FRUIT TORTE

2 sticks butter, softened
2 c. sifted flour
1/3 c. powdered sugar
1 c. chopped nuts

1-8oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
½ of 12 oz. container Cool Whip

1 jar mandarin oranges, drained
2-3 kiwi, sliced
Strawberries, sliced vertically from top to bottom
Melting chocolate, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. By hand mix together butter, flour, 1/3 c. powdered sugar and nuts. Press into bottom of torte pan (metal pan with short ridged sides and a bottom that lifts out). Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.

With mixer on medium speed beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in Cool Whip. Spread over crust.

Make a circle on outside edge of torte with sliced strawberries with point of strawberry facing outside edge. Fill in the middle with kiwi slices and mandarin oranges. If desired, melt some chocolate and “sling” the spoon across the top of the torte to drizzle small lines of chocolate sporadically over torte – just enough to add interest and a little chocolate flavor. The original recipe did not have chocolate on it, but I have a tendency to add chocolate any chance I get. The torte is good both ways, so don’t hesitate to do it without the chocolate.

Cover and refrigerate several hours before serving. Lift the torte out of the sides of the pan and set on decorative platter to serve.