Archive for "dessert"

These delectable bars were number four on Food Network’s Top 50 Recipes of 2009. Here are a few simple tips to slim them down without using lower-fat ingredients (seriously!).

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No cookie tray would be complete without an oatmeal option. These crunchy cookies combine vitamin E-rich nuts and high-fiber oatmeal with a touch of ginger — all for only 70 calories and 4.5 grams of fat (2 grams of saturated fat). We like the Food Network Kitchens’ presentation idea; just wrap them in some festive ribbon and you’ve got a take-home treat for party guests.

(P.S.: Don’t forget to give friends with allergies a heads up on the pecans.)

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Besides chocolate, apple desserts top my list of favorite indulgences, but many (especially pastries) contain loads of fat and calories. Here are some apple goodies that are less than 250 calories per serving and are packed with fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Recipes to Try:
• Apple Brown Betty
• Baked Apple with Crisp Topping (shown above)
• Apple Compote
• Old-Fashioned Apple-Nut Crisp
• Candied Apples

Kids are heading back to school and that means class parties will be starting up again soon. Instead of bringing in 500-calorie cupcakes or donuts in for your kindergartener’s birthday bash, bake up a batch of these 100-calorie cupcakes. Serve them up with a side of fruit and you’ve got a perfect treat for the entire class. To mix up the color and flavor, use different fruits like blueberries or mango for the glaze.

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This summer, skip your supermarket’s freezer section and quit flagging down the ice cream truck. Instead, make these quick and easy ice pops that are tailored to your taste buds. All you need to do is create your mixture, pour the liquid in the molds and stick them in the freezer. Give them half a day to freeze and, voilà, cool treats — perfect for the kids or entertaining friends!

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I’m a true-blue sweets lover. I’m often tempted to press my face up against a bakery window and drool at all the chocolate goodies. Looking for something new to satisfy your sweet tooth? These low-cal desserts are perfect for the summer and feature its fresh fruits. Add them to your recipe collection!

Recipes to try:
• Blueberry Compote
• Grilled Peach Sundaes
• Grilled Strawberries
• Peaches with Balsamic Cherries
• Italian Ice Pops
• Lemon Icebox Bars (shown above)
• Raspberry Fool
• Plum Tart with Almond Pastry Crust
• Pear Ginger Crumble
• Made-Over Deep Dish Brownies

Okay, okay, it’s a cheesy title, but it’s the truth. In my house, bananas are a go-to snack of choice. My 4-year-old daughter, Ellena, always asks for one after ballet class — and, of course, my 2 year old cries for one, too. Beyond snacks, they’re a healthy addition to smoothies, fruit salad and simple banana bread.

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With only 179 calories and absolutely no fat per slice, this light cake is a definite pleaser. Try topping it with fresh berries and a touch of whipped cream or serve with grilled pineapple or peaches on the side. What’s your favorite angel food cake topping?

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Add some zing to your spring berries with this delicate blend of ricotta, honey and balsamic vinegar. Mix it up with blackberries, blueberries or raspberries. This works for breakfast, a snack or just a light dessert.

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Velvety smooth, sweet and creamy, but with than 600 calories and 45 grams of fat per slice, can it be part of a healthy diet? Here’s how you can have your (cheese)cake and eat it too!

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