Star-Spangles Berries

Ingredients:

• 2 (16-oz) containers strawberries (hulled)
• 2 pints blueberries
• 4 tbsp granular sugar substitute
• 1 tbsp + 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Makes 10 (generous 1-cup) Servings

1. Halve or quarter strawberries, depending on size. Combine strawberries, blueberries, 1 tablespoon of the sugar substitute and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice in a large bowl.
2. Process ricotta, reamining 3 tablespoons sugar substitute, remaining 2 teaspoons lemon juice and vanilla in a blender or food processo unitl ricotta is smooth, about 2 minutes.
3. Spread ricotta mixture evenly on the bottom of a wide, shallow serving bowl or 4-quart rectangular serving dish. Top evenly with the berries and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Summer has arrived and what better way to enjoy the summer that fresh berries and cheese. Strawberries and blueberries are in season right now and they are so delicious when they're fresh in season. You can even cut back on the sugar in this dish and it will still taste delicious. I used lime juice in place of the lemon juice to have a more tart taste for the the berries and it was still delicious. The vanilla adds a nice touch as well. This dessert makes a great treat for a gathering, especially for 4th of July with all the red, white and blue. Make sure you have this dessert for the fireworks because it's a great way to end the evening.