SHORTCAKES WITH WARM APPLE-CINNAMON TOPPING

1 cup your favorite low carb or whole-grain biscuit baking mix
2 teaspoons Splenda granulated
1 tsp grated orange peel
3 to 4 tbsp fat-free half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon Splenda Granulated
Warm Apple Cinnamon Topping (Recipe follows)
3 tbsp sugar-free frozen whipped topping, thawed

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium-sized bowl combine the biscuit mix, first Splenda, and orange peel.

Stir in the cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a soft dough comes together.  On a lightly floured surface, knead dough 10 times.  Turn dough out on work surface and using a biscuit cutter or a 2-inch wide glass, cut the dough into cakes.  Rework dough to make a total of 6 shortcakes.  Place the shortcakes on the prepared baking sheet; sprinkle the tops with the 1 tsp of Splenda.

Bake cakes at 450 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until a light golden brown.

While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the following Warm Apple Cinnamon Topping:
1 1/2 tsp butter
3 cups thinly sliced apples
1/4 tsp cinnamon (I recommend using 1/2 tsp since cinnamon increases insulin production)
1/2 cup non-sweetened apple juice*
1 tsp Splenda granulated

Melt the butter in a large heavy-duty skillet.  Add the sliced apples and cinnamon; cook over medium heat up to 5 minutes until the apples are tender.  Add the apple juice and Splenda.  Increase the heat and cook 30 seconds or until the juice is reduced by about half and the mixture is syrupy.

To assemble: Split each shortcake in half crosswise.  Evenly divide the topping and place over the bottom halves of the shortcakes.  Place tops of cakes over the apple topping.  Spoon a half tablespoon of the thawed whipped topping over each of the shortcakes.  Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon, if desired. Again, I recommend using the extra cinnamon.

*If you need to lower your sugar intake, use 1/4 cup apple juice mixed with 1/4 cup water.

You can lower your carb intake by using only the bottom of the shortcake.


Remember this is a treat, not an everyday staple. Only 1 per day! Share the others with family or friends.

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