DIABETICS MIXED BERRY CRISP

4 1/2 cups "fake" powdered sugar*

1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
3/4 cup old-fashion oats
3 tbsp sliced almonds
2 tsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1 tbsp canola oil
1/3 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine 3 tablespoons of the powdered sugar with the cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Add berries and almond extract; toss to coat berries. Place mixture in the prepared baking dish.

Combine oats, almonds, brown sugar, and oil in a bowl; toss to coat. Scatter evenly over the berries.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the berry juices bubble. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

In a blender, process the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and remaining powdered sugar until very smooth. Top each serving of the crisp with the cheese mixture.

*To make "fake" powdered sugar, combine Splenda granular and cornstarch in a blender and process until it has the look and feel of powdered sugar. Use a ratio of 3/4 cup Splenda granular to 2 tbsp of cornstarch. This is an older recipe. You can now find sugar-free powdered 'sugar' in most grocery stores.

Note: File Photo