Pudding Cheese Pie

1 8-oz pkg cream cheese -- softened

2 cups cold milk

1 4-oz pkg Instant Vanilla, Lemon, Coconut, or

pineapple pudding mix 1 prepared 9-inch graham cracker crust

With electric mixer at low speed, beat cream cheese until very soft. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the milk, beating until smooth. Add remaining milk and the pie f illing mix, beating at low speed until blended, 1 minute. Pour immediately into pie crust. Chill until firm, about 2 hours.

Variations: Strawberry Cheese Pie: Prepare as directed, using vanilla pudding, reducing milk to 1 1/2 cups and folding in 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries. If desired,

add a f ew drops red fool coloring to pie filling before pouring into crust. Garnish wi th additional sliced strawberries, if desired.

Strawberry Almond Cheese Pie: Combine 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Spread in bottom of pie crust. Prepare as directed, using vanilla pudding. Pour over strawberry mixture in pie crust. Ga rnish with whipped topping and additional strawberries, if desired.