Thursday, June 16, 2011

Cherry Cheesecake Tapioca Pudding

It's that time of year again when fresh cherries are widely available and at the lowest prices of the season. My family loves them and I can't have too many recipes that highlight their juicy goodness. This is an old-fashioned one that reminds me of my childhood. Our housekeeper, Melvina, didn't make many desserts when cooking for my seven brothers and sisters, although on a rare occasion she'd make creamy tapioca to our great delight. Normally, tapioca pudding is made with milk, but this recipe is water-based which reduces the calories and fat. The fresh, light flavor is drawn directly from the cherries as they simmer and infuse the pudding. The addition of low-fat cream cheese and sprinkling of graham cracker gives it that distinct "cheesecake" taste. This is an easy dessert or snack that just screams "Summer!"

Cherry Cheesecake Tapioca Pudding
Makes 4 servings

3 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
1¼ cups water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/3 cup Splenda granular
3 tablespoons quick tapioca
Dash salt
2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers, divided for garnish

1. Mix the cherries, water, lemon juice, Splenda, tapioca and salt in a medium saucepan and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Heat mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring often, for 10-15 minutes until cherries soften and tapioca becomes translucent.

2. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and well blended. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide into 4 serving dishes and refrigerate until chilled.

3. Just before serving, sprinkle each with ½ tablespoon crushed graham crackers.

Nutritional Information per serving: 159.5 calories, 29 g carbohydrate, 3 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 96 mg sodium, 1.5 g fiber, 1.7 g protein.

Original recipe by Kathy Sheehan, copyright 2011

No comments:

Post a Comment