I have an exciting weekend coming up.  This is the weekend all us Princesses' get together and head downtown to see the Princess Diana Exhibit of her clothing and personal objects.  The only thing I haven’t decided on yet is whether to wear my tiara or not?  Maybe too much for a mid-day event?  We bought the tickets months ago and in a blink of an eye, the day has arrived.  I have to miss Shelby’s last day of volleyball tournament, but sometimes Mommy’s needs  come first.  Daddy will go with Shelby and I will go one Saturday.

Have you been enjoying the wonderful strawberries at the store this spring?  Oh my goodness, they are so tasty this time of the year.  I found this recipe for a frozen strawberry “low cal” treat.  The crust calls for Fiber One cereal.  I use Fiber One cereal anytime I need a crust or breading crumbs.  So high in fiber, I just pulverize them in the food processor and then keep them in a zip lock baggie.  For breading, I spice up the crumbs with all sorts of spices.  I haven’t tried using sweet stuff with the fiber one so I’m excited about trying this recipe.  These recipes are from the Hungry Girl web site.

Freezylicious Strawberry Squares

PER SERVING (1 square, about 2.5" X 2.5"): 173 calories, 2.75g fat, 142mg sodium, 35g carbs, 5g fiber, 21.5g sugars, 4g protein -- POINTS® value 3*

Ingredients for Crust:
1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown)
1 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original)
1 cup Fiber One Caramel Delight cereal
3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1 tsp. cinnamon

For Filling
Half a 14-oz. can (1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp.) fat-free sweetened condensed milk
2 cups frozen strawberries, slightly thawed
16 oz. (2 cups) fat-free strawberry yogurt (like the kind by Yoplait Light or Fiber One)
1 cup Cool Whip Free, slightly thawed
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine butter with 2 tbsp. water. Microwave until just melted; set aside.

In a blender or food processor, grind both types of cereal to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Transfer to a bowl, and add butter mixture, Splenda, and cinnamon. Stir un til mixed well. Spray an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute crust mixture along the bottom of the dish, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges, but not up the sides.

Bake in the oven for 10 minutes; remove and let cool.

Clean and dry blender (if you used it earlier), and add all ingredients for filling. Blend at high speed until completely mixed and smooth. Pour evenly over the crust in the baking dish, covering it completely. Cover and freeze for 6 hours, or until firm.

Before serving, remove from freezer and let thaw for 5 - 10 minutes. Cut into 9 squares and enjoy!  MAKES 9 SERVINGS

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And since Lent is over and my friends who gave up alcohol for Lent might be looking for a low calorie sippy, here is a lovely little recipe….

Low-Cal Cherry Vodkatini

(Entire recipe: 105 calories, 0g fat, 5mg sodium, <1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 0g protein = 2 Points)

Ingredients:
1.5 oz. vodka; chilled
1 serving (for 8 oz. prepared) sugar-free, artificially sweetened cherry powdered drink mix (such as Sugar Free Kool-Aid) OR unsweetened cherry powdered drink mix (such as Kool-Aid unsweetened drink mix)
1 packet SPLENDA (only needed if using unsweetened drink mix)
1 oz. diet cherry lemon-lime soda (such as Diet Cherry 7UP)
Directions:
Begin by dissolving the drink mix into just 6 oz. of cold water (even though the serving size is for 8 oz.). If using unsweetened drink mix, add the Splenda. Combine just 1/3rd (2 oz.) of this mixture (save the rest for future Vodkatinis!) with the vodka and stir. Pour into a martini glass, top with soda and enjoy! Serves 1.

HG Alternative! Martinis are typically strong cocktails, but if you prefer a lighter (and larger!) beverage, just add some extra soda or cherry drink. You'll still have a super-low-cal cherry cocktail!