Ice Cream Phyllo Cups

In addition to making the polka dot cheesecake for my birthday, I also made these cute little ice cream filled phyllo cups. My reason for making them was in large part due to the fact that I was using phyllo for an appetizer and had extra sheets leftover. I knew these cups would be quick to make and would lend themselves to an elegant yet simple dessert.

The dessert is really quite simple: a phyllo cup filled with one scoop of ice cream and then topped with a warm berry sauce. The beauty of this dessert is that it requires virtually no effort, the components can be prepared ahead of time, and the flavors can be interchanged and added to. For example, my brother chose to top his phyllo cup with some peanuts for an added crunch. Also, one could add some chocolate shavings or use a different flavor of ice cream or fruit. Truly the possibilities are endless and I find that very fun and exciting!

Ice Cream Phyllo Cups

• 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
• Ice cream (I used vanilla)
• 2 cups fruit, fresh or frozen
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Optional: nuts, chocolate, any toppings

To make the cups:

1. Using three to four sheets at a time (depending on how thick you want the cup) spray each sheet of phyllo dough with PAM and then lay them on top of each other.
2. Cut each sheet into 12 squares and press into metal tart shells. Let the edges hang out for a more elegant look. Lightly spray the tops again with PAM.
3. Bake the phyllo cups at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes, or until edges become golden.

To make the sauce:

1. Combine the fruit and sugar in a small saucepan and heat until the fruit becomes soft.
2. Depending on the type of fruit, and your preferences, you can either puree the fruit into a uniform sauce or mash it lightly or even leave it as is. I used strawberries and chose to mash it, therefore leaving some chunks. Perhaps if I had used blueberries or some other small berry I would leave it alone.

To assemble:

1. Cool the phyllo cups completely before assembling.
2. Scoop one scoop of ice cream into the center of each cup.
3. Drizzle warm fruit sauce over top and add any additional toppings you desire.