"Healthier" Dessert Recipes for the Holidays and a Substitute for Mashed Potatoes

Hi Ladies,

Long time no post! I know!  I'm afraid that since my father passed away, I've been really swamped, so I just haven't had the energy to manage more than one blog..and I have several. But I love this idea of Jaime's. With the holidays coming upon us, I know I've been more tempted than usual. I don't want to eat junk so how great it would be to bring something with me that I know I can eat!  We don't want to eat this stuff every day, but for those times when we might be tempted..it's great to have a way to plan ahead.

I've been winging it for quite some time, but was recently encouraged to try South Beach's cookbook as they have put together some great recipes that are 'OK' for me to eat. Low carb and low fat--perfect!

I went through the cookbook and these are some  recipes I plan to try this week.

First, the easiest healthy snack which can be taken to parties, is Chocolate dipped strawberries. South Beach recommends this dessert (four strawberries only--just a little chocolate).  It's a painless splurge that can get you past the unhealthy snacks. Delicious! You can see how to make these here.

Mocha Ricotta Creme

1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

1/2 t. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 t. vanilla extract

1 package sugar substitute

Dash espresso powder

5 mini chocolate chips 

Mix together the ricotta, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and surgar substitute in a dessert bowl. Serve chilled with a dusting of espresso powder and sprinkled with the mini chocolate chips.

261 calories, 15 g. protein, 17 g. carbs, 14 g. fat, 9 g. saturated fats

If you are going to indulge, and just can't help it...this is much better than most desserts...low carbish, low fat-ish, and enough protein to keep your blood sugar level stable.  This would be great to make on the night the rest of the family is having pie, or to take to a party (x 4 or 5)

 credit

Strawberries (or berries) with Vanilla Yogurt Parfait

4 ounces non-fat, sugar -free vanilla yogurt

1/2 cup chopped strawberries.
South beach suggests 'Uncle Sam's Cereal' as a layer too. It's just a high fiber cereal, so probably any high fiber cereal would be good. or even toasted oats. Yummy!

Spoon the yogurt into a parfait glass then add the strawberries. Serve immediately.

Grandma's Pineapple Cucumber Lime Jello Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 6oz package of Jell-O Lime gelatin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced cucumbers
• 3 Tbsp horseradish (or more if you want it spicier)
• 1/2 teaspoon grated onion
• 2 Tbsp vinegar
• 1 1/2 cup of diced or crushed drained canned pineapple (you cannot use fresh pineapple with gelatins. The bromelaine enzyme in fresh pineapple will keep the gelatin from bonding.)

Method

1 In a bowl, dissolve lime jello and salt in 2 cups of hot water (don't use boiling water, just regular hot water). Add 2 cups cold water. Chill until slightly thickened - the consistency of egg whites, about 30 minutes.
2 In a separate bowl mix cucumber, horseradish, grated onion, and vinegar. Fold pineapple and cucumber mixture into jello. Pour into a jello mold and chill for several hours (about 6) until gelatin sets.
3 To remove jello from its mold, fill up a basin half-way with hot water. Lower the jello mold into the hot water, metal side down, until the water comes up almost to the edge of the mold. Keep it there 5 seconds and remove. Place a plate on top of the jello mold and turn upside down. The jello salad should just slide out.
Serves 6-8.

Surprise South Beach Mashed "Potatoes"  
photo from Tracey's Culinary Adventures..worth a visit!

This is one recipe that my friend, Shona, uses and I have wanted to try. I really need this one in my repertoire. 

4 cups cauliflower florets

1 ounce I can't Believe it's not butter! spray

1 ounce Land O Lakes Gourmet Fat-free half & half

pinch salt

pinch freshly ground pepper

Steam or microwave the cauliflower until soft. Puree in a food processor, adding the butter spray and half-and half to taste. Season with salt and pepper.