Baking Tip (1)

Walnuts contain compounds called anthocyanins.  This is the reason why sometimes, our baked goods turn blue.  I read that toasting them in the oven before adding to the batter causes a chemical reaction that prevents the color change.  The result?  A flawless looking cake!

Tea Panna Cotta

Decadent and diet friendly, that’s how I would describe this sweet treat.  I found this recipe in a magazine and I never thought this yummy looking dessert can be slimming.  Why?  Because it’s infused with oolong tea, a brew that contains high concentration of slenderizing antioxidants.  Apparently, these antioxidants also offer protection against heart disease, premature aging, tooth decay and the many types of cancer.  I also love oolong’s floral flavor.  It’s just perfect for desserts!

For this treat you will need:

• 3 oolong tea bags
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 envelope 25 oz. unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• sugar-free chocolate syrup (optional)

1)  In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil.  Remove from heat.  Add 3 oolong tea bags; cover and let steep 3 minutes.  Discard bags.

2)  In small bowl, sprinkle 1 envelope unflavored gelatin over 1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half; let gelatin sit 1 minute, or until softened.

3)  Meanwhile, in same saucepan over high heat, bring brewed tea and 1/3 cup granulated sugar to a boil, whisking until sugar is dissloved.  Remove from heat.

4)  Whisk in gelatin mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until gelatin mixture dissolves.

5)  Strain tea mixture and divide evenly among six 6 oz. ramekins.  Chill 8 hours, or until firm.  Serve on plates drizzled with sugar-free chocolate syrup.

Yeilds 6 servings.

Prep time:  5 minutes  Total time:  10 minutes, plus chilling time.

Hello world!

Finally!!!  A blog about desserts.  Here you will find my collection of sweet desserts… most of them for slimmers.  And who says dieters can’t enjoy sweet treats?  Feel free to grab the recipes.