Losing weight - not easy when you are a caterer and cake designer, and when you love to eat as much as I do. My real downfall is desserts. I have a real sweet tooth. So... I am trying to come up with some low calorie, low points desserts that won't blow my Weight Watchers program. On Monday nights, we meet together with our empty nesters group to have gospel discussions and activities - more lovingly known as FHE or Family Home Evening. We take turns having our group at different homes, and whoever has the lesson that night also supplies the dessert. I have been trying hard to come up with delicious yet calorie conscious desserts. Last night was a hit... Peach filled meringue shells. Yum! We're still eating fresh peaches from Palisade, so this was a tasty way to use some of those.
Peach Filled Meringue Shells
Meringue Shells
3 egg whites
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond extract
In a grease-free bowl, add egg whites, cream of tartar and flavorings. Bring to room temperature. (Egg whites will whip higher.) Whip until soft peaks form and then add sugar, 1 T. at a time. Continue to whip until glossy stiff peaks form. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop 8 mounds onto baking sheet and with back of spoon, form into 3 inch round cups. (If you want to make them fancy with a decorating bag, use a large star tip and pipe out 8 3-inch circles. Then pipe a double circle around each to form a wall.) Bake at 225 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours. Turn off the oven, and let cool in the oven without opening the door for 1 hour. When they are done, they should sound hollow when you tap on the bottom and peel easily off the parchment.
Filling
4 or 5 fresh peaches, cut in small slices
(you can remove the skins if desired)
Small amount of agave nectar or honey (to taste)
Lite Cool Whip (or real whipped cream if you don't care about the calories)
Cinnamon and toasted sliced almonds (for garnish)
To assemble, put meringue shell on plate, spread small amount of cool whip inside each shell, add desired amount of peaches. Put a dollop of Cool Whip on top. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon and add a few toasted almond slices.
Makes 8 servings. 3 WW points+ per serving.
