If we have dessert at home it is often fresh chilled fruit. I am so used to this that I often ask for fruit for dessert at restaurants even if it is not on the menu.

An occassional piece of dark chocolate is devine. It has to be dark 'cause yes, ..I'm a chocolate snob. I will give away or throw out any other kind no matter who the sweetie was that gave it to me

An occassional piece of candied ginger is also a nice treat. It does have a bit more sugar in it than I'd like, but a small piece is more than satisfying.

Ah, then there is my "instant banana" split dessert. Try this:

1. Take a bite of a fresh banana.
2. Nip off a small piece of dark chocolate.
3. Pop a whole walnut or two in your mouth.
4. Chew all three together at the same time. HEAVEN!

Chocolate snob ... That is how I have described myself for the past couple of months! In fact, yesterday brownies were served at a family gathering. Didn't even taste good. Blah, too sweet, couldn't taste much chocolate. Really just prefer a square of good, dark chocolate now. Do you have a favorite dark chocolate? I have become a fan of Green & Black's Maya Gold. It is dark chocolate with wonderful spices ... yum!

Fresh fruit is our typical dessert. Strawberries are in season now and they are so good!

A treat that I often make for myself is greek-style yogurt sweetened with a bit of honey and sliced strawberries. I know dairy isn't a big component of Med, but I love yogurt. You can buy greek-style plain yogurt or make it yourself, just drain the excess whey from plain yogurt. The longer you let it drain, the thicker and more intense the flavor becomes. I think it's so good that I sometimes eat it plain without adding honey and/or fruit.

I've heard of draining yogurt like that before...to make it almost a cheese consistency...how do you drain yours?

Casey

I read somewhere that it's important to start with pure yogurt, no additives or anything. I get Trader Joe's French Village plain nonfat yogurt which has no additives but has the beneficial bacteria. You can find plain yogurt in grocery stores, but have to read labels.

I use an unbleached coffee filter, which I place in a wire mesh strainer. I set the strainer in a bowl, then place about 5-6 ounces of yogurt in the strainer. I cover the whole thing with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for 3-24 hours. When you're ready to eat it, discard the whey that has accumulated in the bowl. Add a bit of honey and maybe some fresh fruit. Yum!

mmmm...that does sound good! We always buy plain yogurt and add our own fruit, sugar and flavourings (for the kids and dh anyway I like it plain)...I dislike the amount of sugar in the flavoured store brands. I've also been thinking of making our own yogurt. Has anyone tried that? Have you had much success?

I'll have to give straining it a go the next time we buy yogurt. Thanks, Sherry!

Now I'm having a mad craving for strawberries and yogurt!

Casey

I don't have any particular favorite now although I used to once upon a time. I look for kinds that are 70% or more chocolate. Right now I have some Lindt in the China closet. (I keep it WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAy over there in the dining room so I have to make a special trip for it.) The Lindt I have tastes ok but I also prefer chocolate that is thick.. not thin. Sometimes that is not easy to find.

I hate Dove. Hersheys mini are ok though I don't recall the %.

Dairy might not be a big component, but it still has its place if you like it. I was never a big yogurt fan but since joining 3FC I find myself eating it for breakfast. I guess the threads mentioning how yummy it is has gotten to me. Someday I am going to try to make my own.