“FOR MY PART I KNOW NOTHING WITH ANY CERTAINTY, BUT THE SIGHT OF THE STARS MAKE ME DREAM.” Vincent van Gogh
You may find it ironic that I write a dessert blog when I tell you that I am a former Weight Watcher! What I have learned over time, about myself, is that over eating was never about hunger. And for me to lose weight was a matter of eating less and moving more. And to maintain good weight and good health, I need to eat well, eat the right things, and indulge in moderation. But my passion for baking rarely allows me to cut corners and I always try to use the best ingredients to achieve the best product.
But there are two women that I have met through blogging, that have really had a great influence on my thinking. Kelly at Inspired Edibles is a registered nutritionist whose blog teaches me that you can use whole, natural and simple ingredients and still turn out fabulous healthy food and treats! When I am visiting her blog, and see her posts for desserts and snacks, I am in awe of how fantastic they look, how full of flavor they are, and how good they are for you!
Ann at Cooking Healthy for Me, is also truly amazing. She posts an array of dishes and desserts, that are healthier alternatives and lower in calories; yet again, they are beautiful and vibrant and don’t compromise flavor. And Ann is also of the mindset that indulgences are okay, you just need to keep them in check.
I’ve been blessed to have so many friends who support me in writing this blog, even though their approach to their own blogs may be so very different. And I’ve come to accept that my type of blog is very much like the scene of a hit and run! People stop by to find something they may need, but it’s not necessarily a site you come to visit every day! And so I hope that mine will be a blog that people will feel comfortable visiting when they are looking for a special indulgence of their own. But I’ve decided to add a section to my offerings for those who may wish to dance a little on the lighter side of the sweet. And I am kicking it off today with this simple, easy, delicious and low calorie dessert. I’m very excited about this and I hope you will be, too……
Aside from water and splenda (or you may use sugar or substitute with honey), this is all you need:
1 serving uses 1 whole starfruit and when using splenda is only 87 calories!
You will need (for 1 serving):
1 starfruit
1/2 cup splenda
6 large time sprigs and more for garnish
1 1/2 piece of ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
To get your syrup started, put the splenda, thyme, ginger, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, while stirring frequently.
Stir for about 2 minutes until the splenda is dissolved. Then increase your heat to high and boil for 2 minutes until the mix becomes slightly syrupy. Remove from the heat and immediately add the starfruit and let sit for 5 minutes to infuse.
Meet this beautiful starfruit!
How can you pass up using this beautiful fruit, though I will admit this is my first time trying it!!! The skin is totally edible, though do you see those brown edges along the length of the fruit? You want to gently cut off those brown edges, and then cut off a slice from each end. That will expose you to the beautiful star shape of the fruit. And you will simply slice it into equally thin slices.
See how pretty? These seeds are so easy to remove! Look….I just took a little grapefruit spoon and poked at them and they popped right out without disturbing the look of the fruit.
Prepare the starfruit in advance because you really want to add these immediately to the syrup once you remove it from the heat. I’m not sure if the difference was in using splenda in place of sugar, but the syrup reduced rather dramatically even from the point that I took it off the heat, so you will want to get the fruit in there right away and just stir to coat, and then let it sit to infuse. When ready to plate, remove the starfruit with a spoon. Drizzle with any remaining syrup, and garnish with a bit of fresh thyme.
This was awesome! The starfruit itself is lightly sweet with a delicate crunch. With my eyes closed, it might have felt like I was eating a slice of apple or cucumber. Yet the slightly exotic sweet taste mingled with the ginger and thyme let me know that I was savoring something just a little more special. The syrup was really just enough to coat the fruit, so it’s not sitting in a bowl of liquid. And the ginger and thyme really balanced the sweetness quite nicely. For something so quick and easy, this really is a special and elegant dessert. And I am already thinking of ways to use starfruit in the future. Salad most definitely comes to mind!
So I hope you enjoy this lighter side of sweet. And I hope you will visit Kelly and Ann’s blogs for more light and healthy meals, snacks, and desserts. I really want to thank both of these amazing and special women for their support and for their inspiration!
Enjoy everyone!
I am also not sure whether my blog is another hit and run but sure I have many friends who may not be bloggers and checking my recipes from time to time. Having said that, I have encountered sincere bloggers friends who actually give feedback and you know from that, they have actually spend time reading and understanding the recipes I have shared. For the rest who comment like two words????????
Starfruit can be found over my place anywhere and anytime, so this simple fruit dessert is within my reach. All the more, I am always looking out for easy and simple dessert recipes.
Hi Nava…..we are both fortunate to have those ‘sincere blogger friends’! I love your blog and love that you feature so much more than recipes! I had a really hard time finding starfruit here in D.C. this season, but am so glad I did! This dessert really was sweet and simple! : )
Anne, can you believe I have never eaten star fruit (not to my recollection). I must try this recipe. I love that you’re embracing a new side to your cooking. Although I will always be an avid admirer of the decadent baking and desserts.
Ramona….I haven’t tried starfruit before trying this recipe. But I am glad I did…it really is a special treat. And I’m not giving up on those more decadent desserts! ;- )
Gorgeous presentation! I know that starfruit has a very unique taste and with this syrup it just puts it over the top!! p.s. you have a beautiful blog!
Thanks Linda! I always had this impression that starfruit was sweet and perfumey. But not at all! And the ‘syrup’ is very light as well. And thanks for your lovely words about my blog. It’s really been such a wonderful experience! : )
Aww! Great seeing Kelly and Ann get some recognition over here
I know I’ve made loads of their recipes and sometimes I forget to go back and tell them how great (and healthy!) they are.
Love your starfruit. It’s simply stunning
Thanks Carsley! And I think you and Ann and Kelly are fabulous and fun people! : )
Such a cool idea!
I love starfruit, definitely going to have to try this soon!
Thanks Ryan! I really enjoyed trying this starfruit and am thinking of new ways to use it! : )
Once again, you are so inspiring, Anne! I used to do WW too, and I learned that eating was never about hunger. Now I watch portions for the most part but still indulge quite often!
I have never had starfruit, but this looks wonderful. I will be looking for it!!
Thanks Cassie! But truthfully, I had a difficult time finding starfruit this year, though I’ve seen it many times before in my markets here. But if you see it…pick one up….it’s perfect just sliced on it’s own! : )
I really enjoy the taste of starfruit although I don’t have it very often. I like light sweets as they are more refreshing instead of weighing you down and although by looking at my blog you would not know that I enjoy lighter treats lol. I indulge the kiddies… but I could eat a bowl of mixed fruit for dessert any day and be really content.
I’m with you, Susie….when it comes to desserts…..I’m usually more indulgent! But every once in a while….something lighter is nice, too. And I thought I’d just expand a bit and offer a little something for everyone! : )
I love Ann and Kelly’s websites too. This looks like a simple but beautiful and tasty dish. Sometimes simplicity is the key. Love your photos too.
Thanks Eliot! Sometimes it feels good just to keep things simple. And I am a huge fan of Ann and Kelly! : )
What a delicious and different fruit side! Yum!
This was different for me! But I love starfruit now! : )
Anne… what a beautiful surprise… I am so touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness. Even if I can be a whisper of inspiration to some, that means everything to me, so thank you so very much… You know I love your blog and more importantly, the quality of your heart (you get a feeling for these things…).
I have also been inspired by Ann’s journey and enjoy following her.
This recipe is wonderful. I am a huge fan of simplicity – a few key, quality ingredients, and you’re on your way. Ginger, thyme and star fruit is a gorgeous combination, drizzled with syrup? heaven. I thoroughly enjoyed this lighter side of sweets ~ but then again, I enjoy all of your posts! xo
Thanks Kelly! I can be full of surprises sometimes! But I love your blog and the simplicity of your recipes. And you have inspired me. Your photos are just gorgeous! And yes, my friend, I know the feeling you get about the quality of someone’s heart. And anyone can see that about you when they simply read one of your posts….everything you present is for the good of all of us! I’m keeping life simple this year. But mixed in between my more decadent posts, you will now find some healthier alternatives….thanks to you and Ann! : )
I love starfruit but usually just eat it plain–I love the addition of the flavored syrup!
Thanks and this syrup is light and not very syrupy….just enough to give a little more flavor. But I have to tell you….I was nibbling on this starfruit plain as I was preparing this! It’s perfect on it’s own! : )
Anne – this looks amazing! I never thought to use thyme with star fruit – brilliant! I have NEVER thought of your blog as hit-and-run…it’s more of a oh-my-I’m-in-LOVE type of thing! You make the most beautiful sweets and you’re amazingly talented! Thank you SO much for your kind words…..you are a terrific bloggy friend!
Ann…thanks so much. Starfruit really is good on it’s own. But just a few simple flavors to help enhance it. Thank YOU for your support always….and for your inspiration and for also being a wonderful bloggy friend! : )
I have never tried starfruit before and your post is looking so delicious and I love what you have done with this fruit. will try it soon
Thanks so much and really….this was the first time for me to try starfruit. I am hooked and hope you will give it a try! : )
I absolutely love the way you’ve presented it. Looks so inviting.
Thanks so much….I’ve always wanted to try starfruit and am so glad I did!
: )
This is a great post Anne, and what a pretty presentation. I also like that the fruit is not sitting in the syrup. If you decide one day to just post about bumper stickers I’ll still be one of your biggest fans. Thank you for giving a special shout out to Ann, her blog never disappoints, and thanks for the introduction to Kelly.
Thanks Sandra! You know I am a huge fan of the only personal trainer I know who also writes a beautiful dessert and entertaining blog! So those bumper stickers are likely to be singing the praises of Sweet Sensations! I love Ann…and if you love Ann…you will also LOVE Kelly! : )
What a beautiful treat! I have learned that rather than depriving myself of things I love, I do better when I indulge with moderation too. And I love baking–the whole process of baking, not just eating and enjoying the end result. So, if I don’t bake I feel I am depriving myself of that enjoyment as well.
Jill…thanks so much and I am glad to know someone who thinks as I do! For me…there is something about baking….starting with individual ingredients and coming out with something spectacular….that feels so rewarding. And other times….baking is just meditative! I always taste what I make….but fortunately I work in a large office and so after I taste….I share! : )
I try to eat healthy on a normal basis, but I also believe in the occasional indulgence! Low-cal desserts are always welcomed for me too though! I’ve never had starfruit! This look so fresh and tasty!
Thanks Stephanie! Even though I write a dessert blog….I don’t sit around eating bon bons all day! LOL But I do believe life is too short not to indulge ourselves in all kinds of treats. And sometimes a lighter dessert is all we need! : )
Lovely healthy dessert and sooooo pretty. Love the ginger and thyme in the syrup. Bookmarking this for a slimmer, healthier me in 2012, Anne. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks Hester! And thanks for all of your inspiration with your beautiful blog and unique recipes! I’m looking to lighten up a little in 2012….in more ways than one! : )
I see starfruit sometimes, but I never buy it; therefore, I’ve never tried it. Shame on me! This dessert is perfect for the new year and for those of us who loves something sweet, but don’t need to calories of cookies, cakes and pies. Next time I see starfruit, I will be buying it! Thanks for sharing this recipe! I look forward to what’s coming in the future!
Thanks MJ! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bypassed this fruit at the market, too. Only because I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Eat it on it’s own, toss it into a salad….or garnish your cocktail with it…..but I hope you give it a try! : )
What a gorgeous dish, and inspiring to those of us in the New Year’s Resolution stages.
Thanks you guys! I’m always inspired at the start of the new year….but we’ll see how long it lasts! Hopefully I will be slipping something healthy in every month! : )
I couldn’t agree more – all good things in moderation. I discovered long ago that deprivation diets just don’t work for me – they just make me want whatever it is I’m not eating even more. So I eat a little, and give a LOT away to friends and neighbors. But you are so right – starting with great ingredients will lead to a great product, and who says healthy treats have to taste like you’re not getting a treat!
Jen…so true! I’m fortunate to work in a big office where my wonderful co-workers are always willing to be my taste testers! So not much hangs around my house! But I’m on a quest to find some interesting but healthier treats to offer. Sometimes you just want something light and sweet! : )