Strawberry Italian Ice
                Source: "Taste of Home"

Jay Hansen of Winterhaven, Florida developed this great "Italian Ice" recipe after having found a lot of great Italian Ices but with way too much sugar! We think using fruit juice as a sweetner was inspired and makes this dessert a "cool" way to enjoy a delicious treat.

The two dessert dishes in the photo represent the Taste of Home recipe from Jay on the left and the NJR adaptation on the right. The difference? Both taste great! We added a package of Silken soft tofu to ours. This gave it a creamier texture but diluted the strawberry flavor a little. Still, not a bad way to enjoy dessert!

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Strawberry Italian Ice

Ingredients

3/4 cup thawed, unsweetened apple juice concentrate
1 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 pints of fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Fresh mint (optional)

How we make it

In a blender or food processor, combine the apple juice concentrate, lemon juice and strawberries; cover and process until blended. Pour nto an ungreased 8 inch square dish. Cover and freeze for 1 - 1 1/2 hours or until partially set.

Spoon into a large bowl; beat on medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Return to dish; freeze for 2 - 3 hours, until firm.

Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Makes 5 servings

Per 3/4 cup serving: 109 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 1 g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fruit.


NJR Note: We added 1 package (12 oz.) of Silken Tofu to a batch. The result was a creamier blend but unless you add more strawberries the flavor is somewhat diluted.