Recipe: Tiramisu Trifle (using ladyfingers, pudding and cream cheese, low fat)

TIRAMISU TRIFLE

1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
2 packages (4-servings each) instant French vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
1/3 cup coffee liqueur
2 packages (3 ounces each) ladyfingers (about 24), separated lengthwise into halves
1 (8 ounce) container frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Unsweetened cocoa powder for garnish
Shaved chocolate and a strawberry or raspberry (optional garnish)

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup water, sugar, and instant espresso coffee. Microwave 30 seconds or until sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, gradually adding half-and-half and pudding mix, mixing until thick. Add coffee liqueur, mix well, and set aside.

Arrange half of the ladyfingers (24 halves) in the bottom of a trifle bowl. Drizzle with half of the espresso mixture, and spread with half of the pudding mixture and about one-third of the whipped topping. Top with remaining ladyfingers, espresso mixture, and pudding mixture. Top with remaining whipped topping.

Sprinkle with cocoa powder and refrigerate until well chilled.

To serve, I like to top the trifle with shaved chocolate and a strawberry or raspberry garnish.

Makes 16 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
Calories 184, Calories from fat 10%, Fat 2 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Sodium 278 mg, Carbohydrate 35 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Sugars 24 g, Protein 4 g

DIABETIC EXCHANGES:
2 1/2 carbohydrate, 1/2 fat

Source: Holly Clegg's Trim and Terrific Gulf Coast Favorites by Holly Clegg