Delish Desserts: Cherry Delight

Ingredients:

*2 cups GF pretzels, crushed

*1/2 cup butter, melted

*1/2 cup Crisco

*3 Tablespoons granulated sugar

*1 pack 8 oz cream cheese, softened

*1 pack 8 oz Cool Whip topping

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

*2 cans 21 oz cherry pie filling

Directions for crust:

Melt butter and Crisco together in pan over med-high heat on stove. Add 3 T of sugar and stir until dissolved. Mix together with crushed pretzels until well coated. Press firm and flat into 9 x 13 glass pan. Refrigerate for one hour or until firm.

Directions for creamy topping:

Beat cream cheese and sugar until well mixed. Fold in the Cool Whip and mix until smooth. Spread evenly on top of crust. Refrigerate for a couple of hours or until topping sets. Top with cherry pie filling. May substitute cherry pie filling with any other pie filling flavor.

*This is a dessert that has been used for four generations in my family. Though it is delicious at any time of the year, I have made it a tradition to serve this on the 4th of July. By using a handful of fresh blueberries and halved cherries or strawberries in place of the 2 cans of pie filling, you can arrange the top to create a flag.

Tasty Tidbits: Finger-Lickin' BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:
*3 cups ketchup
*1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
*1/2 cup molasses
*1/4 cup mustard (French's yellow mustard or equivalent)
*2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
*2 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins is GF)
*1 Tablespoon liquid spoke (increase by 1/2 t for smokier flavor)
*1/2 Tablespoon garlic salt
*1/4 teaspoon pepper
*ground red chili pepper, to taste (a pinch is sufficient)

Directions:
Combine all ingredient in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until sauce thickens. Do not boil; gently simmer. For thicker BBQ sauce, add several minutes to cook time. Store in container and refrigerate.

*This recipe comes straight from my mom. She has been making this BBQ sauce since we discovered I am a Celiac. It. is. to. die. for. Seriously. I lick my plate anytime BBQ sauce remains on my plate. I am not ashamed. It is THAT good. :)