This week we’re featuring easy dessert ideas for your holiday parties.

Peanut butter is a popular favorite with all, which makes the Whipped Peanut Butter Pie a crowd pleaser. And anyone who likes custard pie will enjoy Leche Flan. But because there’s no crust, it’s easier to prepare.

No matter what you prepare, enjoy the holidays!

Whipped Peanut Butter Pie

1-1/2 cups chilled heavy cream
1 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered (confectioner’s) sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 graham cracker or cookie crust
3 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, grated, or Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter cups (optional)

In mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.

In another mixing bowl, whip peanut butter and vanilla. Add cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk; mix until well blended. Gently fold in whipped cream with a spatula; pour mixture into crust.

Garnish with grated chocolate or miniature peanut butter cups.

Place in freezer to set. Remove from freezer to thaw slightly before serving. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving (assumes optional grated chocolate on top): 650 calories, 47 g fat, 19 g saturated fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 400 mg sodium, 49 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 36 g sugar, 12 g protein

Leche Flan

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 can (15 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup milk
12 egg yolks
2 tablespoons grated lime rind
2 tablespoons lime juice

Fill a 9-by-13-inch pan with 1/2-inch water; place in oven. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is caramelized. Quickly pour into 8-inch square pan; tilt pan to evenly coat bottom and sides. Cool slightly.

Combine remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour over caramel layer; place in pan of hot water in oven.

Bake 1 hour or until a knife inserted in center of custard comes out clean; chill.

Loosen edges with knife; invert onto serving dish. Cut into pieces; spoon excess syrup on each portion. Serves 12.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 250 calories, 8 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 220 mg cholesterol, 65 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 38 g sugar, 6 g protein