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Sweetness in the Middle of Winter...

In the throes of winter, it probably seems counterintuitive to make a really cold dessert, but this one is such fun to make with (age-appropriate) kids that I really wanted to share it. Little fingers can delight in rolling out pie dough or unwrapping peanut butter cups. True, it's not a particularly nutritious dessert, but it is delicious!

We actually served this when another family came over for a pizza party, and it was such a snappy conclusion to the meal that I knew we'd be serving it again. For the pie crust itself, I made one from scratch, but -- for time-saving and ease -- feel free to pick up the rolled pie crusts in the refrigerated section at the grocery store.

While this is a quick recipe to put together, make sure you account for freezing time (at least three hours), and time to bake the crust (about 20 minutes). Otherwise, it's practically a no-bake dessert. Also beforehand, make sure you have enough room in your freezer to fit a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish for the freezing time.

For this easy, silky, peanut butter pie, you'll need:
1 package two rolled-up pie crusts
1 8-oz. package cream cheese
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 cup smooth, all-natural peanut butter
1 cup reduced-fat milk
1 16-oz. tub extra creamy Cool Whip
12 mini-peanut butter cups (for garnish)
3 tablespoons chocolate fudge syrup (for garnish)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish, spread the two pie crusts out so that they meet in the middle. Prick all over with a fork. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown. Allow the crust to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar on medium speed until smooth. Then mix in the peanut butter and milk, and beat in those ingredients until smooth.

Next, fold in the extra cream Cool Whip. Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the cooled-off crust. Dot the top with the mini-peanut butter cups (either whole, or chopped up). Then, drizzle the fudge syrup in a decorative design. Again, all these steps provide wonderful opportunities for the kids to be creative and see their handiwork come alive on desserts.

Cover the dessert, and freeze the baking dish for at least three hours.

Then, get ready to enjoy some frosty sweetness! (For a dish that you'll definitely want to carry over into warmer climes, too!)