Orange Parfaits

Name: Orange Parfaits
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1 cup fat-free milk; 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest; 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges; 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained; 1 carton (8 ounces) reduced-fat frozen whipped topping, thawed; 1/2 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs (about 3 whole crackers), divided

"The first time my son's fiancee tried this citrus parfait, she wanted the recipe. The next time, she wanted the leftovers," writes Deborah Greenwood of Elmer, New Jersey.

Ingredients

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup fat-free milk
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges
1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
1 carton (8 ounces) reduced-fat frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs (about 3 whole crackers), divided

Directions

In a small bowl, combine gelatin and orange juice; let stand for 5 minutes. Heat milk until boiling; add to gelatin. Cool slightly. Transfer to a blender; cover and process for 30 seconds or until blended. Add the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and orange zest; process until blended.
Drain oranges, reserving juice; set oranges aside. Add pineapple and reserved juice to gelatin mixture; process until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
Place half of the oranges in eight parfait glasses. Layer with half of the gelatin mixture and 3 tablespoons of cracker crumbs. Repeat layers of gelatin and crumbs; top with remaining oranges. Chill for 4 hours. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 277 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fruit.

Originally published as Orange Parfaits in Light & Tasty June/July 2004