Virginia Strawberry Treat

A buttery, fluffy strawberry filling is layered with crumbled vanilla wafers in this yummy old-fashioned refrigerator treat.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound butter, softened
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted*
3 large fresh egg whites, beaten until stiff**
1 (12-ounce) box vanilla wafers, crushed

Cooking Directions:

1. Cream butter and sugar. Fold in strawberries, nuts, and beaten egg whites.
2. Line a 13x9x2-inch glass baking or serving dish with one-third of wafer crumbs. Spoon on a layer of half the berry mixture, add another one-third of the crumbs, the remaining berry mixture, and the last third of the crumbs.
3. Chill several hours or overnight. To serve, cut into squares.
4. Keep refrigerated.

Makes 15 servings.

*To Toast Pecans: Place in a shallow baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until pecans are lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Cool. Or, place in skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. Be careful not to burn nuts.

**We suggest using a pasteurized egg white product for this recipe.