Build a Healthier Sundae Bar

 While ice cream may be a year-round favorite, the dog days of summer practically scream for ice cream.  Here are a few tweaks you can make to your Sundae Bar to keep the nutrition high without sacrificing any flavor. 

Consider frozen yogurt, or at least a shorter ingredient list.  A lower-fat frozen yogurt can save 50 calories per serving, and there are loads of flavor possibilities out there.  Whatever you choose, take a look at the ingredient list – you want it to be fairly short and understandable. 

Chocolate syrup instead of hot fudge saves calories as well, better still, make your own:

Homemade Chocolate syrup:

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

dash salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a saucepan, whisk together the cocoa and sugar.  Add the water and salt, whisking over medium heat until boiling.  Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.  Store in refrigerator.  Makes approximately 2 cups (16 servings)

Serving size: 2 Tbsp.  60 calories, 1.8 g fiber,  12.6 g sugar

Forget the strawberry or pineapple toppings and serve diced, mashed or pureed fruit with a drizzle of honey.  This can save 70 calories per serving. 

 

As always find creative ways to incorporate fruit into your sundae bar – a grilled peach half makes a tasty base for your Sunday – fanned out strawberries or berries on skewers make attractive additions that entice your guest to enjoy nature’s dessert. 

And consider the scoops and spoons you use as serving sizes – a smaller scoop means a more moderate portion.  And when it comes down to it – that is what dessert is all about, balance and moderation for fun, once-in-a-while foods.