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Balsamic Whipped Ricotta Strawberries with Stouffer's Bourbon Steak

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easy mason jar balsamic ricotta whipped cream strawberries

  I love making resolutions. To me they always represent opportunity and hope. They might not all stick (and they usually don't) but that's fine. You can't succeed if you never even start. So this year instead of going to extremes I'm focusing more on balance. Instead of choosing to exercise 2 hours a day, I'll try to work in a few extra steps here and there. Rather than cut out every food that doesn't register at zero carbs I'm going for a good balance. I think that the old saying about  moderation really is the key to success.
  For this recipe I chose to use a dinner entree that is easy and delicious and combine it with a dessert that incorporates both taste and balance. It's lower in sugar and uses a variety of ingredients to keep it well rounded.  Keep reading for the incredibly tasty and super easy recipe.


Balsamic Whipped Ricotta Strawberries

Recipe by: Dean Ludington  
Prep Time: 20 minutes  
Total Time: 25minutes
 

Ingredients:
     16oz. Strawberries
     1 C Ricotta
     1 C Heavy Cream
     2/3 C Splenda Granulated - divided
     1/2 C Balsamic Vinegar
     1/2 C Whipped or softened Cream Cheese
     1 tsp. Vanilla Extract 
    

Instructions:
  1. Reduce balsamic vinegar over high heat (easy instructions here)
  2. In a food processor pulse granulated Splenda turning into powder. Set aside.
  3. Beat ice cold heavy cream on high with an electric mixer. After cream starts to thicken, slowly add 1/3 c. of powdered splenda. Continue mixing on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  4. In a separate bowl mix the ricotta and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add remaining 1/3 c. splenda and vanilla until thoroughly blended.
  5. Fold the ricotta mixture into the whipped cream with a spatula until just mixed.
  6. Meanwhile slice strawberries and toss with ricotta reduction.  Layer the whipped cream and strawberries. Drizzle with extra balsamic.
  7. Gently fold everything together just before enjoying.


  Whipped cream is surprisingly easy to make. For some reason people get intimidated when it comes to whipping (pun intended!) out the blender and making homemade whipped cream. Trust me, it's soooo easy. Just make sure you use heavy cream.  You'll be pleasantly pleased when you start to see those foamy peaks start to form.

 

You have to whip the ricotta mixture separately.  When you make whipped cream, to get the mixture light and frothy, you need to start with only cold cream. Any other ingredients will impede the process. After you've whipped the cream enough to see those frothy stiff peaks and valleys you can then begin to add additional ingredients. Just be careful you don't go overboard with the mixer or you may end up creating...... yup you guessed it:  butter! Here's a great article if you want to read more about cream, heavy cream,  light cream and whipping cream.


To ensure the Splenda blends well into the whipped cream, pulse until you have a powdered mix. This is not to be confused with the Splenda packets. You want to start out with Splenda granulated to achieve the correct volume.





  I love this quick dinner by STOUFFER'S® Fit Kitchen. It pairs really well with the balsamic strawberries. Both are easy to make, delicious and fit completely into my plan for balanced living. I Picked up a bunch of them at Walmart while I was there buying ingredients for my dessert. On a side note, if you want to find them, they are not with the regular STOUFFER'S® meals but instead by the convenience foods and healthy entrees.
  This meal prepares in just minutes and is awesomely delicious.  What is perfect for my resolution is that STOUFFER'S® Fit Kitchen is both balanced and satisfying, a great way to start off 2016! I love how the bourbon sauce with the steak isn't too sweet and has just enough spice. It also has the perfect balance of protein, vegetables and good carbs. These meals are definitely going to become a  staple in my house.




I hope you enjoy this quick and simple recipe to accompany
STOUFFER'S® Fit Kitchen Bourbon Steak.
I'd love to hear your comments or suggestions. 

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4 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks! They really are surprisingly great combination!

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  2. This sounds like a fabulous meal! I never thought of pairing ricotta with strawberries (duh), it sounds SO good!

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  3. Thanks!! I'm so happy with the end result. Be sure to share if you make it yourself 😀👍

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