Dig In: We've Got 5 Diet-Friendly Desserts

Goodbye sweet days of chocolate cake,What you eat is important. But understanding how
sayonara my beautiful banana split, farewell mymuch you're eating is crucial. Creativity is also
flavorful flan and hasta la vista my scrumptiousessential. Try new recipes and satisfy your sweet
apple pie. I know we've shared some savorytooth using sensible substitutions. After all, as
mouthwatering memories together but there'sForest Gump once said, "Life is like a box of
just no room for you in my new balanced healthychocolates, you never know what you're going to
diet. It's time for me to buckle down and ignoreget."Here are five deliciously divine desserts that
my sweet tooth from sending me back yourare low in guilt and high on flavor. Go ahead...
way.Did you know that the word desserts spelledindulge!Apple Cider-Caramel CakeCider "syrup" is
backwards spells stressed? For many of you outfolded into this cake for a rich caramelized
there that's exactly what it brings. Trying to stopflavor.2-1/4 cups apple cider, divided
yourself from your favorite temptations can2-1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
trigger a terrible amount of tension. It's no1 Tbsp. stick margarine or butter
wonder that something as delicious as treats can3 cups sliced peeled cooking apple (such as
turn into a dieter's worst nightmare.Put awayBraeburn, Rome or McIntosh)
your handkerchief because it's time to kiss andCooking spray
eat up! You don't have to reach for the sky to2-1/2 Tbsp. dry breadcrumbs
get to your pie. It is possible to dig into delicious1/2 cup stick margarine or butter, softened
desserts without damaging your diet. You1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind
shouldn't feel restricted from eating foods you1 (8-oz.) block fat-free cream cheese
enjoy. Depriving yourself will most likely just lead3 large eggs
you on the road to dieting disaster when6 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided
willpower runs out. Instead of giving up your3 cups all-purpose flour
favorite treats, think about what goes in them1/2 tsp. baking soda
and use some imagination.The most common diet1/4 tsp. salt
destroyers in desserts are dairy and fats. Other1 cup low-fat buttermilk
nutritional factors to consider may include how1 tsp. vanilla extract
much sugar, cholesterol and sodium the product1 Tbsp. powdered sugar1. Bring 2 cups cider to a
contains. It's important to always check theboil in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat.
nutritional facts on the sides of packages. Don't letCook until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 20 minutes).
the words low fat or low carb fool you. It'sReduce heat to medium-high; stir in 1/2 cup
always good to compare items and read thegranulated sugar. Cook five minutes or until sugar
labels carefully. Make sure you know what youdissolves and cider is thick and dark-colored,
are buying. Simple substitutions can make a worldstirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool one
of difference.An average ice cream bar canminute. Stir in 1 tablespoon margarine. Stir in
contain 180 calories and 12 grams of fat -- notapples; cook 15 minutes over medium-high heat or
exactly a dieter's friend. And some of theuntil the liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently.
best-known brands are significantly higher thanRemove from heat; cool. (If apple mixture
that. A Dove Bar has 350 calories and 22 gramshardens, place it over low heat until softened).2.
of fat, while the new Breyer's Magnum Bars packPreheat oven to 325 degrees.3. Coat a 12-cup
14 grams of saturated fat (20 grams total fat)Bundt pan with cooking spray; dust with
each!What's the alternative, you ask? How aboutbreadcrumbs.4. Combine 1-1/2 cups granulated
a rich, smooth pudding pop? The store-boughtsugar, 1/2 cup margarine, lemon rind and cream
versions average 100 calories and 2 to 3 gramscheese in a large bowl; beat at medium speed of
of fat, but you can cut the fat even further anda mixer until well blended (about five minutes).
add a little nutrition by making your own.SusanAdd eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each
Burke, eDiets VP of Nutrition Services, says: "Youaddition. Beat in 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Lightly
can modify any recipe, especially desserts, tospoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a
make it healthy. The recipe section on our siteknife. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add
can give you great ideas. It can be as simple asflour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with
using egg whites instead of a whole egg orbuttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
reducing the amount of sugar in a recipe. If theFold in apple mixture. Pour into prepared pan; bake
recipe calls for a cup of sugar, use only one-thirdat 325 degrees for 1-1/2 hours or until a wooden
cup instead. There are even fat-free chocolatepick inserted in center comes out clean.5. Combine
chips so you can replace the full-fat1/4 cup cider, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup
ones."However, some desserts are easier tolemon juice and vanilla; let stand until sugar
modify then others. For example, it's hard todissolves, stirring occasionally. Cool cake in pan
modify angel food cake because of its high sugarfive minutes, and pierce with a wooden skewer in
content. But there are sugar substitutes, such asseveral places. Pour cider mixture over cake in
Splenda, that are great for baking. The key topan, and let stand 10 minutes. Remove from pan,
staying healthy is making healthy choicesand cool completely on a wire rack. Sift powdered
wherever you go. The best thing to do issugar over top of cake.Makes 18 servings.
EXPERIMENT, EXPERIMENT, EXPERIMENT!"ThereNutritional values per serving: 286 calories (22
is nothing wrong with digging into your favoritepercent from fat), 7.1g fat (1.6g sat, 3g mono and
delights. But even diet-friendly desserts can2g poly), 5.8g protein, 50.1g carbohydrate, 1.2g
become hazardous to your waistline. Moderation isfiber, 39mg cholesterol, 1.4mg iron, 253mg sodium
the key to enjoying treats every now and then.and 94mg calcium.
Remember to always check the serving size.