Need a dessert in a hurry? Whether you need to bring a dish to a work function or a casual party, this torte is a must-have for those last-minute sweet tooth needs.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whipping (heavy) cream
• 1/4 cup brown sugar; firmly packed
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces; finely chopped
• 33 graham crackers; (each 21/2-inches square)
• Chocolate syrup (to drizzle)
• Strawberry Sauce

Preparation

1. In a large chilled mixing bowl beat whipping cream and brown sugar until stiff. Fold in pecans.
2. Spread small amount of whipped cream mixture on each of 3 crackers. Arrange crackers, frosted sides down and with edges touching to form a rectangle, on serving plate.
3. Spread rectangle with about 1/4 cup whipped cream mixture. Layer with 3 crackers. Repeat layers 9 times.
4. Gently press torte together. Carefully turn torte on its side with spatula so crackers are vertical.
5. Frost sides and top with remaining whipped cream mixture.
6. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top.
7. Refrigerate at least 6 hours (torte will mellow and become moist).
8. Slice and serve with Strawberry Sauce

This strawberry sauce is served with our Pecan Torte. It has about a million uses, and is so much better than that jar of Smucker’s Strawberry Sauce that you’ve had sitting in your fridge since that time you made banana splits three years ago.

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen strawberries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar

Preparation

1. Combine strawberries, sugar and Balsamic vinegar in food processor or blender.
2. Process until mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Spruce up your ice cream with this surprisingly easy caramel topping.