Pineapple Jelly Dessert

Finding a dessert during the holidays that is diabetic friendly and good for those who are slimming can be a real challenge.  I think I have come up with the perfect solution.  It is diet friendly, light, sugar free and it actually tastes delicious.  It will never quite replace cake or pie . . .  but it's nice nevertheless.

 

 Not only that, but it's very easy to do, and I am betting you have everything in your cupboard right now to make it.  You only need to let the jelly set for several hours or overnight, but the actual putting together of it, is relatively simple and quite quickly done.



You start with a tin of pineapple slices in juice,  and some sugar free jelly powder.  (Jello)   You pick the flavour you want.  I used strawberry, but lemon lime would be great.   The well drained slices are layered in the empty pineapple tin with the jelly which is mixed at double strength, meaning you only use half the water required.  You then just stick it in the refrigerator until it's totally jelled.



Like that.  Then you heat the can gently to loosen it and remove the bottom lid of the tin and push it out onto a cutting board.



See what I mean?  Then you tip it onto it's side and using a very sharp knife . . .

 

Slice in between the pineapple rings seperating them totally.  You then just put them onto a pretty plate.



Stick half a maraschino cherry on top (well rinsed).  I used Greek ones.  Yummy.  Surround with some green tinted unsweetened coconut which you have added a drop of peppermint flavour to and Bob's your Uncle!



A dollop of plain yogurt or some whipped cream (if you are feeling a tiny bit indulgent) and dessert is served!  It's attractive.  Low in fat and sugar.  And it tastes pretty good! No need to feel guilty.  Everybody's happy and I bet the kids will be fighting over it.  More mince pies for you!

*Pineapple Jelly Dessert*

Servings numbers vary

Printable Recipe 

This is a simple and tasty dessert for the people in your life who can't do sugar or are just wanting something light to enjoy after a heavy meal.  Kids also love this. 

1 (4-serving size) package of sugar free jelly(jello)

(Choose your favourite one)

425g tin of sliced pineapple in pineapple juice, well drained (14 1/2 ounce tin)

75g of flaked unsweetened coconut (1 cup)

maraschino cherries, rinsed and cut in half crosswise

drop of green colouring

drop of peppermint essence

plain yogurt or softly whipped cream to serve 

This is so simple to do.  The day before you want to serve this, drain your pineapple slices really well and lay them out onto paper toweling to absorb any extra moisture.  Make sure you keep the tin.  Mix your jelly powder with 225ml/1 cup of boiling water.  (You will have more than you need, but it's okay)   Pour a bit of jelly into the pineapple tin.  Add a pineapple slice.  Add some more jelly, another pineapple slice, etc.  continuing until you have returned all of the pineapple to the tin and topping up with a bit of jelly at the top.  You can discard the leftover jelly or add an equal measure of cold water, stir and chill as extra jelly.  Put the tin of pineapple and jelly into the refrigerator and chill overnight.

When you are ready to serve, shake the coconut in a jar along with the green colouring and peppermint, to evenly colour.   Set the tin of pineapple in a bowl of very hot water to almost come up the sides.  Run a blunt knife carefully around the inside of the tin to loosen.  Tip the jelly out onto a cutting board.  If it doesn't come out easily, remove the base with a tin opener and push it out gently.   Slice in between the pineapple rings and place one onto each serving dish.  Garnish with some of the green coconut and place half a cherry in the centre of each.  Serve with plain yogurt or whipped cream.  Surprisingly tasty!