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Low Sugar Desserts (continued)

Sweet ways to lower the sugar and the carbs in some favorite holiday desserts.

Sweet Cherry Topping

Food gifts are a delight to give and receive during the holidays. It can get a little tricky, however, when you are concerned about special dietary needs. This fantastic topping makes it easy. Made with healthy frozen dark cherries and no added sugar, it’s a beautiful and thoughtful gift for anyone watching their health. Spoon it over your favorite reduced-sugar ice cream or frozen yogurt, or over a plain, low-carb cake to dress it up holiday style. (This will keep well for up to two weeks if stored in the refrigerator.)

16 ounces (about 3 cups) frozen dark cherries, slightly thawed
2/3 cup Splenda Granular
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons orange liqueur or brandy
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1-2 tablespoons orange peel (thin strips)

1. Place cherries in a medium saucepan. Add Splenda, water, and cornstarch, and stir.
2. On medium heat, cook slowly for 5 minutes or until cherries are warm. Turn heat up and bring to a low boil; cook, stirring just until mixture clears and sauce is thickened.
3. Stir in liqueur and cook 1 minute.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, almond extract, and orange peel. Cool slightly and spoon into container.

Serves Eight (1/4 cup)

Calories 50; Fat 0 grams (0 saturated); Carbohydrate 9 grams (sugar 8 grams) Fiber 1 gram; Protein 1 gram; Sodium 0 milligrams

Diabetic exchange = 1/2 Fruit

Reviewed by Susan Weiner, R.D., M.S., C.D.E., C.D.N 4/11