flops. I am not looking forward to September, nononooo.

To try to hold on to summer a little longer, I'll share a super summery dessert recipe that I recently made for my Michael.

Like me, he hates fall. Loves summer. Especially summery desserts. Michael loves anything "refreshing" and is obsessed with berries-especially strawberries. A couple weeks ago I decided to make myself a s'mores treat (that I'll share later), and Michael is not a s'mores fan. So, I knew I'd have to make him his own special dessert. I also had some extra Greek yogurt lying around that I needed to use up. When I saw this recipe I knew it was sure to be a winner-and I was right! Michael says this may be the best thing I've ever made him. He says, "It's like a cheesecake...but frozen...and more refreshing. So pretty much-perfect." It's everything he loves and wants and needs in a dessert. I've scored major girlfriend points. :D.

Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Pie

From Chelsea's Culinary Indulgence

Makes 1, 10 in. pie.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 8 tbsp.) butter, melted
• 3 cups chopped strawberries
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 16 oz. Greek yogurt (I used plain and vanilla)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz. frozen whipped topping (ie Cool Whip), thawed

Preparation:

• Grease a 10" spring-form pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper, then grease again.
• In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the melted butter.
• Press the graham mixture into the prepared pan to form a crust. Place in the freezer while preparing the filling.
• In a food processor (or possibly blender) pulse strawberries and remaining 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
• With a paddle attachment (I was able to just use a regular hand mixer), in a large bowl, whip cream cheese on high until creamy, about 3 minutes.
• Beat in yogurt and powdered sugar.
• Beat in strawberry mixture.
• Beat in whipped topping until completely smooth.
• Spoon into the graham crust and freeze at least 4 hours.
• Garnish with strawberries.
• Store in the freezer.

It is a pretty, pretty pie.

Ah, summer, why can't you always stay with us?