Global Cuisine Made Healthier with Lakanto Monkfruit

In today's health-conscious world, many of us are looking for ways to enjoy our favorite desserts without the guilt that comes with consuming excessive sugar. Enter Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener – a natural, zero-calorie alternative that's revolutionizing the way we bake and cook. In this blog, we'll explore how to use this amazing sweetener to create healthier versions of beloved sweet dishes from around the world.

What is Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener?

Before we dive into the recipes, let's briefly discuss what makes Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener special. Derived from monk fruit, a small melon native to Southeast Asia, this sweetener is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar but contains zero calories and has no effect on blood sugar levels. It's an excellent option for those managing diabetes, following a keto diet, or simply looking to reduce their sugar intake.

Now, let's embark on a global culinary journey with these delicious, sugar-free recipes!

1. French Crème Brûlée

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 1/4 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
• 4 egg yolks
• Hot water for water bath
• Additional Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine cream, vanilla bean, and sweetener. Heat until just simmering.
3. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
4. Strain the mixture and pour into ramekins.
5. Place ramekins in a baking dish filled with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set but still jiggly.
7. Chill for at least 2 hours.
8. Before serving, sprinkle with Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener and caramelize with a kitchen torch.

 

This classic French dessert retains all its creamy, decadent flavor without the sugar spike!

2. Italian Tiramisu

Ingredients:

• 6 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 pound mascarpone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
• 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
• 24 ladyfingers
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks and sweetener. Place over a pan of simmering water and cook, whisking constantly, until thick and pale.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in milk and mascarpone until smooth.
3. In a shallow dish, combine espresso and rum.
4. Dip each ladyfinger briefly in the espresso mixture and layer in a 9x13 inch dish.
5. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
6. Repeat layers and dust with cocoa powder.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Enjoy this beloved Italian dessert without the sugar crash!

3. Japanese Mochi Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sweet rice flour
• 1/4 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Your favorite sugar-free ice cream

Instructions:

1. Mix rice flour and sweetener in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Stir in water until smooth.
3. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave in 30-second intervals until the mixture is thick and translucent.
4. Dust a work surface with cornstarch and turn out the mochi dough.
5. Once cool enough to handle, roll out to 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into circles and place a small scoop of ice cream in the center of each.
7. Wrap the mochi around the ice cream and seal edges.
8. Freeze until firm.

This fun Japanese treat is now diabetes-friendly and keto-approved!

4. Indian Gulab Jamun

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• Milk for kneading
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Mix milk powder, flour, and baking soda. Add ghee and enough milk to form a soft dough.
2. Shape into small balls.
3. Heat oil and fry the balls until golden brown.
4. For the syrup, heat water and sweetener until dissolved. Add rose water and cardamom.
5. Soak the fried balls in the warm syrup for at least 30 minutes before serving.

These syrupy Indian sweets are just as indulgent without the sugar overload!

5. Mexican Churros

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine water, 1/2 tablespoon sweetener, salt, and 2 tablespoons oil. Bring to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and stir in flour until a ball forms.
3. Let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Heat oil for frying in a deep pan.
5. Pipe dough into hot oil in 4-inch strips. Fry until golden brown.
6. Mix remaining sweetener with cinnamon and dust over warm churros.

Enjoy these crispy Mexican treats guilt-free!

6. Greek Baklava

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough
• 1 pound chopped nuts (walnuts or pistachios)
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix nuts, cinnamon, and 1/4 cup sweetener.
3. Layer 8 sheets of phyllo in a greased 9x13 inch pan, brushing each with butter.
4. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of nut mixture over phyllo.
5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
6. Cut into diamond shapes and bake for 50 minutes until golden.
7. While baking, boil water and remaining sweetener for 20 minutes. Add vanilla.
8. Pour syrup over hot baklava and let cool before serving.

This Middle Eastern favorite is now a low-glycemic treat!

 

Tips for Baking with Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener

 

1. Measure carefully: Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener is sweeter than sugar, so use about 2/3 to 3/4 the amount of sweetener as you would sugar.
 
2. Adjust liquid: Since this sweetener doesn't caramelize or add bulk like sugar, you may need to adjust other ingredients for proper texture.
 
3. Be mindful of baking time: Baked goods made with Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener may brown faster, so keep an eye on your treats while they're in the oven.
 
4. Experiment: Don't be afraid to try this sweetener in your favorite recipes. It's versatile and can be used in almost any dish that calls for sugar.

 

With Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, you can enjoy sweet treats from around the world without compromising your health goals. Whether you're managing diabetes, following a keto diet, or simply trying to reduce your sugar intake, these recipes prove that you don't have to give up dessert to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Remember, moderation is key even with healthier alternatives. But with these guilt-free global desserts, you can indulge your sweet tooth while keeping your blood sugar stable and your conscience clear. Happy baking, and enjoy your culinary world tour!