Strawberry Pie!

In a household of seven people with rather different tastes, I am constantly searching for recipes that are good for us and taste just as good.  I experimented this weekend with Cannoli Cones, Tater Tot Casserole and Reuben Casserole, but the one dish that everyone kept talking about was my Strawberry Pie.

Now, I didn't invent the wheel but I really think I was able to perfect it.  This dessert was sweet but tart, creamy but fresh and made me wish I had made more for such a low calorie count!  On top of all of that, it was easy as...well, pie!  Would you like to find out how to make this recipe in your own kitchen?  I thought you'd never ask!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound of fresh strawberries, sliced except for 6 whole to be used as garnish
• 1 box of sugar-free strawberry gelatin
• 1 box of sugar-free fat-free vanilla instant pudding mix
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 cup water
• reduced-fat graham cracker pie crust
• fat free whipped topping

Mix the vanilla instant pudding mix with the milk and water in a pot and heat until boiling.  Take off the heat, mix in the strawberry gelatin powder and let cool.  While letting the pudding/gelatin mix cool, slice the strawberries and line the bottom of the pie crust with the strawberry slices.  When cooled, pour the pudding/gelatin mix over the strawberries.  Put in the refrigerator and let sit for at least one hour to solidify.  When ready to eat, cut into 6 slices and garnish with whipped topping and a whole strawberry.  Enjoy!

There are so many modifications you can make to this dessert, like removing the pie crust.  Strawberries not in season or not your favorite?  Use bananas with strawberry banana jello or canned peaches with raspberry jello.

A huge part of my weight loss journey is learning that food isn't your enemy and you can have anything in moderation.  Another part is realizing how delicious foods that can be good for you are!  Enjoy this great summer dessert with great summer company!

Until the next mani, stay puzzled and polished!

<3m