Easy and Low-Fat Desserts (yes, it is possible)

Recently I had to make some changes to my eating habits.  That is extremely hard for a "foodie" like me but since my health pretty much depended on it, I've managed.  Now I am on an extremely low-fat eating plan and I am seriously missing all the "good" stuff.  I thought that I cooked fairly low-fat before but apparently not enough.  Sooooo in an effort to fill my life and tummy with tasty things, I have reinvented some of my absolute favorites.  The first posting will be DESSERTS - because it's always good to start with dessert first, right?

Black Forest Trifle (approx 1 gram of fat per serving)

       1 family size Betty Crocker Brownie mix
       1/3 c water
       1/3 c applesauce
       2 eggs

Mix together and bake in a sprayed 9 x 13 pan for the time directed on the package. Allow to cool and cut into small squares.

     1 can cherry pie filling
     1/4 t almond extract

Mix together and set aside

     Hersheys syrup

     1 small box instant chocolate milk made according to directions using SKIM milk - chill in fridge

     Lite or fat free whipped topping

Layer half of brownie squares, pudding, cherries, whipped topping and drizzle with chocolate syrup.  Repeat layers and chill for at least one hour before serving.  You seriously would NEVER suspect this is low-fat!

Lowfat "Mock" Cheesecake (the only fat is in the crust)

1 lower fat graham cracker crust
1 pkg fat free cream cheese, softened
3 T skim milk
2 t vanilla
1 c powdered sugar
1 16 oz tub fat free or lite whipped topping

Blend together cream cheese, milk, vanilla and sugar. Fold in whipped topping and put in crust.  Chill and serve with fresh fruit or pie filling (we love blueberry).

Yogurt Pie (the only fat is in the crust)

1 lower fat graham cracker crust
3 to 4 containers (6 oz size) no fat yogurt, any flavor
1 tub fat free whipped topping

Mix whipped topping and yogurt together.  Pour into crust and freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.

Cotton Candy Salad

1 can fat free sweetened condensed milk
1 can cherry pie filling
2 cans mandarin oranges,. drained
2 c mini marshmallows
1 8 oz tub fat free whipped topping

Stir milk and pie filling together.  Stir in oranges and marshmallows and then fold in whipped topping.  Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Okay so none of these recipes could be considered "healthy" but they are lots lower in fat than the originals and they have been lifesavers for me, especially the trifle! 

Freezer Meals

Okay - this is my first official try at freezer meals.  I got some of these online from various sources. The others I just used recipes that I already had.  Things I learned: I went to the dollar store to buy all my foil pans.  I sprayed them well with cooking spray.  Take most everything out of your freezer and stick it in a cooler.  Then you can freeze everything nice and flat.  If you stack it, apparently it compresses and somethings may leak - not that I learned that from experience  :(  . It only takes a few hours to freeze everything enough that you can stack it.  I cooked the pasta just to al dente.  I just covered the meals with foil and wrote on the top what it was and the cooking instructions.  Others that do this often have told me to allow plenty of time for thawing!!!!!  Good luck.  Everything I snitched tastes of was delicious!!!! Oh and by the way - you don't have to freeze these recipes, you can make it and bake it the same day!!

MRS. D.'S PIZZA CASSEROLE

1 pkg. pepperoni
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1 pkg. cooked egg noodles
1 can drained sliced olives
1 small can mushrooms, drained (optional)
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 jar pizza sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Add all of the ingredients together except for the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle it on the top of the casserole. Put in a sprayed foil deep lasagna pan and freeze.  Thaw all day. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. 

Mexi Beef Casserole Freezer Recipe

1 pound ground beef
1 15-oz can sweet corn, drained
1 cup mild, chunky salsa
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1 pkg cooked egg noodles
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup taco sauce
1 package taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup tomato sauce


Cook egg noodles according to instructions, drain. Meanwhile, brown beef in a skillet until brown and fully cooked. Drain any grease. In a bowl, combine all ingredients, then pour into a freezer container or a 9x13 baking dish. Freeze (may want to allow it to come down to room temperature before placing in freezer)


On cooking day, thaw completely in fridge (take it out the night before or morning of). In a preheated 325F oven, cook for 30-45 minutes, or until bubbly and completely hot throughout. Serve!

Maui Wowee Chicken Freezer Recipe

4 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 cups onion, chopped
2 cup green pepper, chopped
4 14oz cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans (15 oz.) pineapple tidbits
1 tbsp. soy sauce


In frying pan, heat 1 tbsp oil then saute onion and green pepper until softened. Add chicken and heat (or cook chicken at this stage if uncooked, then dice). Add cream of chicken soup, pineapple tidbits and soy sauce. Divide into two containers, allow to cool, then freeze.


On serving day. Thaw in refrigerator, then heat in saucepan on medium heat. Serve with rice or pasta.

Caesar Chicken Casserole Freezer Recipe

2 lbs cooked chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" to 1" pieces
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
2/3 cup light creamy caesar dressing
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, grated
1 12-oz package tubed pasta (such as penne or macaroni), cooked and drained
1/4 cup croutons


Combine all ingredients but croutons, mixing well, in a 2 quart baking dish. Allow to cool and freeze.


From freezer: Thaw casserole. Top with crushed croutons and bake in 350F preheated oven for 30 minutes or until topping is browned and casserole is bubbly.

Baked Spaghetti

1 lb pasta, cooked
1 lb ground beef, browned
1 chopped green pepper
1 cr of mushroom soup
1 can tomato soup
1 can tomato sauce
1 can water
2 T brown sugar
1 t salt
basil, oregano, garlic salt
1 c mozzarella cheese


Combine in a large bowl and place in a sprayed foil pan.  Freeze.  Thaw all day then bake at 350 until bubbly.

South of the Border Quiche

2 unbaked pie shells
2 t chili powder
1 t cumin
2 c grated cheese
8 eggs
2 c half and half
2 cans green chilies
2 cans sliced ripe olives
2 T fresh cilantro
½ t salt and pepper


Bake pie shells for 5 minutes at 400. Then mix all ingredients. Cover with saran wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Remove from the freezer for 30 minutes – do not thaw. Cover edges with foil. Place on a baking sheet at 400 for 55 – 60 minutes.