The Sweet Life Recipes - Sweet Endings

This is so simple. Elegant and easy. What a combination. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of life was elegant and easy? I love this dish. And so will your guests. Including the kids. They think this is just yummy. This has a graham cracker crust. You can purchase crumbs, or, you can have the little ones help you smash up a few crackers. Whichever you prefer.

You’ll need to gather:

A springform pan
¼ c. heart healthy butter alternative
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
3 T. sucralose

Since I HATE doing dishes, I like to to this smarter, not harder. I put my smarter butter in the microwave on 50% power and melt it. Then I pour the graham cracker crumbs and sucralose into the pan and stir to blend. When the smart butter is ready, I pour that over the crumbs and press into the bottom (only) of my springform pan. You can use your fingers, or the back of a spoon.

Now the Fun Part:

8 oz. of reduced fat cream cheese
½ c. sucralose
1 c. ricotta (part-skim) cheese
1 ½ t. almond extract
2 T. orange juice
2 T. grated orange zest
1 ½ t. vanilla extract
2 T. melted "butter"
½ c. egg substitute

Here's the Thing:

Place the cheeses and the sucralose in a food processor and process until smooth. Once processed, add the remaining ingredients. You want this VERY smooth. Pour ½ of this mix over the crumb base.

Melt 2 oz. dark chocolate (I prefer 68% cocoa or greater)

Stir in the chocolate with the remaining half of the cheesecake. Pour the chocolate mix onto the other and use the tip of a butter knife to “swirl”….being careful not to stir it into the first layer (and not to lift up the crumb crust)

Bake in a preheated over 350° for 25 minutes or until almost set. Cool completely. Enjoy!