You'll get a "wow' on presentation, a "wow" on taste and another "wow" when you tell them these Tiramisu Parfaits are also low-cal! Woo Hoo!
This weeks installment of #SundaySupper is all about tasty and healthy, low-calorie recipes, which fits exactly into my new way of thinking and cooking in my Kudos Kitchen.
I'll admit it, I used to think that low-calorie "healthy" cooking was boring and unadventurous. Over the past few months however, I've discovered how wrong I was and how much I'm truly enjoying the full experience of cooking and baking lower calorie meals and treats.
In addition, I've happily come to find out that I still enjoy cooking and baking just as much as I ever did! The only difference now is that I feel better than I did before and that, little by little, I'm seeing the difference on the scale and in the mirror. Thankfully, healthier cooking and baking is not the sacrifice in taste (or fun) that I thought it would be and I'm here to tell you, it's is lifestyle change we can (and will) be sticking to!
TIRAMISU PARFAITS {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
Makes 6 parfaits at approximately 250 calories each
4 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1/2 cup boiling water
3 tablespoons rum
2 cups cold 1% milk
2 packages (1 ounce each) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
4 ounces Neufchatel cheese, at room temperature.
1/3 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 package ladyfingers (*see back story, included in the photos)
2 cups fat-free whipped topping
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
cocoa powder (for garnish)
-In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in the boiling water and rum. Stir and set aside to cool.
-In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mixes and the milk until thickened.
-In another large bowl, with a hand mixer (or using a stand mixer), whip the Neufchatel cheese and ricotta until smooth and creamy.
-Add the whipped cheese mixture into the pudding mixture and stir well to combine.
-Using a pastry brush, generously brush the espresso/rum mixture onto each ladyfinger (you may also wish to dip the lady fingers quickly into the espresso/rum mixture) making sure each one is well wet.
-Gently break each soaked ladyfinger into small bits until you're ready to assemble your parfaits.
-Using 6 parfait glasses (I used 6 Irish coffee mugs *the perks of running a painted glassware business*), place a nice layer of soaked ladyfinger pieces in the bottom of each glass.
-Spoon the pudding/cheese mixture into a large zip-type plastic bag and gently squeeze the mixture into one of the bottom corners of the bag (you can also use a pastry bag if you have them), and snip the corner with a scissor.
-Without using too much pressure, top the ladyfinger layer with the pudding/cheese mixture to make the second layer.
-Using the same technique with the whipped topping and the zip-type bag, pipe in your third layer of whipped topping over the pudding/cheese layer.
-Continue with the additional soaked ladyfingers, the pudding/cheese mixture and the whipped topping to finish.
-Sprinkle each parfait with a light dusting of cocoa powder and a small sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.
-Refrigerate until you're ready to serve. The longer, the better. These can even me made the day before so they're perfect for when you want to "wow" them, but are short on time :)
*I bought this package of ladyfingers at a famous Italian bakery in the North end of Boston when we were there last September on a cruise. The trip to Boston's iconic Italian North end was one of the shore excursions I was most excited about as we got to visit and explore the best of Boston's little Italy food district.
The bakery I purchased these at is called "Maria's Pastry Shop" and it was such a special treat to visit her bakery and even to meet the famous Maria herself. It's a trip I will never forget and I'm fortunate to have saved her special ladyfingers for this recipe, even though they're not quite authentic Italian tiramisu. I hope Maria would approve.
Six months in the freezer and they were still as good as new...Thanks Maria!!!
My family went crazy for this dessert. I served them as the end to our Valentine's Day dinner and they were gobbled up in no time flat! Feel the love!
If you're also looking to lighten up in the kitchen, check out all these other wonderfully delicious "Skinny" #SundaySupper recipes listed below. We've got you covered from soup to nuts (but only a handful, please). LOL
Until we eat again,
Sizzling Skinny Appetizers & Soups
Healthy Skinny Mains & Sides
Guilt Free Skinny Desserts & Snacks
Sizzling Skinny Appetizers & Soups
Healthy Skinny Mains & Sides
Guilt Free Skinny Desserts & Snacks
- See more at: http://www.suesnutritionbuzz.com/2013/02/14/healthy-light-recipes-for-a-skinny-sundaysupper/#sthash.mXge3GDt.dpuf
Sizzling Skinny Appetizers & Soups
Healthy Skinny Mains & Sides
Guilt Free Skinny Desserts & Snacks
- See more at: http://www.suesnutritionbuzz.com/2013/02/14/healthy-light-recipes-for-a-skinny-sundaysupper/#sthash.mXge3GDt.dpuf
Sizzling Skinny Appetizers & Soups
Healthy Skinny Mains & Sides
Guilt Free Skinny Desserts & Snacks
- See more at: http://www.suesnutritionbuzz.com/2013/02/14/healthy-light-recipes-for-a-skinny-sundaysupper/#sthash.mXge3GDt.dpuf
Labels: #SundaySupper, chocolate, chocolate chips, cream cheese, desserts, espresso, Italian desserts, ladyfingers, light and fit, parfaits, pudding, ricotta cheese, rum, sweets, Travel the world
