…Relatively healthy, I suppose.

I’ve seen the recipe for a ricotta-based faux cheesecake a couple places – probably starting with the South Beach Diet many years ago.  This is my version – and I’m always surprised at how full I feel afterwards…the protein in the ricotta is truly filling and more satisfying than real cheesecake, I feel. (I’m not really a cheesecake-person, to tell the truth – the restaurant version always makes me feel somewhat sick halfway through.)

DIY Healthy Diet Faux Cheesecake (Like-A-Cheesecake) Recipe

(makes 1 serving)

Ingredients:

*2 graham cracker squares (or one long rectangle)
*1/3 cup lowfat ricotta cheese
*1 tsp vanilla extract
*1 1/2 tsp agave nectar (optional)
*1 tsp sugar-free strawberry (or other fruit) preserves (optional)
*sprig of mint

Directions:

1. Place the graham crackers in a bag and smash with a rolling pin until crumbs.  Using the back of a spoon, press the crumbs into the bottom of a small dish.

2. Place the ricotta cheese in a bowl and add the vanilla extract.  (You don’t need to be exact with the measurements; just mix and taste as you go.)  You don’t even have to add the agave nectar if you prefer a “cheesier-tasting” cheesecake.  Me, I like my desserts sweet, so I added a little agave nectar.

3. Once mixed, press ricotta cheese onto the top of the graham cracker crumbs.  If you prefer a more solid cake, chill in the refrigerator about 30 minutes.

4. Drizzle fruit preserves over the top.  (The sugar-free preserves tend to have more water than regular, and thus mimic a light “syrup.”)  Garnish with mint and enjoy!

On another note, I am also totally addicted to these:

Okay, I know they’re toddler-snacks (and Lil Tot is technically no longer a toddler)…but I buy them just for me.  Maybe I’ll share a few with Lil Tot…maybe.

They’re akin to Astronaut Ice Cream…well, Astronaut Frozen Yogurt (I know this doesn’t exist, at least for purchase by the average consumer, but bear with me).  They’re ridiculously low in calories, have no fat, healthy probiotic bacteria, and they slowly melt in your mouth as you suck on them.  And they don’t cost $5 (like a tiny little sliver of Astronaut Ice Cream does) – usually they’re 2 packs for $5 at my local supermarket, and a pack lasts quite awhile.  They come in Mixed Berries, Strawberry, and Peach.
Yum.

Do any of you have any secret snacks that as an adult you’re technically not supposed to enjoy?

xo
Carly

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