Kristen's Recipes

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. apple pie spice

1 egg white

1 T. water

1 ounce raw whole almonds (30 almonds)

1 bag (7 ounces) dried apricots (30 apricots)

2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/8 tsp. almond extract

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a small baking sheet with vegetable oil spray. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and spice mixture. Stir to mix. In another small bowl, beat the egg white and water with a fork. Add the almonds to the egg white mixture and toss to coat. Drain the nuts through a fine sieve. Pick up a few nuts at a time (so any remaining clumps of egg white drip off) and add to the sugar mixture. Toss with the fork to coat with the sugar mixture. Spread the almonds on the prepared pan. Spread out the nuts so they are separated. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until sizzling. Let stand to cool. With a small sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut a sideways pouch in the middle of each apricot. Insert an almond into each pouch. Press the opening to seal. (It’s okay if some of the almond shows as long as it sticks to the apricot.) Place the chocolate in a small microwaveable dish. Microwave on high power for about 90 seconds, or until melted. Add the extract. Stir until smooth. One at a time, dip the open side of the apricot pouch into the chocolate to coat about one-third of the apricot. Place on a plate. Continue until all the apricots are dipped. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes for the chocolate to set. Eat right away or store in an airtight tin in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

 

Yield: 15 servings

Calories: 70

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 1g

1 C. whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

salt

1 egg, separated

2 egg whites

1/2 C. granulated sugar, divided

1/4 C. canola oil

1/2 C. mashed ripe banana

1/4 C. low-fat buttermilk

2 tsp. confectioners’ sugar

2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with vegetable oil spray. Dust with flour; set aside. On a sheet of waxed paper or in a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside. Place the 3 egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the whites are foamy. Continue beating, while adding 2 T. granulated sugar, for about 1 minute, or until the whites hold their peaks. Set aside. Do not wash the beaters. In a clean mixing bowl, combine the oil and remaining 6 T. sugar. Beat until smooth. One at a time, beat in the egg yolk, banana, and buttermilk, mixing well. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until smooth. Stir a large spoonful of the reserved egg whites into the batter. Fold in the remaining whites. Pour the batter into the reserved pan; spread the top evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden and the cake starts to come away from the sides of the pan. Allow to cool in the pan on a rack for 5 minutes. Turn onto the rack to cool completely. To serve, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder. Place in a small sieve and sift over the top of the cake.

 

Yield: 9 servings

Calories: 176

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 2g

1 C. all-purpose flour

1/3 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 tsp. baking soda

salt

3 T. canola oil

2 T. better butter or trans-fat free spread, at room temperature

1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped

2/3 C. sugar

3 T. sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided

1 egg, beaten

1/3 C. reduced-fat buttermilk

1/3 C. hot water

1/4 C. (2 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature

1/4 C. (2 ounces) fat-free cream cheese, at room temperature

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-C. muffin pan with paper liners. Lightly coat the inside of the liners with vegetable oil spray. On a sheet of waxed paper, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to blend. Set aside. In a microwaveable bowl, combine the oil, Better Butter or spread, and chocolate. Microwave on high power for 1 minute, or until hot. Stir until smooth. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add 2/3 C. sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth. Measure 3 T. of the egg and add to the batter. (Reserve the remainder.) Beat until smooth. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk and water. Mix until blended. Dollop 1 heaping T. of batter into each C. in the reserved pan. In a bowl, beat the cream cheeses with a wooden spoon until very smooth. Add the remaining 3 T. sugar, the remaining amount of the beaten egg, and the remaining 1 tsp. vanilla. Blend slowly to incorporate and then beat until very smooth. Dollop the batter in equal amounts in the center of each C.. Cover evenly with the remaining chocolate batter. Swirl with the back of a spoon to even the tops. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a C.cake springs back when pressed lightly with a finger. Be sure to beat the egg well with a fork before measuring by T.fuls. If the egg white clumps are too big, it may be hard to get an equal blend of yolk and white.

 

Yield: 12

Calories: 185

Fat: 8g

Fiber: 2g

3/4 C. all-purpose flour

1/3 C. fat-free soy flour

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

salt

1/3 C. better butter or transfat free spread at room temperature

2 tsp. better butter or transfat free spread at room temperature

1 C. confectioners’ sugar, divided

1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel

2 eggs

1/2 C. plain fat-free yogurt

1/2 tsp. lemon extract

3 tsp. lemon juice

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-C. muffin pan with paper liners. Lightly coat the inside of the liners with vegetable oil spray. In a mixing bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to blend. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1/3 C. Better Butter or spread for 1 minute, or until smooth. Add 1/2 C. sugar and the lemon peel. Beat for 30 seconds, or until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the yogurt and lemon extract. Mix on low speed to blend. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients, mixing on low speed to blend. Dollop the batter into the prepared C.. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the C.cakes are lightly browned and spring back when pressed. Remove to a rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 C. sugar, the remaining 2 tsp. Better Butter or spread, and 2 tsp. lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Add up to 1 tsp. more lemon juice if needed to make a spreadable consistency. Spread over the C.cakes.

 

Yield: 12 servings

Calolries: 134

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 1g

2 T. Honey

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 1/2 C. blueberries, fresh or frozen

1/4 C. all-fiber cereal crumbs

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 T. cold better butter or trans-fat free spread

1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature

2 T. confectioners’ sugar

1 grated peel and juice lime

 

Coat an 8″ springform pan with vegetable oil spray. Set aside. In a saucepan, combine the honey and cornstarch. Mix until blended. Add the blueberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture bubbles. Remove and let stand until cooled to room temperature. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the crumbs and cinnamon with a fork. Cut in the Better Butter or spread until well blended. Transfer to the prepared pan. Press with your knuckles to flatten evenly. Set in the freezer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, wipe the crumb bowl with a paper towel. Add the cream cheese, sugar, lime peel, and juice. Slowly mix to incorporate, then beat by hand until very smooth. Dollop into the pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Dollop on the blueberry mixture. Spread evenly over the surface to the edge of the pan. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours, or until set.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 114

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 3g

1 tsp. better butter or trans-fat free spread

2 tsp. sugar

1/2 C. chunky orange marmalade

1 T. orange liqueur

1 tsp. grated lemon peel

6 egg whites, at room temperature

cream of tartar

1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, shaved

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a 1 1/2-quart (6 C.) souffle dish or other baking dish with the Better Butter or spread. Sprinkle in the sugar. Tilt the dish to coat the bottom and sides. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the marmalade, liqueur or extract, and lemon peel. Whisk until blended. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until foamy. Increase the speed to high and beat for about 1 minute, or until soft peaks form. Fold the beaten whites into the orange marmalade mixture. Some streaks of white can remain. Carefully transfer to the prepared baking dish. Level the top with a spatula. With a finger or thumb, create a shallow indentation around the inner side of the dish. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until puffed and set near the sides (the center should be a bit jiggly). Spoon onto dessert plates. Sprinkle on the chocolate.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 125

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 1g

1/2 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 C. whole wheat pastry flour

1/4 C. brown sugar

1 1/2 C. 1% milk

2 eggs, separated, at room temperature

1/4 C. better butter or trans-fat free spread

2 tsp. raspberry or almond extract

2 egg whites, at room temperature

cream of tartar or salt

18 fresh raspberries (6 ounces)

Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat 8 individual brioche molds or other 1/2-C. baking dishes with vegetable oil spray. Set on a sturdy baking pan. Set aside. In a saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, flour, and brown sugar. Whisk to blend. In a bowl, beat the milk and egg yolks with a fork until blended. Gradually whisk into the cocoa mixture until dissolved. Cook, whisking constantly, for 5 minutes, or until bubbling and thickened. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the Better Butter or spread and the raspberry or almond extract. Let stand to cool slightly. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the 4 egg whites and the cream of tartar or salt. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until foamy. Increase the mixer speed to high. Beat for 2 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Stir one-third of the whites into the reserved chocolate mixture. Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl. Fold to incorporate. Dollop gently into the prepared pans. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cakes have risen and set on top but are still slightly soft in the center. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Turn each cake onto a dessert plate. Serve warm with raspberries and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar if desired.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 146

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 4g

2 C. whole wheat pastry flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

salt

1/2 C. better butter or transfat free spread

1/2 C. brown sugar

1/4 C. dark molasses

1 egg white

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat several cookie sheets with vegetable oil spray. On a sheet of waxed paper, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt. Stir with a fork to blend. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the Better Butter or spread until smooth. Add the sugar, molasses, and egg white. Mix slowly to incorporate, then beat until smooth. Gradually stir in the reserved flour mixture until well blended. The dough will be soft but not sticky. Using your palms, roll the dough into 3/4″ balls (1 level tsp.). Place, separated, on the prepared pans. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let stand on the sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to a rack to cool. Continue until all the dough is baked.

 

Yield: 23 servings (3 cookies per serving)

Calories: 90

Fat: 3.5g

Fiber: 1g

2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 T. whole milk

1 ripe but firm banana

1 1/3 C. slow churned lite ice cream (4 small scoops)

8 strawberries

1/2 C. chopped pineapple, fresh or canned in juice, drained

whipped cream (aerosol)

2 T. roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped

 

In a small microwaveable dish, combine the chocolate and milk. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until hot. Stir until smooth. Set aside. Cut the banana in half through the middle. Slice each half lengthwise into 4 slices. Set out 4 shallow dessert dishes. Place a scoop of ice cream in each dish. Put a banana slice on the sides of each scoop. Top with strawberries and pineapple. Drizzle on the reserved chocolate sauce. Top with a spritz (about 1 T.) of whipped cream. Sprinkle on the peanuts. Serve right away.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 250

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 4g

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 C. old-fashioned oats

1/3 C. packed brown sugar

2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 C. 1% cottage cheese

2 T. better butter or trans-fat free spread

1 egg

1/2 tsp. mint extract

confectioners’ sugar

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with vegetable oil spray. Place the chocolate in a small microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high power for about 1 minute, or until partially melted. Stir until smooth. Set aside. Place the oats, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a food processor bowl fitted with a metal blade. Process for 3 minutes, or until the oats are finely ground. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the cottage cheese to the processor bowl. Process, scraping the bowl as needed, for about 2 minutes, or until smooth. Add the Better Butter or spread, egg, and extract. Process, scraping the bowl as needed, for about 1 minute, or until smooth. Add to the oats mixture along with the reserved melted chocolate. Stir to mix. Dollop the batter into the prepared pan. Pat to spread evenly. Bake for about 16 minutes, or just until the top is set. Do not overbake. Let stand to cool. Cut into 16 squares. Dust lightly with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.

 

Yield: 16 servings

Calories: 100

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 1g

1/2 C. sugar

1 T. cornstarch

1/2 lemon, squeezed or 2 T. lemon juice

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 20 oz. can pineapple tidbits, divided

1 8 oz. container Cool Whip, thawed

3 red delicious apples, not peeled and cubed

2 C. mini marshmallows

1 – 1 1/2 C. salted peanuts

 

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, egg and juice from can of pineapple. Whisk over low heat until thickened, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cool whip. In a large bowl, add pineapple tidbits, apples, marshmallows and peanuts. Pour sauce on top and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 2 to 3 hours before serving.

1/3 C. confectioners’ sugar

1/4 C. cornstarch

2 1/2 C. canned light coconut milk

3 eggs, beaten

dash of salt

1 1/2 tsp. coconut extract

2 T. brown sugar

 

Coat the insides of six 1/2-C. heatproof custard C. or ramekins with vegetable oil spray. Place them on a tray and set aside. In a wide saucepan, combine the confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch. While whisking constantly, gradually add the coconut milk until the mixture is smooth. Pass through a fine sieve set over a bowl or large measuring C.. With a spatula, press any lumps of cornstarch or sugar through the sieve. Return the milk mixture to the pan. Add the eggs and salt. Whisk until smooth. Set over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat, continuing to whisk rapidly to cool down the mixture. Stir in the extract. Transfer the custard to the reserved dishes. With the back of a small spoon, smooth the tops to flatten. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until cold. To serve the custards, preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the tops of the custards. Broil 6″ from the heat source for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar is caramelized. Watch carefully so the sugar doesn’t burn.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 159

Fat: 2.5g

Fiber: 0g

3 ripe peaches, peeled (if desired) and sliced

1 tsp. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

3 T. confectioners’ sugar

1 1/2 T. all-purpose flour

1 egg

1 C. whole milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

 

In a bowl, combine the peaches with the brown sugar and the cinnamon. Toss and set aside. In a saucepan, combine the confectioners’ sugar and flour. Whisk to mix. Break the egg into a small bowl. Beat with a fork until smooth. Add the milk and mix to combine. Whisking constantly, gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients in the pan. Cook, whisking constantly, over medium-low heat for about 4 minutes, or until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the vanilla. Spoon the peaches and juice in the bowl into 4 large goblets or glass dessert dishes. Spoon the cream sauce over the peaches. Serve right away.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 126

Fat: 3.5g

Fiber: 1g

1/2 C. all-fiber cereal crumbs

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 1/2 T. cold better butter or trans-fat free spread

1/4 C. brown sugar

2 1/2 T. cornstarch

1 egg

2 C. fat-free milk

2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 ripe but firm banana

Whipped cream (optional)

 

Coat a pie pan with vegetable oil spray. In a bowl, combine the crumbs and cinnamon with a fork. Cut in the Better Butter or spread until well blended. Transfer to the prepared pan. Tilt the pan to coat the side with crumbs. Press the remaining crumbs with your knuckles to flatten evenly. Set in the freezer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Whisk to mix. In a bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Add the milk and stir to blend. Add to the saucepan, whisking constantly, or until blended. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Add the chocolate and vanilla. Stir until the chocolate melts. Let stand, stirring occasionally, to cool completely. Cut the banana into thin slices. Arrange on the bottom and sides of the reserved crust. Dollop the cooled pudding into the pan. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or until set. Serve, garnished with 1 T. of whipped cream (if using) per slice.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 145

Fat: 6.5g

Fiber: 3g

2 eggs, separated

2 eggs whites

Salt

1 1/2 C. whole milk

1/4 C. brown sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tsp. better butter or trans-fat free spread, melted

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

3 C. cubed whole wheat bread

1/4 C. honey

2 tsp. whiskey

Ground cinnamon

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with vegetable oil spray. Set aside. Place the 4 egg whites and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on low speed for about 1 minute, or until the whites are foamy. Increase the speed to high. Beat for about 1 minute, or until the whites hold soft peaks. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with a fork. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, Better Butter or spread, and nutmeg. Beat to blend. Add the bread. Press with the back of a fork until the bread absorbs the liquid. Gently pour into the bowl with the beaten whites. Fold to incorporate. Transfer to the prepared pan. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until risen and only slightly jiggly in the center. If the top is browning too fast, cover lightly with a sheet of aluminum foil. Meanwhile, in a microwaveable bowl, combine the honey, whiskey, and cinnamon. Microwave on high power for about 1 minute, or until bubbling. Whisk until smooth. Spoon the warm pudding onto dessert plates. Drizzle with the honey whiskey.

 

Yield: 9 servings

Calories: 130

Fat: 3.5g

Fiber: 1g

1/4 C. brown sugar

1 1/2 T. cornstarch

4 C. (about 1 1/4 pounds) frozen mixed berries, thawed

 

3/4 C. stone-ground cornmeal

2 T. whole wheat pastry flour

1 1/2 T. brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

Salt

2 1/2 T. cold better butter or trans-fat free spread, cut into chunks

1/3 C. fat-free milk

 

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Coat an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with vegetable oil spray. Set aside. To prepare the berries: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and the cornstarch. Stir to mix. Add the berries. Toss to combine. Transfer to the baking dish. Wipe the bowl clean with a paper towel. To prepare the crust: In the bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir with a fork or pastry blender. Add the Better Butter or spread. Cut into the dry ingredients until the pieces are the size of peas. Add the milk and stir quickly just to moisten. Dollop over the berries, leaving some bare patches. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 190

Fat: 4.5g

Fiber: 4g

Sunflower oil, for brushing

2 T. orange blossom or other single flower honey

4 small melons, such as pielde sapo or cantaloupe, halved, seeded and cut into wedges

2 T. granulated (coarse) vanilla sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

2 T. toasted sesame seeds

1 C. caramelized almonds, chopped

 

Brush the barbecue grill with oil. Pour the honey into a pan and place the pan on the side of the grill to warm through. Slice the melons and put them on the grill. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes on each side, until lightly marked with the bars of the grill. Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with the vanilla sugar and pour the lemon juice over them. Put the melon slices on individual plates or a serving dish and pour the warm honey over them. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and almonds and serve. Note: The melon is good served with raspberry sauce or melon or raspberry sherbet. Vanilla sugar is simply vanilla-flavored sugar. It is available in some markets and over the Internet. To make it yourself, bury a whole vanilla bean in 1 to 2 C. sugar, cover and let sit for several days.

1 large (8-serving) package JELL-O Sugar Free Strawberry Gelatin Dessert Mix

2 C. frozen unsweetened strawberries, mostly thawed

1 1/2 C. Cool Whip Free, thawed

1 C. cold Sprite Zero (or any diet lemon-lime soda)

1/4 C. plus 1 tsp. (2 1/2 oz.) tequila

3 tsp. lime juice

In a medium-large bowl, combine gelatin mix with 1 C. boiling water, and stir until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Set aside. In a blender, combine strawberries, soda, tequila, and lime juice. Puree until smooth. Add this mixture to the bowl with the gelatin mixture and stir thoroughly. Refrigerate for 45 minutes, until slightly thickened but not set. (Do not over-refrigerate.) Using an electric mixer, blend in the Cool Whip. Once mixture appears mostly blended, use a spoon to mix it up from the bottom. If needed, continue mixing until uniform. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until mostly firm. Enjoy!

1 pkg. (9 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 C. cold water
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 tsp. powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 deg F. Grease and flour 10 (1/2-C.) mini bundt pans. Combine cake mix, water, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Beat with electric mixer at high speed 4 minutes or until well blended. Spoon about 1/4 C. batter into each prepared bundt pan cup. Bake 13 minutes or until toothpicks inserted into centers come out clean and cakes spring back when touched lightly. Cool in pans on wire racks 5 minutes. Remove cakes from pans. Serve warm or at room temperature. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.

Yield: 10 servings
Calories: 127
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 0g

6 Large baking apples
1/4 C. Orange juice
Pinch of nutmeg
6 tsp. Honey
1 tsp. Sugar
1 Orange

Core apples, being careful not to cut all the way through. Peel about 1/3 of the way down from the stem end. Combine honey and orange juice; pour into centers of apples. Set in baking dish. Pour a little hot water in bottom of pan. Bake at 400F for 50 to 60 minutes or until apples are tender. Sprinkle tops with a little sugar and nutmeg. Run under broiler to glaze. Quarter orange slices and tuck them in center of apples after glazing.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 167
Fat: trace
Fiber: 5g

1/2 C. boiling water
1/4 C. dried currants
6 (3/4-oz.) slices white bread
Vegetable cooking spray
1 1/2 C. skim milk, divided
1 1/4 C. (5 oz.) diced fontina cheese
1 1/4 C. seedless red grapes, halved
2 T. all-purpose flour
1/3 C. sugar
2 T. yellow cornmeal
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
3 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 T. sugar
2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine boiling water and currants; let stand 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. Trim crusts from bread; discard crusts. Cut each slice into 4 triangles; place triangles in a single layer in a 10-inch quiche dish coated with cooking spray. Pour 1/2 C. milk over bread; let stand 5 minutes. Top with currants, cheese, and grapes. Place flour in a bowl, and gradually add remaining 1 C. milk, stirring with a wire whisk until blended. Stir in 1/3 C. sugar, cornmeal, lemon rind, egg whites, and egg; pour over tart. Drizzle oil over tart, and sprinkle with 1 T. sugar and rosemary. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until set; let cool on a wire rack.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 219
Fat: 7.6g
Fiber: .8g

1/2 C. sugar
1/4 C. cornstarch
1 egg
2 1/2 C. skim milk
2 T. margarine
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 C. frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed and divided
20 ladyfingers
3 T. black cherry preserves with Chambord liqueur or red currant jelly
Mint leaves (optional)

Combine sugar, cornstarch, and egg in a bowl; stir well with a wire whisk, and set aside. Heat milk over medium-high heat in a medium heavy saucepan to 180° or until tiny bubbles form around edge (do not boil). Remove from heat. Gradually add hot milk to sugar mixture, stirring constantly with whisk. Return milk mixture to pan. Add margarine, and cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, and cook an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into a bowl; cover surface with plastic wrap, and let cool completely. Uncover and gently fold in 1 C. whipped topping; cover and chill at least 2 hours. Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise. Line each of 8 dessert compotes with 5 ladyfinger halves, standing upright. Spoon 1/2 C. custard into center of each compote. Melt preserves, and drizzle over custard. Top each serving with 1 T. whipped topping. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 202
Fat: 5.9g
Fiber: 0g

Tart dough:
2/3 C. granulated sugar
6 T. stick margarine or butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 oz. block-style fat-free cream cheese (about 1/2 C.)
1 large egg
2 C. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Tart filling:
Cooking spray
4 C. thinly sliced ripe red-fleshed plums (about 12 medium)
1/4 C. red currant jelly
2 T. water
1 large egg
1 tsp. water
2 T. turbinado or granulated sugar

Prepare tart dough: Combine the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, and beat at medium speed of a mixer for 2 minutes or until mixture is light and fluffy. Add 1 egg, and beat at high speed for 1 minute or until mixture is very smooth. Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring C., and level with a knife. Combine flour and salt, and add to sugar mixture, beating at low speed just until the flour mixture is moist. Gently shape the dough into a ball on heavy-duty plastic wrap, and cover with additional plastic wrap. Freeze dough 2 hours. Preheat oven to 400°. Prepare tart filling: Roll dough, still covered, into a 14-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Remove bottom sheet of plastic wrap. Place the dough on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray, and remove top sheet of plastic wrap. Arrange plum slices over dough, leaving a 3-inch border. Combine red currant jelly and 2 T. water in a small microwave-safe dish, and cook on high for 30 seconds or until jelly melts. Brush melted jelly mixture over plums. Fold 3-inch border of dough over plums, pressing gently to seal (dough will partially cover plums). Combine 1 egg and 1 tsp. water. Brush dough with egg mixture, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool tart on pan for 5 minutes. Carefully slide tart onto a platter using a spatula.

Yield: 10 servings
Calories: 293
Fat: 8.6g
Fiber: 2.1g

2 ripe papayas
6 large fresh strawberries
1 1/2 C. fat-free, no-sugar-added lemon sorbet
1 lime, cut into 6 slices

Crosswise slice each papaya into three pieces. Remove and discard the seeds. Place a papaya piece on each of 6 dessert plates. Slice the strawberries and place in the papaya. Top each with 1/4 C. scoop of sorbet and add a lime slice. Serve cold.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 90
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 2g

4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 C. fat-free milk
1/2 C. fat-free half-and-half
1 tsp. instant espresso powder (or 1 T. very strong brewed coffee)
4 large egg yolks
3 T. Splenda® or sugar substitute
Pinch salt
Fresh raspberries

Preheat oven to 300°F. Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. In small, heavy saucepan, bring milk, half-and-half, and espresso powder just to a simmer. Remove from heat; pour mixture over chocolate. Whisk until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. In separate medium bowl, whisk yolks, sugar substitute, and salt. Add chocolate mixture in a steady stream, whisking constantly. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large glass measuring cup. Line bottom of a baking pan (large enough to hold 4 custard C.) with a folded kitchen towel. Divide custard among 4 custard cups; arrange cups on towel. Add enough hot tap water to baking pan to come halfway up sides of cups. Tightly cover entire pan with foil. Bake 30 minutes, until custards are set around edges but still slightly wobbly in center. Remove cups from water bath. Cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Serve cold, garnished with raspberries, and whipped topping, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 229
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 2g

1 pint vanilla ice cream

2 1/2 cups strawberries, stems removed, halved lengthwise

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, or to taste

1 tablespoon sugar

Coarsely ground pepper

 

Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let stand at room temperature until it is soft enough to stir into the strawberries, 10-15 minutes, depending upon on how cold the freezer is. Meanwhile, in a bowl large enough to accommodate the ice cream eventually, stir together the strawberries, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, sugar and pepper to taste. The vinegar and sugar will mix with the berries’ natural juices to create a saucelike consistency. Taste and add more vinegar if needed. When the ice cream is soft enough, add it to the berry mixture. Immediately stir together until the berries and ice cream are evenly distributed. Spoon into tall wine glasses and serve at once.

Both the Greeks and the Turks lay claim to this masterpiece of the Middle Eastern sweets repertoire. Baklava can be made with walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts (filberts) or pistachios or a combination of walnuts and almonds. Sticky honey syrups are never used by Greek and Turkish bakers; instead, they prepare a simple sugar syrup flavored with lemon juice and zest.

 

4 cups almonds, walnuts or equal parts almonds and walnuts, coarsely chopped

3/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 lb clarified unsalted butter, melted

1 lb filo dough, thawed in the refrigerator if frozen

For the Lemon Syrup:

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

2 lemon zest strips, each 3 inches long

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

 

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the nuts, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Lightly brush a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan with some of the melted butter. Remove the filo sheets from their package, lay them flat on a work surface and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Lay a filo sheet in the prepared pan and brush it lightly with butter. Working with 1 sheet at a time, top with half of the remaining filo sheets (10-12 sheets), brushing each sheet with butter after it is placed in the pan. Spread the nut mixture evenly over the stacked filo sheets. Then top with the remaining filo sheets, again brushing each sheet lightly with butter, including the top sheet. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes so the butter will set. (This step makes the baklava easier to cut.) Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava all the way through into diamond shapes, forming about 36 pieces in all. Bake until golden, 35-40 minutes. FOR THE SYRUP: In a deep saucepan, combine the water, sugar and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove the lemon zest and discard. Stir in the lemon juice.  When the baklava is done, remove it from the oven. Pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot pastry. Let stand for 30 minutes to cool slightly, then recut the diamonds. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftover pieces covered at room temperature.