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Low Sugar Desserts (continued)

Creamy Instant Pumpkin Mousse
Pumpkin is not only a holiday tradition but a nutrition superstar, packed with tons of potassium, beta carotene and fiber. Butterscotch sugar-free pudding adds sweetness and great flavor to this quick and easy, low sugar dessert. A single gingersnap thin would make a great garnish.

1 package (4 servings) fat-free sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix
3/4 cup low-fat milk
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 8-ounce tub light whipped topping, thawed

1. In a large bowl, beat together the pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened. Add the pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, and mix until well combined.
2. Gently fold in the whipped topping in three additions.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of the mousse into each of the 8 serving dishes. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Serves Eight

Calories 100; Fat 3.5 grams (3 saturated); Carbohydrate 14 grams (sugar 6 grams); Fiber 2 grams; Protein 1 grams; Sodium 150 milligrams

Diabetic exchange = 3/4 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Vegetable, 1 Fat

No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Parfaits

When entertaining during the holidays, show-stopping low-sugar desserts are in order, and nothing fits the bill better than cheesecake (except maybe chocolate and dark cherries). Moreover, because the only function of sugar in cheesecakes is to lend its sweet taste (unlike in cookies where sugar also helps them spread, brown and crisp), sugar substitutes can easily be substituted in both baked and no-bake cheesecakes. Portion controlled servings, like these parfaits, also help to curb mindless eating and make it easy to budget just the right number of carbs for dessert.

1 1/2 cups frozen black cherries, thawed
1/4 cup + 4 tablespoons Splenda Granular
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup chocolate graham-cracker crumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 tablespoon butter, melted
8 ounces tub-style light cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 1/2 cups light whipped topping

1. Select 6 tall, stemmed glasses (8-ounce wineglasses or champagne glasses are ideal).
2. In a small bowl, mix cherries, 2 tablespoons Splenda, and almond extract. Set aside.
3. In another small bowl, mix graham-cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons Splenda, cocoa powder, and butter. Set aside.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheeses with an electric mixer until creamy. Add sour cream and Splenda and stir until smooth. Fold in whipped topping with a spoon or spatula.
5. In the bottom of each glass, place 1 tablespoon graham-cracker mix. Press down with spoon. Place about 3 tablespoons of cream cheese mix on top of each. (You will use only half of the cheese mixture for the 6 glasses.) Divide the cherries among the glasses, placing them on top of the cream cheese layer. Add one more layer of cream cheese. Finish the parfait by topping each with 1 tablespoon of crumbs.
6. Enjoy immediately or place in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Serves 6

Calories 200; Fat 8 grams (6 saturated); Carbohydrate 24 grams (sugar 14 grams); Fiber 1 gram; Protein 7 grams; Sodium 290 milligrams

Diabetic exchange = 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Lean Meat, 1 Fruit, 1 Fat