Minty Milano Mousse Parfait

Looks decadent?  Sinful?  Naughty?  Well it's not, it's guilt free!  (the dessert, not the wine... pay no attention to that in the back ground.)  This crazy easy little number was too tasty to be less than 200 calories, but it factors in at right around 170 calories each!  The best part about it is you can make it in a snap!  Just make sure to make it pretty soon before you serve them.  I made the mistake of making them while I was making dinner and sticking them in the fridge.  Figured I'd take my blog picture before serving and got the outcome below.  They still tasted great, just a little wilted. Luckily I had an impressed guest who snapped this photo before they went in the fridge (hence the wine glass).

There are two key ingredients to this dessert... they are what make it light and oh so delicious!

This wonderfully light and delicious Jello Brand Mousse Temptations, Chocolate Mint Flavor and...

the oh so heavenly Mint Milano cookie

Simply chop up your cookies (I did 6 cookies for 5 servings) and layer them in parfait glasses, alternating with the mousse and some fat fee cool whip.  Top with a sprinkle of the cookie crumbs and serve. 

Just don't let them wait around in the fridge too long or they'll end up looking like this...

But don't worry, they'll still taste great!  Enjoy!

Avalanche Bars

Ok, so again we're off the healthy cooking track, but I had to share.  One of the most wonderful things I've ever tasted was this sinfully delicious treat from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, you know the place so well known for the amazing and anything but ordinary carmel apples.  Well I stopped in one day on my way out of town, figuring I'd pick up a few goodies for my mom, sis, and the doggies (yep, the make adorable little doggie treats too).  while I was trying to decide which totally healthy apples I wanted, I happened to see something that slightly resembled a rice krispy treat only WAY better.  It was labeled "Avalanche Bark" not knowing what I was in for I decided to grab a piece...  I think that day changed my life forever.  When I got in the car I reached into my bag and tore of a piece of that little Avalanche and was blown away!  This was no ordinary rice krispy treat.  It was everything good and wonderful all rolled into one treat.  After A couple of bites I actually had to wrap it up and throw it into the the back seat out of arms reach so that it could make it to my destination.  No way it was going to survive a three hour car ride unless I couldn't get to it.

After that day I made it my mission to figure out how to recreate them myself.  And let me tell you I have created many an addict to these Avalanche Bars.  The greatest part is they are so easy to make.  I think they are easier to make than rice krispy treats because you don't have all that sticky marshmallow mess!  The best part is you can even change it up a bit.  I've added cut up oreos, holiday m&m, or fun sprinkles for color.  Try them for yourself if you dare... you will be hooked!

Avalanche Bars
1 (12 ounce) bag white chocolate chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups crispy rice cereal
1/2 cup mini chocolate chip
1 1/2 -2 cups miniature marshmallows

Melt white chocolate chips with peanut butter over a double boiler. (A large bowl over a pot of simmering water works great.) Once completely melted (white chocolate is delicate, be careful not to cook it too hot or too long), remove from heat and add rice cereal.

Now for the hard part, WAIT until the mix has reached room temperature BUT don't put it in the fridge! It's worth the wait so don't rush this! Once it reaches room temperature add marshmallows. Mix well, but don’t over mix.

Dump mixture into a greased 9x9 square pan. Lightly press with greased spoon, but not too hard. Too compacted and you’ll be sorry (trust me... I've made this mistake before.  You'll need a chain saw to cut them apart). Sprinkle top with chocolate chips & place in fridge for another 30 minutes.
When hardened, cut like rice krispy treats & you will ENJOY!