Mini Cookies with Grapefruit Cream Cheese Filling

Citrus Zest Enlivens Any Recipe
(NewsUSA) – Most Americans don’t experiment with their oranges and grapefruit but instead only choose to eat them whole or as juice with their morning cereal. Unbeknownst to many, fresh, citrus flavors can complement any recipe, from a pasta salad to a spice cake.

TexaSweet, a company that markets Texas Rio Star Grapefruit, created its ‘Fit, Fun & Fabulous Recipe Challenge’ to find creative grapefruit recipes. The recipes must include Texas Rio Star Grapefruit, a sweet, red variety that can be distinguished by a ‘Texas’ sticker. The contest will accept entries on its Web site, www.riostarchallenge.com, through Feb. 15.

One great way to add grapefruit into recipes? Try adding grapefruit zest -; the average Rio Star Grapefruit produces about four tablespoons.

Zest, or the outermost layer of a citrus fruit’s skin, holds aromatic oils and flavor, making it a fresh addition to any dish. You can freeze citrus zest for up to six months, so you can keep large amounts on hand. If you also want to juice your fruit, zest your citrus before cutting it in half.

Mini Cookies with Grapefruit Cream Cheese Filling

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This quick recipe for 'Mini Cookies with Grapefruit Cream Cheese Filling' updates a childhood favorite, the vanilla wafer. The cookies are so simple to make, they make a wonderful project for kids or a great last-minute addition to any casual get-together:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 Texas Rio Star Grapefruit sectioned
• 2 tablespoons grapefruit zest
• 1 box vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

• Combine the cream cheese, grapefruit sections and zest, then beat the ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Spread a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture on the flat side of one wafer, then top with an additional wafer. If your cookies are soft, cover them and place them in the refrigerator for one hour.

Notes

For more information, visit www.texasweet.com.