It’s not what you might be thinking! Let me clarify that I’m just talking about food here. A cheat recipe. Putting it nicely, it’s a culinary shortcut. You take a pre-made or boxed item and modify it to make it your own. Another way to call this is semi-homemade. It saves tons of time for lazy people like me but can still fool family or guests into thinking how great my cooking skill is. I’m all for semi-homemade food but can never watch Sandra Lee. For whatever reason, I just can’t.

So I cheated when I made this lemon fruit pie with pre-made pie crust and instant pudding mix. It was one of those rare occasions that I consider my food creation a success. Of course because it’s not 100% made by me.

If you feel like cheating, here is my secret pie recipe, just for my blog reader. Please note that this recipe makes 2 pies, so save one for me.

INGREDIENTS

Crust
2 pre-made refrigerated pie crusts

Filling
2 – 8oz cup of lemon flavor yogurt
1 – 8 oz sour cream
1 box (4-serving size) lemon flavor instant pudding and pie filling mix.
2 tablespoons orange marmalade

Topping
Strawberries, cut in half
Raspberries
Blueberries
Kiwifruit, peeled, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons orange marmalade

DIRECTIONS

1. Make pie crust as directed on box. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare instant pudding filling as directed on box.
3. In medium bowl, mix filling ingredients with wire whisk until well blended. Pour into cooled baked shell. Arrange fruits on filling.
4.  In small microwavable bowl, microwave marmalade uncovered on High 5 to 10 seconds or until melted. Brush over fruit. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until set before serving.

Enjoy!