8 SIMPLE DESSERTS
Speedy ideas to satisfy a sweet tooth
Roasted fig bruschetta
SERVES 4 PREP 10 mins COOK 20 mins EASY
Mix 85g butter with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon and cut four thick slices from a crusty loaf. Spread both sides of the bread with the cinnamon butter, put on a baking sheet and sprinkle with caster sugar. Cut 8 figs in half, then put four halves on each bread slice and sprinkle with more sugar. Bake for 20 mins at 200C/180C fan/gas 6, then serve with crème fraîche.
GOOD TO KNOW 1 of 5-a-day
PER SERVING 376 kcals • fat 18g • saturates 11g • carbs 46g • sugars 29g • fibre 4g • protein 5g • salt 0.8g
Griddled pineapple with caramelised yogurt
SERVES 4 PREP 15 mins COOK 10 mins EASY
Peel and cut 1 pineapple into large wedges, then griddle until caramelised. Mix 400g natural yogurt with 1 tsp vanilla extract, divide between four dessert glasses and sprinkle each with 1 tbsp brown sugar. Leave the yogurt to stand for 10 mins, then serve with the griddled pineapple.
GOOD TO KNOW low fat • vit c • 1 of 5-a-day • gluten free PER SERVING 279 kcals • fat 3g • saturates 2g • carbs 53g • sugars 49g • fibre 3g • protein 7g • salt 0.2g
Pear puffs
SERVES 4 PREP 10 mins COOK 15 mins EASY V
Cut 375g ready-rolled puff pastry into four squares and put on a baking sheet. Thinly slice 4 pears, then lay the slices on the pastry so they overlap, leaving a 1cm border around the edge. Brush with 25g melted butter, sprinkle over some brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon and bake at 220C/200C fan/gas 7 for 15 mins. Serve with vanilla ice cream. GOOD TO KNOW 1 of 5-a-day
PER SERVING 489 kcals • fat 27g • saturates 14g • carbs 52g • sugars 20g • fibre 4g • protein 6g • salt 0.9g
Festive baked apples
SERVES 4 PREP 10 mins COOK 20 mins EASY
Core 4 Bramley apples and score the skin around the middle. Fill each with 85g vegetarian mincemeat and a knob of butter and bake for 20 mins at 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Serve warm with cream.
GOOD TO KNOW 1 of 5-a-day
PER SERVING 338 kcals • fat 8g • saturates 3g • carbs 63g • sugars 63g • fibre 5g • protein 1g • salt 0.1g
Easy banoffee pies
SERVES 4 PREP 10 mins COOK 5 mins EASY
Sprinkle 85g pecans with icing sugar and toast in a dry frying pan. Put 2 round shortbread biscuits on four plates, then drizzle with caramel from a can or jar. Slice 4 bananas, divide between the biscuits, then top with whipped cream and the toasted pecans.
PER SERVING 439 kcals • fat 26g • saturates 9g • carbs 42g • sugars 21g • fibre 1g • protein 6g • salt 0.3g
Quick crème brûlées
SERVES 4 PREP 10 mins COOK 35 mins EASY V
Mix 500g ready-made custard with
2 large beaten egg whites, then divide between four ramekins. Bake at 140C/ 120C fan/gas 1 for 25-30 mins until just wobbly in the centre. Sprinkle each with 1 tbsp brown sugar, then grill for a few mins to melt the sugar. Serve warm.
GOOD TO KNOW low fat
PER SERVING 206 kcals • fat 4g • saturates 2g • carbs 38g • sugars 34g • fibre none • protein 5g • salt 0.2g
Spiced orange pancakes
SERVES 4 PREP 5 mins COOK 5 mins EASY
Heat 12 Scotch pancakes in the microwave. Stack three on each plate and drizzle with 3 tbsp orange curd mixed with 1/4 tsp mixed spice and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle with orange zest and toasted flaked almonds to serve.
PER SERVING 432 kcals • fat 12g • saturates 2g • carbs 74g • sugars 42g • fibre 2g • protein 6g • salt 1.1g
Fruit salad
SERVES 4 PREP 10 mins NO COOK EASY
Peel and thinly slice 8 clementines into rings. Divide the slices between four plates and sprinkle with the seeds from 1 pomegranate. Mix 100ml orange juice with 100ml pomegranate juice and 2 tsp honey. Pour the juice mixture over the fruit and sprinkle with toasted flaked coconut.
GOOD TO KNOW low fat • vit c • 1 of 5-a-day • gluten free PER SERVING 175 kcals • fat 5g • saturates 4g • carbs 28g • sugars 24g • fibre 3g • protein 2g • salt none