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Just Desserts

Family-Favorite, 4-Layer Chocolate Delight

By Charlotte on July 17, 2015 6:38 AM

Ready to Serve - 600.jpg

Bob and I always look forward to my Florida sister Pam's annual visit. Besides giving me precious time with my baby sis, it means we'll be having one of my hubby's favorite desserts: Chocolate Delight. So everybody wins!

When I pulled out the recipe recently, I was surprised to see I've been making this classic since 1986 (I actually wrote down the date!). Since then, I've fixed it so many times you can practically smell the chocolate on the recipe card. My version layers a crunchy, pecan shortbread crust with a creamy, cheesecake-like base, luscious chocolate pudding center and simple Cool Whip-and-roasted pecan topping.

I adore serving this company-worthy dessert because, aside from being ever-so delicious, it's pretty and really easy to prepare. Each of the layers needs only two to three ingredients and you can take advantage of shortcuts like ready-made whipped topping and instant pudding and pie filling. Also, although it's still a splurge, neutchatel cheese, 1 percent milk and Cool Whip Lite help lower the calorie count.

Even this to-die-for dessert's homemade crust is a breeze if you have a stand mixer to help with turning flour, crushed pecans and margarine into a scrumptious dough.

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The crust is topped with three layers, each calling for two to three ingredients including pecans, Cool Whip Lite, milk, vanilla instant pudding and pie filling,chocolate instant pudding and pie filling, powdered sugar and neutchatel cheese.

Ingredients - Alt - 600.jpgYou need to bake and cool the crust before assembling this sweet treat. Plus, it tastes even better after several hours in the fridge so I usually whip it up in the morning for dinner that night or, better yet, start a day ahead.

A natural choice for summer entertaining, this cool creation feeds a crowd (12 - 16). It's a time-tested favorite with everyone in our family from Pam's teenage son Zach to our chocolate-addicted mom Patsy and our sometimes-hard-to-please niece Ashley. One mention of this layered winner has them all singing, "Yum!"


Family Favorite, 4-Layer Chocolate Delight

Serves 12-16

Crust:

Ready to Serve - 600.jpgCheesecake Layer:

Chocolate Layer:

Topping:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees while letting margarine come to room temperature.

Place flour, 1 cup crushed pecans and sliced margarine in the bowl of a stand mixer and combine using the flat beater attachment. Or place in a medium bowl and use a pastry blender or two knives to mix the dough.

Pat into a 9x13-inch pan which has been spritzed with cooking spray. Bake 15 minutes. Move to a rack and cool completely.

Place the remaining 1/4 cup crushed pecans on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for eight minutes. Move to a baking rack and cool completely.

Combine the neutchatel cheese and powdered sugar with a mixer. Blend in Cool Whip. Spread on cooled crust.

Place vanilla and chocolate instant pudding and pie fillings in a large bowl and add milk. Beat two minutes or until thickened. Spread over cheesecake layer.

Spread on the second container of Cool Whip. Top with 1/4 cup crushed, roasted pecans.

Refrigerate at least three hours before serving.

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ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

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