Honeyed ricotta walnut brittle strawberry bites
These little strawberry bites are the perfect last-minute dessert. They are easy to make, healthy and ideal for a pass-around dessert party!
- Suitable for diets:
- Gluten Free
- Low-Fat
- Vegetarian
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Controlled Portion Sizes: Using strawberries as the base provides a natural, sweet flavor while controlling the portion size, which is crucial for managing blood sugar levels.
- Low-Fat Dairy: The use of low-fat ricotta cheese helps reduce the overall fat content, important for maintaining a balanced diet, especially for individuals managing diabetes.
- Natural Sweeteners: Honey, while still a sugar, is used in moderation here, and its natural sweetness can help manage sugar cravings without the need for processed sugars. However, consumption should still be moderate for individuals with diabetes.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Walnuts add healthy fats and protein, strawberries provide antioxidants and fiber, and the orange zest offers a burst of flavor without added sugar.
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Ingredients
- walnuts (halves) 8
- olive oil 2 tsp
- honey (divided) 2 tbsp
- salt 1 pinch
- strawberries 12 large
- ricotta cheese (low-fat ) ¾ cup
- orange (zested) 1
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Cooking Tips
- Walnut Brittle Preparation: Ensure the walnuts are toasted and honey-coated at a medium-low heat to avoid burning. Letting the brittle cool completely is essential for achieving the right texture.
- Ricotta Consistency: If the ricotta cheese is too stiff, thinning it with a bit of milk or yogurt can make it easier to work with without significantly altering the nutritional content.
- Serving Suggestion: These bites can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. However, best to add the honey drizzle, orange zest, and walnut brittle just before serving to maintain texture.
- Strawberry Prep: Ensure strawberries are dried after washing and before slicing to prevent them from being slippery when assembling.
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Instructions
- Heat a small fry pan over medium low heat. Add the oil and the walnuts, toast for 4 minutes, then add the salt and half the honey. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, tossing a few times. Remove from the heat, transfer to a parchment paper and let cool. This will cool and become a Walnut Brittle. When cool, roughly chop.8 walnuts, 2 tsp olive oil, 2 tbsp honey, 1 pinch salt
- Carefully remove the tops of the strawberries, making a flat, slightly indented top—a place for the ricotta to sit on. Slice a thin slice off the bottom of each strawberry, so that the strawberry will be able to sit flat on a plate or platter.12 large strawberries
- If the ricotta is very stiff, add a couple of tablespoons of milk or yoghurt. Dollop 1 tablespoon of ricotta on top of each strawberry. Repeat with all the berries. Drizzle all the ricotta-topped berries with the remaining honey, and sprinkle with orange zest and Walnut Brittle.¾ cup ricotta cheese, 1 orange
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FAQ
- Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
Yes, almonds, pecans, or pistachios could also work well in this recipe, though they will each bring a different flavor profile. - Is there a vegan alternative for ricotta cheese?
Vegan ricotta can be made from almonds, cashews, or tofu. There are also commercial vegan ricotta cheeses available in some health food stores. - Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it's best to assemble them shortly before serving to ensure the strawberries remain fresh and the walnut brittle retains its crunch. - How should I store any leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within a day or two, as the strawberries may start to release water.
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Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 101kcal
Carbohydrates: 9.6g
Fiber: 0.7g
Sugar: 7.1g
Fat: 5.6g
Saturated Fat: 1.9g
Trans Fat:
Protein: 4.1g
Nutrition Facts
Honeyed ricotta walnut brittle strawberry bites
Serving Size
2 strawberries
Amount per Serving
Calories
101
% Daily Value*
Fat
5.6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
1.9
g
12
%
Cholesterol
9.6
mg
3
%
Sodium
39.4
mg
2
%
Potassium
90.9
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
9.6
g
3
%
Fiber
0.7
g
3
%
Sugar
7.1
g
8
%
Protein
4.1
g
8
%
Vitamin C
14.2
mg
17
%
Vitamin D
0.03
µg
0
%
Calcium
91.2
mg
9
%
Iron
0.3
mg
2
%
Magnesium
12.1
mg
3
%
Zinc
0.5
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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