Summer Tips & Treats

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7 Sensational Summer Treats

By Jaclyn Johnson
eDiets Contributor

Dieting is tough. And every now and then we all get cravings for something a little sweet! Don't worry! Now you can satisfy that craving without feeling guilty afterward! Here are some delicious desserts that are tasty and won't ruin your waistline. Easy to eat and easy to make. Enjoy!

eDiets Director of Nutrition Services, Pamela Ofstein, reminds us to "satisfy those cravings by trying to keep each treat around 100 calories." Pick treats that are low in fat and full of nutritional good. Fruits, low fat dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese), sugar free beverages, fat-free puddings or sugar free Jell-O are some quick and easy options. Just because treats are low in calories and fat, doesn't mean they don't taste great!

Here are some ideas for sensational summer treats:

7. Skinny Cow ice-cream sandwiches. These delicious ice cream sandwiches are 97-percent fat free and have only 140 calories! With flavors like chocolate mint and caramel swirl, they certainly hit the sweet spot!

6. Fresh berries fruit salad. Light, refreshing, and easy to make. Throw in some blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and add a dollop of non-fat whipped topping. Pamela says, "It is summer and we can all feel the heat. By including fresh berries either for a treat or part of a meal, not only do you get to eat something refreshing but those tasty fruits are loaded with anti-oxidants and vitamins and minerals."

Looking for a fresh approach to dieting? We have the answer! Check out eDiets new Summer Fresh Diet -- sizzlin' grilling recipes, delicious salads and the juiciest fruits and vegetables the season has to offer! Go to eDiets for a FREE diet profile today! 5. Yogurt pops. This yummy dessert has only 104 calories and less than one gram of fat per serving!

Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar-free lemon-flavored drink mix
8 ounces fat-free strawberry cheesecake-flavored yogurt.

Prepare drink mix according to package directions. Combine with yogurt. Pour into ice pop molds and freeze until firm. Serves four.

4. Almond Ice. Both refreshing and really low in calories (only 74 calories per serving), this dessert is sure to be a summer smash!

Ingredients
1-1/2 (.25 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
2/3 cup boiling water
1-1/4 tsp. almond extract
1 cup and 3 Tbsp. cold water
1/3 cup and 1 Tbsp. white sugar
1/4 cup and 2 tsp. fresh strawberries, halved
1/4 cup and 2 tsp. seedless grapes
1/4 cup and 2 tsp. cubed cantaloupe

Directions
Soften gelatin in 1 cup cold water. Add 2 1/4 cups boiling water and sugar. Stir until thoroughly dissolved. Add 3 cups cold water and the almond extract. Mix well.

Pour gelatin mixture into a 9x13 inch pan and refrigerate for at least four hours. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve in a bowl with cut fruits. Serves six people.

3. Fruit and Honey Cookies. Sweet, tart and only 102 calories each, these cookies are sure to make you smile on a hot summer day.

Ingredients
1/2 cup and 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. ground walnuts
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. ground allspice
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp. shortening
2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
1/2 eggs
2-1/4 tsp. 2-percent milk
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried currants
1/4 cup dates, pitted and chopped

Directions
Combine flour, walnuts, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, and salt.

In small saucepan over low heat, melt shortening and honey, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour into large bowl. Stir in brown sugar, eggs and milk until well blended. Slowly add dry ingredients. Fold in raisins, currants and dates. Cover and chill for 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. Drop by spoonfuls 2-inches apart on cookie sheets.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly colored. Makes 12 cookies.

2. Angel Food Cake. This dessert is heaven-sent! Light, fluffy and perfect with some strawberries on top! "This is a great treat for kids too" Pamela says, "They love the taste and add different types of berries or fruits to make it even more colorful -- while keeping it healthy."

Ingredients
1/2 cup and 2 Tbsp. cake flour
3/4 cup and 2 Tbsp. white sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4 cup egg whites
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. almond extract

Directions
Beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks, and then add cream of tartar, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

Sift together flour, sugar, and salt. Repeat five times.

Gently combine the egg whites with the dry ingredients, and then pour into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.

Place cake pan in a cold oven. Turn =oven on; set it to 325 degrees. Cook for about one hour, or until cake is golden brown.

Invert cake, and allow it to cool in the pan. When thoroughly cooled, remove from pan. Serves eight.

1. Crustless Apple Meringue Pie. Nothing says summer like good ole' fashion apple pie. This recipe puts a twist on the American classic! Simply add some low-fat vanilla ice cream and everyone will love it!

Ingredients
1-2/3 tart apples -- peeled, cored and sliced
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp. and 1 tsp. raisins
1 Tbsp. and 1 tsp. chopped walnuts
1 egg yolks
1/3 cup and 1 Tbsp. and 1 tsp. 2-percent milk
1 egg whites
1 Tbsp. white sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine apples with lemon juice; use enough juice to cover all apple pieces. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, 3/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Divide flour mixture into four parts.

Place 1/4 of apples onto the buttered baking pan, sprinkle some raisins and walnuts on top, then add 1/4 of the flour mixture. Repeat this step until all flour mixture is used. In a medium bowl, beat yolks with milk and pour evenly over apples. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

To make meringue: In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 3 tablespoons sugar, continuing to beat until whites form stiff peaks. Spread meringue over pie, covering completely. Put pie back in oven for a 6 or 7 minutes, or until meringue is slightly golden. Can be served warm or cold; serves 8.

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