The local paper was running a cooking contest. Four categories including one for desserts. I got the notice today that my Cherry Cream Cheese Pie took 3rd place in the dessert category. Considering that when I went to pick up my pan there wasn't any left, I think it should have done better.

 Good Job Chef !

Congrats!!!

Tim, that's so cool!  How about posting the recipe?

Ok, here it is.

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

• 1 (6 oz.) ready-made graham cracker crust
• 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
• 1/3 c. lemon juice (NOT extract)
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

Let cream cheese stand at room temperature until softened. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add sweetened condensed milk (1/3 of the can at a time), beating until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla and mix well. Fold in roughly 2/3rds of the pie filling. Pie will turn pink. Pour into crust and chill for 3 hours or until firm. Top with the remaining pie filling. Makes one pie.

How fun! Do you get certificate, ribbon or prize? I have entered a few contests but never won. I have made your recipe before but just put all the pie filling on the top. I bet it is very attractive to mix it in.

Just a check for $30.

My recipe is a variation of the "standard" recipe. I've made it with all the filling on top. I just don't like it that way. When you remove one slice, all the filling goes to the empty spot. Putting the cherries in the pie not only gives it a better color, but since there's fewer cherries on top, they stay in place better.

congrats! that is pretty neat.