Mocha Ricotta Crème

Do you like dessert?

So do we. How about combining chocolate chips, cocoa powder, vanilla extract,  part-skim ricotta cheese, espresso powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips?
OK some may not think it sounds appetizing, but it’s actually good together in a dessert that’s allowed on the South Beach plan. (Notice that it’s being called a plan not diet because that sounds too much like something for the short-time vs. the bigger picture of changing our eating habits.)

F&P Note: All recipes listed below are for a single serving , adjust as needed. Also, we add sugar-free Cool Whip® on top

Mocha Ricotta Crème

• ½ C part-skim ricotta cheese
• ½ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pkge sugar substitute
• 6 mini chocolate chips
• Dash espresso powder

Mix together the ricotta, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sugar substitute in a dessert bowl. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and a dusting of espresso powder on top. Serve chilled.
IF you don’t like cocoa powder or chocolate, try this version:

Vanilla Ricotta Crème

• ½ C part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract *
• 1 pkge sugar substitute
• 1 tsp slivered toasted almonds

Mix together the ricotta, vanilla extract and sugar substitute in a dessert bowl. Serve chilled, sprinkled with toasted almonds. Another variation is to make almond crème by using ¼ tsp almond    extract instead of vanilla.

And another variation that we enjoy in warmer months.

Lime/Lemon Zest Ricotta Crème

• ½ C part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp grated lime zest OR lemon zest
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pkge sugar substitute

Mix together the ricotta, lime (or lemon) zest, vanilla extract, and sugar substitute in a dessert bowl. Serve chilled.