Who said you can’t enjoy dessert when following a healthy eating plan? Despite the dieting myths surrounding desserts, the South Beach Diet encourages you to enjoy them in moderation on all Phases. This no-guilt selection is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Creamy Lemon-Vanilla Ricotta Soufflé (Phase 1)

Description
These beautifully puffed sweets are an elegant twist on our classic Phase 1 ricotta crème and are just as easy to make. Measure out the ingredients ahead of time, then prepare and bake the soufflés right before serving.

Serves 4

Ingredients
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, separated
3 tablespoons granular sugar substitute
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375° F. Lightly coat 4 (4-ounce) ramekins with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, whisk ricotta, egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of the sugar substitute, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla until combined. In another large bowl, with an electric mixer at high speed, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar substitute and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold a third of the egg whites into ricotta mixture until combined. Repeat with remaining egg whites.

Spoon ricotta mixture into prepared ramekins and bake until soufflés have risen and are set and lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutritional information
Per 1/2-cup serving:
130 calories
7 g fat (4 g sat)
5 g carbohydrate
10 g protein
0 g dietary fiber
180 mg sodium