Earthly Eating

But the key is to try to make those treats healthy, right? Here are three that will help the sweet tooth, but won’t push your calories and sugar content over the top.

#1: Cookie Split
Makes: 2 servings

Spoon two chocolate pudding snacks into two small bowls. Slice one banana lengthwise and crosswise and insert two slices into the pudding in each bowl. Top each with two tbs. of whipped topping and one crumbled chocolate sandwich cookie.

#2: Cookie Dippers
Makes: 6 servings

Spread sides of the vanilla wafers each with 1 tsp. peanut butter, and top each with another wafer to make six cookie sandwiches. Microwave one square of semi-sweet baking chocolate in the microwave bowl on HIGH for 30 seconds or until it’s melted. Microwave times vary so watch the chocolate carefully. Dip each cookie sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate then place on the waxed paper. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or just until the chocolate is set on the wafer cookies.

#3: Easy Cheesecake
Makes: 16 servings

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick butter, melted
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
4 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 tsp. vanilla, divided
1 (16 oz.) tub of sour cream, divided
4 eggs
2 cups mixed berries (optional)

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over the sides of pan. Mix crumbs, butter and 2 tbs. of the sugar; press firmly into the bottom of prepared pan.

Beat cream cheese, 1 cup of remaining sugar and 1 tsp. of the vanilla in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of the sour cream and mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, mix well after each one is added. Pour over the already made curst. Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is almost set. Mix remaining sour cream, 2 tbs. of sugar and 1 tsp. of vanilla until well blended; carefully spread over the baked cheesecake. Bake an additional 10 minutes. cool and cover, Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Lift the cheesecake from the pan, using the foil handles. Cut into 16 slices. Top with the berries just before you serve it.
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Earthly Eating Recipe

Saucy Pepper Style Steak
Serves: 4

Heat a large nonstick skillet sprayed with olive oil cooking spray on medium-heat and add bell peppers and onions. Cook and stir 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are crisp and tender. Transfer to a large bowl and cover to keep the heat in. Add the meat, garlic and black pepper to the same skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Add the soy sauce and cook an additional minute or unto the meat is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Add the barbecue sauce and cook until heated thoroughly. Spoon the meat mixture into the bowl of vegetables; toss gently. Serve over the cooked brown rice.

Happy Eating!