Easy Ricotta Dessert Creme

Years ago when the South Beach Diet was all the rage I bought many of their cookbooks. The first "phase" of the diet had a wonderful little dessert that I made quite a bit....ricotta cheese with a bit of non-sugar sweetener, some vanilla extract and chopped nuts. It was a great way to get rid of that sweet craving after dinner without too much damage (i.e. too much sugar or calories).

I still make that little dessert every once in a while, but since it was in the first phase of the program, fruit wasn't allowed so I never added it. I had a 'duh' moment when I saw this recipe in the Plugged In cookbook by Lara Brody...just add fruit to the mix to make a quick dessert!

I don't know about you, but I always seem to have a bit of leftover ricotta cheese after I've made some recipe...this is a great little way to use it up.

EASY RICOTTA DESSERT CREME

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 tablespoons honey

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

2 to 3 drops pure almond extract, to your taste

Fresh berries of your choice

Place all the ingredients except the berries in a blender, cover, and blend on medium speed until smooth. Refrigerate for 1 hour, then spoon over the berries and serve. Makes 1 serving.

Note: I added fresh peaches to the blueberries instead of using all berries. I used all 3 drops of the almond extract.

Note: I was lazy and didn't bother putting everything in a blender. I just mixed it well by hand. I had no problem with the texture.

Comments

[Carolyn Jung]

I just had some leftover ricotta from making a cake a week ago. And I did something just like this -- ate the rest with some sliced fresh peaches from the farmers' market. It was a heavenly lunch. ;)

[Berta]

Looks yummy and so simple!

[flyer printing]

Really nice dessert! I made this with fresh strawberries too and it was fantastic. This makes an excellent healthy dessert, or even something to serve as a side. Perfect! I'm glad to see this post, Thanks!

[cheap hats]

Looks yummy and so simple!

[UGG Classic Mini]

Looks delicious