Easy Light Yogurt Pie

Summer is here, and it is time for the world's easiest, most delicious, low-fat dessert! Don't believe me? Well, I'm going to give you instructions for a 3 ingredient pie that does not require any baking. It is so easy, your 5-year old could make it. If you want to make it more difficult, then slice up some fresh fruit for garnish on the top. And if you really want to be like Martha Stewart, then make your own graham cracker crust. But for the rest of the world (like me) who has too little time to spend in the kitchen anyway, let's roll up our sleeves and get dessert done!

The original recipe calls for store-bought yogurt. But I have also included simple directions for making your own yogurt at home. This way you can control the amount of sugar or sweetener, and other ingredients for you and your family.

1. Mix together the yogurt and whipped topping in a large bowl until thoroughly blended.
2. Spoon into graham cracker crust and smooth to edges
3. Gently place into freezer and chill/freeze for at least 1 hour before serving
4. Add fresh berries or sliced fruit as a garnish when serving.

TIP: It is easiest to slice this pie when it is cold from the freezer. It should not sit out on the counter top more than about 5 minutes or your pieces will not come out "clean."

1. One graham cracker crust (leave in the foil container); best bet is Keebler's brand
2. One 1-quart container of flavored yogurt (any flavor, your choice, regular or light). Our favorites are strawberry, raspberry, blueberry or lemon
3. One 16 oz. container of Cool Whip (or similar tub whipped topping), regular or light, thawed
4. Fresh fruit, if desired for garnish

This is such a popular dessert in my home, and I am happy to allow my children to enjoy it. Why? Well, first of all, yogurt has many nutritional benefits. Live, active cultures are "friendly bacteria" that help our digestive systems break down and process other foods that we eat. Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, which is particularly necessary for growing children and women of all ages. It can also help women avoid or even treat yeast infections by restoring a healthier balance of natural bacteria. The creamy concoction may be prescribed to treat ulcers and even infections caused by salmonella. However, if you suspect you have any of these conditions, you should definitely see your doctor first!

In order to maximize the potential benefits of yogurt, buy the freshest available (check the sell by date on the carton) and check to make sure there are live and active in the brand that you are purchasing.

Second of all, this is a refreshing, low calorie dessert. If you use light yogurt and light whipped cream, you can essentially end up with a slice of pie with approximately 150-200 calories (depending on how big you make your slices). Not many sweets this delicious and satisfying can match up!

You may want to learn how to make your own yogurt at home! Yogurt machines with easy instructions are available at Amazon.com and eBay.com. Just watch the video above to see how simple, economical and delicious this option can be!

You will need:

• 1/2 gallon milk (your choice, even soy milk works)
• yogurt starter
• yogurt maker

Slowly heat the milk in a saucepan, stirring constantly until it boils. Remove from heat and allow to cool to about 85-90 degrees F (you should be able to stick your finger in without scalding). Pour about 1/4 cup of the milk into a separate bowl and add the yogurt starter (1 packet). Dissolve well. Pour back into the rest of the milk and continue stirring. Then, pour all the liquid into the yogurt maker jar and incubate for 6-10 hours in the machine, until desired firmness. Refrigerate the jar for one hour to stop the incubation.

Now, you are ready to add sugar, sweetener, honey, fresh fruit, canned fruit, cinnamon - whatever you desire!