Dreamsicle Delight

Yield: 6 servings (1 cup each) | Prep: 15 mins. | Ready In: 3 hrs.

What you need:

• 1 (3-ounce) box sugar-free orange gelatin

• 1 (3 ounce) box sugar-free instant vanilla pudding

• 1 (8 ounce) container fat-free frozen whipped topping

What you do:

1. Dissolve orange gelatin in 1 cup (8 ounces) hot water. 2. Add 1 cup (8 ounces) cold water to gelatin mixture and whisk together. 3. Add vanilla pudding mix to the gelatin mixture and whisk until well blended. 4. Add the container of whipped topping to the orange mixture and whisk together until well blended. 5. Measure into six dessert cups. Chill for 3 or more hours.

Cook’s Note: A variety of fruit-flavored gelatins can be substituted for the orange gelatin depending on your taste preference. For a “richer” dessert, add chopped fresh fruit of the same gelatin flavor or one that pairs well with the gelatin flavor.

Just remember adding fruit increases the carbohydrate content (if you are counting carbohydrates).

Why we love it:

It is simply a fact: many of us must control our carbohydrate intake as part of an overall medical plan to help control our blood sugars. And that simply means we must be a bit more creative when working in treats and desserts for special occasions. There are some great recipes that control carbs without compromising taste that everyone can enjoy.

Here are some simple recipe tips that reduce carbs:

• Sugar-free ice cream as “icing” for a cake made with a sugar-free cake mix • Crusts and tortes made from mainly whole grains and nuts

• Fillings made with sugar-free frozen whipped topping and sugar free vanilla flavored coffee

• Fillings made with reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free marmalades, preserves or jams and whipped topping • Custards made with sugar-substitute and citrus zest, nutmeg and vanilla for flavor

• Crepes rolled around a low-carb filling, topped with bittersweet chocolate shavings

• Cookies with base dough of ground nuts, egg whites and sugar substitute