Recipe: Ricotta Pudding with Chocolate

From Denny: Let's see, this is the best of both worlds! It has protein AND chocolate! Found this over at NBC. They just recently updated some chocolate recipes - finally! Too bad they didn't put a photo of this recipe. Guess I'll have to just salivate in my mind...

"Ricotta pudding with chocolate, orange zest and pistachios
Don’t have much time to cook a fancy meal? Try these easy, tasty options."

From: Fresco by Scotto Restaurant

Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup whole pistachios, chopped

1/4 cup chocolate, grated

Zest from 1 orange

2 teaspoons pure vanilla

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar till firm and fluffy; do not overwhip.

2. Then, whip the ricotta separately for a few minutes.

3. Fold the heavy cream into the whipped ricotta and fold in the vanilla extract, chocolate, orange zest, and cinnamon.

4. Place in parfait or wine glasses and refrigerate.

Recipe: Blintz Brunch Bake

From Denny: We just love cheesey dishes in Louisiana and when better than for breakfast on the weekend? Try this little lovely next time you need to bake for a number of people and don't feel like a lot of different dishes when one will do so you can relax with your company!


Blintz Brunch Bake

From: KraftFoods.com

Prep Time: 15 min

Total Time: 1 hr

Makes: 16 servings



Ingredients:

2 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1 container (15 oz.) BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Ricotta Cheese

5 eggs, divided

3/4 cup sugar, divided

2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup flour

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted

1/4 cup milk

1 Tablespoon CALUMET Baking Powder


Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Beat cream cheese, ricotta cheese, 2 of the eggs, 1/4 cup of the sugar, lemon peel and lemon juice in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended; set aside.

PLACE flour, butter, remaining 3 eggs, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, milk and baking powder in separate large bowl; beat with wire whisk until well blended. Spread 1/3 of the dough onto bottom of greased 13x9-inch baking dish; cover with cream cheese mixture. Gently spoon remaining dough over top.

BAKE 45 minutes or until center is set. Cut into 16 pieces to serve. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Calories 310

Total fat 26 g

Saturated fat 15 g

Cholesterol 140 mg

Sodium 340 mg

Carbohydrate 12 g

Dietary fiber 0 g

Sugars 11 g

Protein 7 g

© 2008 Kraft Foods Inc. All rights reserved

Recipe: Dennys Valentines Day Chocolate Crepes with Sweet Ricotta Cheese

Dennys Valentines Day Chocolate Crepes with Sweet Ricotta Cheese - Videos posted below to help you see just how easy it is to make that French culture favorite: crepes!

Recipes: Dennys Valentines Day Chocolate Crepes with Sweet Ricotta Cheese

Dennys Valentines Day Chocolate Crepes with Sweet Ricotta Cheese - Here’s a romantic idea for Valentine’s Day to serve your sweetheart. Maybe you will just make these easy decadent yet light calorie crepes all for yourself! These crepes are made with healthy whole wheat flour. You can use regular flour if you like as is done traditionally.

The beauty of this dessert is that it is also a protein sweet so it doesn't play roller coaster with your blood sugar like most sweets. Thanks to the Italian immigrants to Louisiana who introduced us to the wonders of high-protein ricotta cheese!

Video included to show you how easy it is to make your own crepes. Also, Valentines Day Cocktail made from Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and Expresso!

Note: For more fun recipes visit my other food blog -
Romancing The Chocolate