For me, there’s no time better time than summer to shop the produce section. Bursting with berries and packed with peaches, the colorful displays and sweet aroma call to me. This morning I was delighted to find fresh blueberries on sale, and several pints wound up in my cart.
Eaten just as they are, blueberries are the perfect example good health delivered with great taste. Recent studies show blueberries not only have one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food, they are incredibly powerful when it comes to reducing breast cancer tumors. Food instead of medicine–I love it!
But I must say, when you take the lovely berries and layer them with a rich creamy layers of “cheesecake,” and graham cracker “crust,” wow, who cares about health? These easy-to-make parfaits are perfect for entertaining. Gorgeous, yet fun, they’re perfectly portioned, and, while one day is better, they can be made up to two days ahead of time. (PS Can you use any berry you prefer or even chopped up fresh peaches? Absolutely!)
1/2 cup graham-cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons no-calorie granulated sweetener* (or 3 packets)
1 1/2 tablespoons light butter
4 ounces tub-style light cream cheese
4 ounces nonfat cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup no-calorie granulated sweetener* (or 6 packets)
1 cup light whipped topping, thawed
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
*When using reduced calorie sugar blends (like Truvia for baking), use 1/2 as much.
1. Select 6 tall, stemmed glasses. (An 8-ounce wineglass or champagne glass is ideal).
2. In a small bowl, mix graham-cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sweetener, and butter. Set aside.In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheeses with an electric mixer until creamy. Add sour cream and 1/4 cup sweetener and stir until smooth. Fold in light whipped topping with a spoon or spatula.
3. In the bottom of each glass, place 1 tablespoon graham cracker mix. Press down with spoon. Place about 3 tablespoons of cream cheese mix on top of each. (You will use only 1/2 of the cheese mixture for the 6 glasses). Divide the berries among the glasses, placing them on top of the cream cheese layer. Add one more layer of cream cheese. Finish the parfait by topping each with 1 tablespoon of crumbs.
4. Enjoy immediately or place in the refrigerator until ready to be served.
DARE TO COMPARE: The original recipe for these parfaits called for regular cream cheese, whipping cream and of course, sugar for a staggering 490 calories each!
Nutrition Information Per Serving: Calories 185: Fat 8 grams (5 saturated): Carbohydrate 20 grams (sugar 8): Fiber 2 grams: Protein 7 grams: Sodium 280 milligrams Food Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Low-Fat Meat, 1 Fat | Weight Watcher plus point comparison = 4 points | Smart Points 6
