Monday Meal Makeover: Poppy Seed Cheesecake

What you need:

1 1/4 cups fine whole grain graham crackers

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1 tablespoon sugar substitute

8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar substitute

1 egg, plus 1 egg white

1 1/2 cups fat-free vanilla yogurt

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds

1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Place graham cracker in blender or food processor, grind until fine. Lightly spray a nine-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Mix the crumbs with the 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine and sugar substitute. Press crumbs evenly onto the bottom and sides of pan.

In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese and sugar. Beat in the egg and egg white until well- blended. Gently stir in yogurt, flour, poppy seeds and orange zest. Pour filling over crust; bake one hour or until set.

— Candied Orange Peel Garnish

What you need:

1 large orange

1 1/2 cups water

2/3 cup sugar substitute

1/3 cup water

Directions:

Using a sharp vegetable peeler, remove zest (without the white pith). Slice the zest into 1/4 inch wide strips. In a saucepan cover the strips with 1 1/2 cups of water, bring to a boil and cook for 10 to 12 seconds. Drain in a strainer, rinse under cold water. Return the zest to the saucepan with sugar substitute and 1/3 cup of water. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, until the mixture thickens and the zest is coated. Transfer the strips to a plate. Let stand at least an hour, turning occasionally until dry. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight jar.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 366

Fat: 8 grams

Saturated fat: 3 grams

Cholesterol: 35.5 milligrams

Sodium: 335 milligrams

Carbohydrates: 58 grams

Fiber: 1 gram

Sugar: 35 gram

Protein: 9 grams

B.Smith is the author of "B. Smith's Entertaining and Cooking for Friends" and "Rituals of Celebrations." Her diabetes-friendly recipes can be found at www.JourneyForControl.com. Her television show "B. Smith With Style" can be viewed on TV One.