ArcaMax

Enjoy this previously published Zola classic!

The number of sweeteners designed to replace sugar is growing by the day.  It can make you dizzy standing in the grocery store in front of the sweetener options.  At last count one sugar blogger counted over 160.  I can’t even keep up.

I keep it simple and use just a few but I am always on the lookout for any that might be a major improvement.

When I first started Plan Z the only option with enough national distribution to feel fairly confident it would be in a local grocery store is the brand called Truvia.

Truvia is an all-natural sweetener.  I wanted natural, no chemical experiments.  Two more that have come out that I like are ZSweet and Swerve.  These are starting to get some healthy distribution in stores but otherwise you’ll find them on-line.  These are granular.  You can also find liquid sweeteners that are all-natural too.

When you shop for your sweetener options it can be a scary and overwhelming decision-making process.  Here are a few hints.

Read the full column at PlanZDiet.com

Peanut Butter Dream

Think peanut butter chiffon pie without the crust. For a low carb diet this is perfect. I have made it for guests a few times. The servings I gave out were generous and I figured no one would finish. Ha. Everyone snarfed up every bit.  Served in a pretty glass (I use antique champagne saucers) or a fun, tiny bowl, this is perfect for a party. People love the fact that it’s so light and yet decadent.

Servings: Serves 4 – 6 depending on size of serving you decide on.

Ingredients:

8 oz of cream cheese (softened)
3-4 tsp of Truvia
1 cup of smooth peanut butter. I use organic peanut butter that is emulsified and unsweetened.
3 cups of whipped topping. TruWhip is one brand you can use. Or you can whip your own cream and use that.
cocoa powder for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

Load a medium bowl with the cream cheese, Truvia and peanut butter. Whiz until blended. Then add your whipped cream or the TruWhip.  Whip again until it’s all mixed.  Put into your pretty serving dishes and put in the refrigerator covered (I just use little pieces of plastic wrap to cover them). Remove covers when you want to serve and dust with the cocoa powder. You’re all set for a fancy party. It’s also great all by yourself watching TV.  If you have them, you can even serve this with demitasse spoons to make the experience take longer. Small spoonfuls.  Listen for the moaning at the table. You’ll hear it. I promise.

I recommend you make this the afternoon you serve it. Leftovers do well in the refrigerator for a few days. They never last long in my house.

Enjoy!
Cheers,
Zola