A Lighter Monkey Bread

The other day, I had a hankering for some Monkey Bread.  However, I did not want to blow a bazillion calories on said treat, so here is what I did:

Recipe:

• 1 package of Pillsbury Grands Homestyle Wheat Reduced Fat Biscuits (on sale at Publix for $1.00).
• 12 packets of sugar substitute (I used the Publix version of Sweet-N-Low).
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
• Agave Nectar Light or honey (about 2 TBS)
• Brown Sugar (about 2 TBS)

Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces.

Roll in cinnamon and sugar substitute mixture.

Place 4 pieces  in each cupcake liner.

Drizzle Agave Nectar over each cup.

Sprinkle brown sugar on top.

Bake according to package directions.

Enjoy warm!

Makes 12 muffins.  Here is the nutrition breakdown per serving.

• Calories: 132
• Carbs: 25 grams
• Fat: 3 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

At 132 calories and about $0.10 a serving (as long as you have a well-stocked pantry), this is a steal!

Quick Recipe: Copycat Publix Buttercream Frosting

I have used this recipe quite a bit (remember Dora?) and plan to use it again for a special birthday cake I am working on…stay tuned!

Thought I would share it with you in a separate post (mostly so I can find it myself when I want to use it :)).  Enjoy!

Publix Copycat Butter Cream Icing  (from Copycat Recipes)

Yield: Icing for 2 layer 9 inch round cake, or about 20 cupcakes
1/2 pounds butter
2 cups Crisco Vegetable Shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 pounds confectioners sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon milk if needed

Mix butter, Crisco, and salt together on low speed for 5 minutes. Add vanilla, butter flavor, and almond extract, beat until well blended. Turn mixer off and add meringue powder and 1/2 confectioners sugar. Turn mixer on the slowest speed the mixer has, add remaining confectioners sugar 1/2 cup at a time until the sugar is mixed in. Turn mixer up to medium and beat until smooth and creamy, this should take about 5 minutes.