Cannoli Stuffed Strawberries TASTER

These yummy Cannoli-Stuffed Strawberries are a variation on the traditional Italian cannoli, using fresh strawberries and lower-fat crème fraiche, ricotta or cream cheese. Topped with chocolate chips or grated chocolate, they are perfect as a delightful, healthier alternative to traditional cannoli.

Serves: 12

Dietary: gluten-free, wheat-free,

Contains: Milk (crème fraiche)

May contain: Milk (chocolate), Tree- nuts (Hazelnuts, Pecans, Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Brazil Nuts, Macadamias) (chocolate)

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: n/a

INGREDIENTS

6 large strawberries, halved
6 tsp (70 g) ricotta cheese (or low-fat crème fraiche or cream cheese)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 square (7 g) dark chocolate grated or 1 tsp (7 g) dark chocolate chips

METHOD

Hollow out the strawberry halves to make room for filling.
Mix the ricotta cheese (or crème fraiche or cream cheese) and vanilla.
Either pipe or spoon the mixture into the strawberry halves.
Sprinkle with the chocolate chips or grated chocolate.

This recipe has been donated by Clare Atkins, a Student Nutritionist at the University of Hertfordshire.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Per serving: ½ strawberry with low-fat crème fraiche filling and sprinkle of grated chocolate
Total calories: 18 kcal
Fat: 1.1 g
Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
Carbohydrate: 1.2 g
Total sugar: 1.1 g
Fibre: 0.5 g
Protein: 0.5 g
Salt: 0.0 g

NUTRITION FACTS

These Cannoli-stuffed strawberries are a high source of vitamin C and a source of folate.
These Cannoli-stuffed strawberries have a natural sweetness from the strawberries and the ricotta cheese.

VARIATIONS

Dairy-free chocolate and vegan soft cheese can be used for a vegan.
Grated chocolate will provide a pre-taste sensation of sweetness. It’s a case of eyesight tricking the taste buds in anticipation.
No ricotta cheese – then you can substitute with plain cream cheese, or for an extra luxury, try low-fat crème fraiche, but remember low-fat crème fraiche is much higher in fat and saturated fat.