Who said low carb meant no treats? Here are a couple of great low carb desserts that you can use to indulge your sweet tooth or your family’s.

Strawberry & Pecan Delight

Ingredients:

1 pack strawberry jello (low calorie & sugar free)
Water as directed on pack
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons toasted pecan pieces
1/4 cup ricotta cheese

Method:

Use half of the required water at boiling temperature to dissolve the jello. Stir until all dissolved. Add the cold water. Leave in the refrigerator until partially set.

In another bowl, add the pecans and vanilla extract to the ricotta cheese, mixing them in well. Then, using a whisk, add the cheese and nut mixture to the partly set jello. Keep whisking until it’s well mixed.

Divide into 4 individual bowls. Return them to the refrigerator to set completely before serving.

Apricot Almond Custard

Ingredients:

6 dried apricots
1/2 cup no-fat milk
1 tsp sweetener
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
1 tablespoon flaked almonds

Method:

Heat your oven to 350 degrees (180 degrees centigrade). On the top of the stove, put water in a small pan and add the apricots. Bring them to a boil. After 3 minutes they should be rehydrated. Drain them, let them cool, and roughly chop them.

Whisk the egg in a bowl, then add the milk, apricots, sweetener, and almond extract. Pour this mixture into two small ovenproof dishes or ramekins, and sprinkle the almonds on top.

Bake for 30 minutes or until they are set firm.

As these recipes show, being on a low carb diet is particularly useful if you have to cook for the family and do not want to cook separate meals. By adapting and adjusting some of the ingredients, you can eat many of the same things as the rest of the family. It is important however that you do your research and know your low carb foods. If buying packaged foods read the labels first to check the carbohydrate content. Some foods contain surprisingly high carbohydrate levels. Getting a carbohydrates list can be useful, either from a diet book or online.