Summertime means lots of pot lucks and barbecues. With all that good food at hand, it can be very difficult to avoid calorie laden desserts, which is why I usually offer to bring it myself. Here are three mouth watering desserts that will make the other guests beg you for the recipe. Simply smile and say "Oh no, I couldn't possibly, it's an old family recipe!"
Cranberry and Fruit Coffeecake
This is best made a day or two ahead of time.
For the topping you'll need;
¼ cup all purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar or brown sugar substitute (adjust quantity as required)
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 tbsp margarine, melted
Combine topping ingredients in a small bowl. Add melted margarine and combine until mixture has a crumbly texture. Put aside.
For the cake you'll need;
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour OR ¾ cup whole wheat flour and ¾ cup all purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup low fat or fat free sour cream
2 egg whites or egg white equivalents
4 tbsp margarine at room temperature
1 cup chopped cranberries
½ cup chopped dried fruit such as pineapple, apricots, or apples
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease a round cake pan (springform is easiest). Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda until well blended. In a separate bowl, combine vanilla, sour cream, egg whites and margarine until well blended. Add flour mixture to egg mixture and blend until smooth.
Pour half the batter into the pan, top with cranberries and fruit, add remaining batter and top with topping. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Banana Bread
I very often double this recipe, particularly if there's going to be a large crowd. Like the coffeecake, banana bread is usually better if prepared the day before serving.
You'll need;
¾ cup of sugar or sugar substitute (adjust quantity as required)
½ cup shortening
2 eggs
3 overripe bananas, peeled and mashed
1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips OR ½ cup chopped nuts
Preheat oven to 300˚F. Grease and flour a bread pan. Cream shortening and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and bananas and blend well. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to the banana and egg mixture and stir gently. Add option ingredients if using. Bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Layered Dessert
Because it's chilled, this one is great for hot summer days.
You'll need;
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup margarine, melted
½ tsp cinnamon
1 pkg light cream cheese
2 tbsp Splenda (or sugar substitute to taste)
3 cups thawed light Cool Whip
1 cup boiling water
2 pkgs diet Jello (ie lemon, raspberry, orange)
3 cups frozen fruit (ie raspberries, mixed fruit)
Mix graham crumbs, margarine and cinnamon. Reserving 2 tbsp, spread the remainder evenly into a 13 x 9 pan and press firmly. Beat the cream cheese and the sugar until well blended. Stir in 1 cup of Cool Whip and spread mixture onto the crust. In a large bowl, add boiling water to Jello. Stir until Jello is dissolved. Add frozen fruit and stir just until slightly thickened. Pour over the cream cheese. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Cover with remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top. Refrigerate at least three hours.
