I love visiting my local farmer’s market to see the produce that is in season this time of year. And nothing is better than fresh berries and I have to admit I am partial to strawberries with their rich red color and plump juiciness.  Strawberries are packed with antioxidants and a great way to add a nutritional boost to whatever you are eating.  I toss berries in my cereal every morning, add to a spinach or mixed green salad, and one of my favorite ways is to highlight as dessert.

This simple and luscious recipe, Berry Tiramisu is from my diabetic cookbook, however, you would never know it.  Traditionally, tiramisu is a layered dessert with coffee flavored filling and lady fingers.  My version combines wonderful flavors of raspberry, orange and strawberries layered with lady fingers creating this easy bite of indulgence.  If you can’t find ladyfingers, you may use angel food cake or a low fat pound cake.  If you have company coming, prepare the recipe in individual martini glasses ahead of time and refrigerate to pull out for a show shopping dessert. For more diabetic friendly recipes, visit my website, www.hollyclegg.com or my blog http://www.thehealthycookingblog.com

Berry Tiramisu from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC™ Diabetic Cooking
Berries laced with ladyfinger and raspberry jam with an orange cream cheese filling creates a refreshing and delicious dessert.  You may always substitute your favorite seasonal berry combination.   

Makes 16 servings

2/3 cup seedless sugar-free raspberry preserves
1/4 cup orange liqueur or orange juice, depending on taste
6 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 (8-ounce) container free fat free whipped topping, thawed
2 (3-ounce) packages ladyfingers, split in half (24)
1/2 cup raspberries
1 cup strawberries, stemmed and sliced

1. In small bowl, mix together raspberry jam and orange liqueur. 
2. In mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, sugar vanilla until light. Stir in orange rind.  Mix in whipped topping reserving, 1/2 cup for topping. 
3. Line bottom of an oblong 2-quart dish with half of split ladyfingers. Layer with half of jam mixture, half cream cheese layer, top with half of raspberries and strawberries.  Repeat layers with remaining ladyfingers, jam and cream cheese layer. 
4. Carefully top with thin layer of remaining whipped topping.  Top with remaining raspberries and strawberries.  Cover, refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 128, Calories from fat (%) 24, Fat (g) 3, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 9, Sodium (mg) 79, Carbohydrate (g) 23, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Sugars (g) 11, Protein (g) 2, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 carbohydrate, 1/2 fat

Terrific Tidbit: Instead of fresh orange zest, you can use dried orange peel, found in the spice aisle of the supermarket. The orange zest really enhances the orange flavor.