Deliciously decadent yet lowfat and simple to prepare, Reduced Fat Strawberry Tiramisu is the perfect dessert. A breeze to assemble, sweet California strawberries brighten this sophisticated favorite with their full, red color. Neufchâtel cheese cuts calories and fat in half so family and friends can delight in the rich taste of tiramisu without worrying about their waistlines.

INGREDIENTS: 2 packages (8 ounces each) Neufchâtel cheese, softened 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1 container (8 ounces) frozen light whipped topping, defrosted 1 cup strong coffee, at room temperature 3 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur (optional) 1 1/2 pint baskets California strawberries (18 ounces total), stemmed and sliced 24 ladyfingers, split in half 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

DIRECTION:

In large mixer bowl, beat Neufchâtel cheese and powdered sugar until well blended. Gradually fold in whipped topping to blend. In small bowl, combine coffee and liqueur, if desired. Line an 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish with enough ladyfinger halves to cover bottom; place rounded sides down. If necessary, cut ladyfingers to fit dish. Spoon 1/3 cup coffee mixture evenly over ladyfingers. Top with one-third of the cheese mixture (about one cup), spread evenly. Layer one-third of the strawberries (1 rounded cup) over cheese. Repeat layers two more times, ending with cheese and reserving remaining strawberries. Cover and refrigerate tiramisu and reserved strawberries at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. To serve, remove cover; sift cocoa powder over top. Arrange reserved strawberries over cocoa. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: 250 calories; 13 g fat; 105 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium; 28 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 7 g protein.

Thanks to the California Strawberry Commission for this great recipe.