"Good Food Made Better"

I have really enjoyed cooking lately. After years and years of a “love-hate” relationship with food, I began my quest to modify favorite foods and recipes to yield healthier results. In the past, at times when I felt the need to drop extra pounds, I would turn to those specialty food products, guaranteed to be so disgusting you’d lose weight simply because you couldn’t stand to eat them… The alternative was to eat a deprived and boring diet – with the occasional splurge which left me feeling guilty.

I felt there had to b a better way! There must be a way to incorporate those foods I love so much into a healthy way of eating. I set about tinkering with recipes to develop healthier alternatives – lower fat, higher protein, less sugar/carbs, more fiber, etc… But without sacrificing flavor.

It has been a journey of much trial and error. Many times I’ll go through a recipe 3 or 4 times, each flop improving on the last, until I have a perfected recipe. At times, it has been more “science experiment” than anything! But I have had some great success, and I’m so happy to share.

No more “forbidden foods”, no more guilt…

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta


Panna cotta... the stuff of dreams. Traditionally made with heavy whipping cream and lots of sugar, even a small serving packs a pretty big calorie and fat punch. Here's a modified version using thick, creamy greek yogurt - providing all the taste and texture, PLUS protein, minus loads of fat and calories...

Ingredients-
  • 2 cups greek yogurt (Fage 0% or 2%)
  • 1 cup whole milk (could use lower fat)
  • 1/3 cup sweetener of choice (I use Vivalac Whey Low sweetener)
  • 1 packet Knox instant gelatin
  • fresh berries of choice
  • 4 tablespoons sugar-free or reduced sugar fruit preserves of choice
  • 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract

Directions-
in small bowl, soften gelatin in 3 tablespoons of water (this stuff stinks like dirty, wet dog)
in saucepan, heat milk and sugar until bubbly
whisk in softened gelatin for a minute
slowly whisk in yogurt, mix well
add extract of choice
pour into 4 pretty dessert glasses or wine glasses
chill in fridge until set - about 1 hr
microwave fruit preserves until runny and top each panna cotta with 1 tablespoon
garnish with berries
return to fridge until ready to serve

Nutrition
Calories-132
Fat-2g
Carbs-33g (although the effective carb count is about 20g less than this. Whey Low lists total carbs but because of how it's made, the body doesn't digest them)
Fiber-0g
Protein-9g

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