Berry Smoothie Pie

Looking for a quick-to-make dessert for the weekend? This one is it!

Smoothies are the “in” drink now-a-days. They can contain just about any combination of ingredients that are compatible and taste good together. All vegetables, all fruits, some yogurt, grains or seeds; the possibilities are endless. Most of us enjoy a smoothie because it’s cool and refreshing and if made with some thought to ingredients, can be quite nutritious.

One of my favorite kinds of smoothie is made with strawberries, yogurt and almond milk with an occasional banana added for thickness. Today’s recipe for Berry Smoothie Pie grew out of my love of strawberry smoothies. Wanting to capture all the luscious flavor of fresh strawberries, but without the added sugar, I started with strawberry sugar-free gelatin. I dissolved it in cranberry juice, then added a small cup of strawberry blended Greek yogurt, and lots of sliced strawberries. I blended this all in the blender and poured it into a cookie crumb pie crust; let it chill until set, then served it with a dollop of low-fat whipped topping. I must say this pie is “berry, berry good”. It’s quick and easy to make, cuts cleanly, it’s cool and refreshing and tastes great. What more can you ask of a summertime desert?

BERRY SMOOTHIE PIE

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 package sugar-free strawberry gelatin ( raspberry would be good, too)
1/3 cup low-cal, low-sugar, cranberry juice
3/4 cup ( 6-oz.) low-fat Greek yogurt ( strawberry or raspberry)
3 cups chopped berries ( strawberries or raspberries)
1 (9-inch) graham cracker or sugar cookie crust
Fat-free whipped topping

Directions:

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle gelatin over juice, let stand 1 minute. Microwave on high 40 seconds. Stir, and let stand 1 minute for gelatin to completely dissolve.

2. In a blender container, combine gelatin mixture, yogurt and berries. Process until blended and smooth.