If you live in a city with a large Mexican population you have undoubtedly seen those little jello cups in markets, some look like traditional jello cups but some have a milky, creamy look. They are called Gelatina de Leche, it's Jello with sweetened condensed milk mixed in. I always buy a few for my Mum. She loves them because in England where she was raised they have a similar dessert called Blancmange which is very similar though usually slightly almond flavored. I decided I would try my hand at a sugar free version I could eat. I axed the sweetened condensed milk (sugar & fat) and opted instead for protein-packed, Greek yogurt and for a bonus protein bump added protein powder.
This is a great one for newer bariatric surgery post-ops. It's a way to get a nice amount of protein in something other than a shake. For us older post-ops and non-ops (my Mum loved these too) they are just a yummy and refreshing, summer dessert... perfect after a BBQ. If you make them in disposable cups you can cover them with plastic wrap and take them with you to a movie in the park or on an evening walk... just remember to bring a spoon.
1/2 cup Very Hot Water
1/4 cup Cold Water
1 small (3-ounce) package Sugar Free Jello Gelatin, powder (any flavor)
1 cup Greek Yogurt (any flavor)
1/4 cup Protein Powder (any flavor)
Disposable cups
Heat the 1/2 cup of water in the microwave. Pour hot water over sugar free Jello gelatin powder and stir until dissolved. Pour in cold water. Set aside. Mix yogurt and protein powder (I used a whey isolate) together till well combined.
Pour into gelatin mixture. Stir till both are combined. Pour into cups (I love 4 oz plastic cups filled about 3/4 full) and refrigerate a few hours.
Cook's Notes: You can use plain Greek yogurt or flavored (just watch for added sugars in the flavored ones) stick to brands your dietitian has given the thumbs up or create your own flavor with plain, Greek Yogurt and a little Sugar Free Torani syrup mixed in. If you go that route and add syrup just reduce the cold water a Tablespoon or so to compensate for it and not effect gelatin setting.
If you are allowed fruit you could drop a few pieces (chopped strawberries, peaches, pears, whatever you like) into each cup before they set but they are great without (pictured), or topped with fruit or a squirt of homemade, no sugar added whipped cream, or more Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
