By: Jodie Shield, RD

What do you get when you spell desserts backwards?  Stressed.  Which is how many parents feel at the mere thought of preparing dinner, let along dessert.  But relax: Dessert doesn’t have to be labor intensive – or a sinful pleasure.  There are many ways to whip up a breezy summer treat (with little or no cooking required) and many ways to lighten even the most decadent of desserts.  So kick back, and let your family enjoy some of my favorite cool endings.  My next several blogs will be about light and breezy desserts for steamy summer days.  In the meantime, if you’re looking for a light bite, here are a few healthy dessert-in-a-hurry ideas.

Kiwi Stars.  Peel a star fruit (carambola) and kiwi, and slice diagonally.  Place two or three star fruit slices on each dessert plate.  Top each with a slice of kiwifruit.  Add a dollop of fat-free whipped cream, and top with a fresh raspberry, if desired.

Arctic Treats.  Place one scoop of frozen yogurt or reduced-fat ice cream between two graham cracker squares.  Press down gently to make a sandwich.

Fruity Creamsicles.  Mix together 100-percent fruit juice and a small amount of plain yogurt.  pour into small paper cups, place an ice-pop stick into each, and freeze.  When the creamsicles are ready, kids can simply peel back the paper cups and eat.

What do you do when you’re really short on time, but your kids want something sweet?