Lime Cheesecake Squares (Low Sugar)

Looking for a light, summery dessert? Look no further! These lime cheesecake squares have no added sugar, are low carb, and are full of protein thanks to the cottage cheese. If you're not a fan of lime, I'm sure you could substitute any flavor of sugar-free jello that suits your tastebuds!

Lime Cheesecake Squares (Low Sugar)

Ingredients

6 low-fat honey graham crackers, crushed (about 1/2 cup)

2 T unsalted butter, melted

1 package of sugar-free lime jello

3/4 c boiling water

16 oz. nonfat cottage cheese

8 oz. neufchatel cheese (fat free cream cheese), softened

4 oz. lite cool whip, thawed

Directions

Combine graham crackers and margarine; press crumb mixture into an 8x8 baking dish.  Place in refrigerator while making the filling.  Dissolve jello in the boiling water and set aside.  Using a food processor, blend cottage cheese and cream cheese until smooth.  Add cheese mixture to jello and whisk until smooth (start with 1/2 cup first, then add the rest).  Fold in cool whip.  Spread filling over the crust and refrigerate until filling is firm (about 8 to 12 hours).  

Nutrition (based on 16 2-inch squares):

Calories:  121

Fat: 6g

Total Carbs: 8.7g

Fiber: .2 g

Sugar: 3 g

Protein: 8g

Stay healthy!

 

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

If you're like most people, you probably love pizza. And like some people, you may feel guilty for indulging - not any more! When using cauliflower as the base for your crust rather than white flour, you add nutrition and subtract calories without sacrificing taste.  I adapted this recipe from an awesome foodie blog called Eat.Drink.Smile. 

The recipe was very easy to make and can be tweaked to suit your own personal tastes!  Most of the calories comes from the cheese, so feel free to substitute low fat/light cheese to lower the calories even more. This recipe is also low-carb and naturally gluten-free! 

Ingredients

2 cups of riced cauliflower

1 cup of part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 egg, beaten

2 cloves garlic, chopped

.5 teaspoon oregano

.25 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions

Ricing the cauliflower:  remove leaves and cut cauliflower into small florets. Pulse in a food processor until the cauliflower resembles grains - be careful not to pulse too long or you will puree the cauliflower! (Eat. Drink. Smile suggests using a cheese grater if you don't have a food processor.)  Place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 6-8 minutes.  This will soften and somewhat cook the cauliflower.  While the cauliflower is in the microwave, pre-heat the oven to 450.

After removing the cauliflower from the microwave, add the remaining ingredients and mix.  The heat from the cauliflower will help to melt the cheese.  

Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Spread the cauliflower mixture onto the cookie sheet and pat down with the back of a spoon.  Cook the "crust" for 15 minutes.

Top with whatever you like and pop it back in the oven under the broiler for 3-4 minutes! So easy!

Nutrition (serves 2, information is for 1 serving; does not include sauce or other toppings)

Calories: 205

Fat: 12 g

Carbs: 6.2g

Fiber: 3g

Protein: 19g

Stay healthy!