Yogurt Panna Cottas with Strawberry & Honey

Here is another so easy dessert yet is so elegant and healthy because I used fat-free milk and non-fat plain Greek yogurt to cut some of calories down from its original recipe.  I also add some of fresh strawberry, but you can use any kind of fruit you like, and a drizzle of honey on top for the refreshing look and taste.  Consider making this dessert earlier because its need to be chilled for at least 2-3 hours.   This recipe is adapted from Food & Wine.  

What you need:  for 4 servings

1 envelop/2 tsp unflavored gelatin

2 tbsp water

2 cup fat-free milk

1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

Fresh strawberry and honey

- mix gelatin and water to dissolve and set aside

- in a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of milk to a simmer with sugar, stir until the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat and stir in the gelatin to mix well, and set aside

- in a medium bowl, whisk another cup of milk and yogurt and whisk in gently the warm milk to combine

- pour in 8 oz/ 4 dessert cups and drop a few of cut strawberry

- refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until it set

- serve with a drizzle of honey on top and garnish with a strawberry as you desired

Enjoy!

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Carrot & Pineapple Smoothie

I love eating carrots in every ways.  Who doesn’t?  huhh!  It adds great flavor and beautiful color in all dishes.  It makes the best carrot cake that everyone loves.  It also pickles perfectly with other root vegetable like beets, daikon, and radish.  And even some people who like something wacky or think out of the box have come up with a genius idea of making carrot ice-cream.  I don’t know what it tastes like because I’ve never had it before, but it sounds awesomely good to me.

 In its vivid color, carrots are full of beta-carotene, vitamin A, B, C, minerals, anti-oxidants, and fibers that our bodies need daily; and besides that, it is so good for your eyes and skin.  Eating a cup of fresh carrots every day can make your skin looks, at least, 5 years younger than your actual age!  Don’t believe me?  hhmm…..   Let’s try if it works.   You have nothing to lose anyway.   Right?   

Here is another delightful smoothie make with carrots that mix perfectly with a tropical fruit like pineapple and the natural sweetness from OJ, plus nonfat yogurt for its creamy goodness.    I guarantee, you will not only like it, you will love it!    ^___^

what you need: 

¼ cup carrot chopped

¼ cup fresh or frozen pineapple

¼ cup orange juice

6 oz non-fat plain yogurt

½ cup crushed ice – forget about the ice if using frozen pineapple

Add a few drops of honey if you want more sweet

- In the blender, add all the ingredients and blend until smooth and frothy.

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Shrimp and Veggies Delight Salad with Coconut Lime dressing

    

This salad is made of fresh and raw veggies I have on hand in my refrigerator and I’ve added some poached shrimp to make it as a quick lunch or light dinner.  It can be made of any veggies that you like fresh and, preferably, can be eaten raw, or add some fresh and crisp fruits like apple or pears to better it flavor and make it more elegant and fun to eat.  The key of this yummy goodness is the dressing.  The natural sweetness of coconut milk blends perfectly with the perfect kick of lime juice and chili garlic sauce, and add  some succulent poached shrimp, together, make such a one big happy family that would make you go ahhhhhh……..Healthy-licious!  

 For the salad

300g poached or cooked shrimp

¼ cup celery thinly sliced

¼ cup small radishes thinly sliced

½ cup Persian cucumbers cut lengthwise and chopped crosswise

½ cu cherry tomatoes halved

¼ cup orange bell pepper or sweet pepper thinly sliced

¼ cup carrot shredded and a few thinly sliced

2 tbsp parsley finely chopped

For dressing:   

¼ cup coconut milk

2 tbsp sugar

3 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (or more)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

- Whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing and pour it over the veggies and let it sit in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to blend flavor.  

Enjoy!

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