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Lighter Desserts

Hi Betty, Bathing suit season is coming, but I don’t want to give up my treats. What can I do to “lighten up” some desserts? --Sheila
Hi Sheila, Oh, I hear you!  I’m not one to give up on my treats either. But it’s not hard to enjoy semi-healthy desserts and treats in moderation (and maybe indulge in a calorie splurge on a special occasion). And I’ve got a few ways to make those semi-healthy treats even healthier! So you’ll want to focus on fruit-based desserts with not too much butter, like Warm Stuffed Apples and Baked Rhubarb Dessert. You say you’re craving cake? Look to lighter cakes, like Heavenly Angel Food Cake; bypass any frosting, but top a thin slice with just a drizzle of chocolate syrup or flavored yogurt. Chocolate lover? Keep in mind that one small piece of good chocolate can be very satisfying (and feel so indulgent!), without coming near the calorie count of a rich pie, pudding or brownie. Here are some tips to lighten the calorie load even more: --Nuts can pack a wallop of calories. Use half the amount called for in the recipe, but toast them first to bring out their flavor. Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until they are browned and fragrant. And if you’re using a lesser amount, chop them finely so they’ll be evenly dispersed in the dessert. --Instead of whipped cream topping, use a couple tablespoons low-fat vanilla yogurt. --For frozen dessert recipes that call for ice cream, use sorbet or frozen yogurt instead. Try it in my Strawberry Angel Roll, Apricot Ice Cream Crunch and Warm Caramel Sundaes. Good luck!

  • Question
    My sister was born in the early 1950's, she said my mother used to make a white "chocolate chip bar." The bars were white but had real chocolate chips in them. I've been trying to find a recipe like this. My mother didn't have a written recipe for it, but knew what she was talking about, she asked me if I recalled them and I didn't. I was wondering if you have a recipe and where I could find it.
    -Beth
    September 2012
  • Question

    When my children were young I use to make a corn chowder called Pennsylvania Dutch Chowder. I lost the recipe and would love to get it so I can make it for my grandchildren.
    --Linda

    April 2012
  • Question

    I need a recipe for twice-baked potatoes.
    - Joe

    September 2012
  • Question
    I was wondering if you could add the thumbprint cookies recipe to the site. I had it in my recipe box but it seems to have gone missing, the good recipes always do. I made them 2 years ago as Christmas presents for the homeless and would really like to make them for my kids this year. I remember the filling being preserves and they were so good. Thanks so much! --Jamie Hi Betty. I had a box of your recipes that my mother gave me when I married. Unfortunately, I lost one of my favorites: the thumbprint cookies. It was a sugar cookie with preserves in center. Can you please post that one or send it? Thank you. --Kristina
    March 2012
  • Question

    How do you make red eye gravy? My mom made it all the time with a ham steak, but never left me a recipe before she passed.
    - Ruth

    September 2012
  • Question
    I often buy boxed mixes -- rices, cornbread, pastas -- when they're on sale. I often don't use them right away and I've found I've gotten bugs in them, which is why I always pour the mix into a bowl before I put it in the pot. My question is, would it be safe to put the boxes in the refrigerator or freezer, so they would keep better? Would it compromise the quality of the product? Thank you, Tina
    March 2012
  • Question
    I had a recipe card from your kitchen that had chicken and Cheddar, and was topped with thawed frozen biscuits. I can no longer locate that recipe and it's one of our favorites. Do you still have the recipe? --Amy
    March 2012
  • Question
    Love what I see so far! Would like a recipe for prime rib, haven't had much luck on this. Casserole recipes would be nice, too. --Martha
    March 2012
  • Question

    Do you have a recipe for deviled eggs, the old-fashioned way?

    –Debbie

    May 2012
  • Question

    I have to make cut-out cookies for a wedding and decorate them like penguins. Black icing is so hard to keep a true black. What type of icing would you recommend? Royal, quick pour, fondant or something else? And how do I keep the black as black as when I first make it? –Kathy

    September 2012
05/12/11
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