Cheese and cheesecake are two of my favorite foods (it must be my Wisconsin roots)! Since the EatBetterAmerica.com newsletter featured the "Healthified" Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes, I made them as a treat for our newsletter team yesterday and they loved them! They're easy to make and I can think of all sorts of variations - from adding chopped crystallized ginger or espresso coffee powder, to almond flavoring or rum. The fact that they're pre-portioned is a bonus. Extras freeze well, tightly covered. What a great treat to pull out of the "hat" (OK, freezer) for Valentine's Day or a special dinner treat!
Desserts like this are even better for you when served with LOTS of fruit. Raspberries are my all-time favorite berry. I also love chocolate and orange together, which I know is a love/hate combo.
Check out the ideas below, then create your own delicious dessert plates. The Web recipe photo is in the middle. On the left, a mini cheesecake surrounded with fresh raspberries touched with a dusting of powdered sugar. On the right, sliced fresh oranges with a drizzle of melted chocolate (dark chocolate syrup will stay shiny). Freshly grated orange peel would be a great addition to cheesecakes served this way.
Terrific treats for you and your Valentines!
