Stuffed Strawberries

So, 4th of July is one of our favorites, and I love cooking for it.  I usually make some sort of staple fruit salad, but this year I tried a recipe from Paula Dean.  I have to admit, they are yummy.  Mine didn't look as good as this picture from her site, but they tasted pretty darn good.

20 medium strawberries.
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Slice the tops off of the strawberries so that they sit flat on serving tray cut side down.  Slice the strawberries in a criss-cross cut careful to not cut all the way through the berry.  Fan out the wedges, taking care not to break the sides.  Mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract until smooth.  Fill the strawberries with cream cheese mixture using a pastry bag or teaspoon.  Top with chopped pecans.  Cover and refrigerate until use.