Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Parmesan Crisps

One of the universal questions asked when dieting: "What can I eat?" When we're so used to grabbing the same snack thing for years, and then suddenly have to change that automatic response, it takes a little re-wiring.  My go-to snack for years was Cheez-its. I just LOVE them. But with the carb detox that I'm currently following, those little squares of cheesy goodness are cracker-non-grata, and I've found a fine, carb-FREE substitute: Parmesan crisps! The recipe couldn't be easier with just one ingredient, shredded Parmesan cheese. The powdered green "shaker cheese" (that's what my kids always called it) won't work. This calls for the real deal. I buy the canister of real Parmesan in the imported cheese section of the grocery store, often found near the deli and NOT on a shelf in the pasta/sauce aisle!

Six crisps, just 125 calories and 0 carbs, is a truly satisfying snack. It takes just six minutes in the oven, let them cool, and enjoy. They have a chewy texture and a slightly salty taste that really takes care of a snack attack. At just one level tablespoon of cheese per crisp, they are about 2-inches in diameter with a lacy appearance. I can imagine these as a pretty dish on a table of appetizers. Because they are warm and flexible coming out of the oven, they can be molded into cups (mini muffin tins) and when cooled, filled with chicken, egg, or tuna salad, hummus, any other low-carb filling. Try them and let me know what you think!

PARMESAN CRISPS
Oven 350-degrees Farenheit

Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Spray paper with non-cook spray.


6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan Cheese

Using level tablespoons, drop Parmesan cheese in mounds 2-inches apart on cookie sheet (3 across).

Bake for 6 minutes or until outside edges get golden brown and center is still yellow.

Remove from oven and let cool until solid, 5 minutes or more.



25 comments:

  1. I used to make these years ago and have always loved them. Nothing tastes better that melted cheese...not even a Cheez-it! I love following you on this journey Jeannie, because you bring new (and forgotten) things to my table. Planning on making the ratatouille and I'm thinking the parmesan crisps might be perfect on the side!

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    1. Di, they would be perfect alongside ratatouille! Hadn't thought of that. I'm so excited to find more recipes that will make this a delicious way to lose the weight AND enjoy really good food along the way. No reason we can't do both, right? :)

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  2. mmm another one to try....but they remind me of Macaroon cookies a little over done ! This will motivate me..I can play mind over matter...yes they are really cheese but mmm ..... Macaroons ! CKJ

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    1. These are so good, Cindy, You're going to LOVE them!

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  3. Jeanne...these look amazing...i bet they taste even better. Will try this weekend for sure! Thank you for sharing. :)

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    1. They taste great, LDM, and I hope you do try them! See you at work!

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  4. Ooooh, gotta try these! These would be so yummy on top of a nice big garden salad!

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  5. Jeanne, All of these "new" receipes look great. I am definately going to be trying these. Thank you!

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    1. Is this Sharron? I need a name to enter this comment into the contest!

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  6. Jeannie - these are great! I would imagine the use of the crisps is endless and could be used for so many things. I can also think of them in place of a roll or biscuit with chili, with salad, floating in soup.... YUM!

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    Replies
    1. Make a big one and add it to a sandwich (for those who can still eat bread!)...

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  7. These are great ! Sound wonderful in a sandwich. I like diannes idea ,putting them in the ratatouilli. Or chili. I make a low cal with morning star crumbled instead of ground round. It would be great with these on it . Thanks for the ideas .sharron eddy cataldo

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    Replies
    1. Sharron, glad you like the recent recipes. Thanks so much for your comments - really appreciated!

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  8. These sound really good! I'm going to put a canister of real parmesan on my list for my next grocery store visit. I appreciate having the location details, as I've never bought it! I also appreciate a yummy alternative to the Cheez-It! Best wishes on your new diet changes!

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    1. Hi Melissa! Thanks for the encouragement! Saw a great recipe on Colleen's blog for healthy pancakes, too! Let me know how you like the Parmesan crisps!

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    2. Yes, I just tried those 3 ingredient pancakes; they're great!

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    3. Hi Jeannie, I finally tried the crisps tonight; they're very good! Love the taste and texture; helps satisfy a snack craving for sure!

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  9. Jeannie -- the Food Network magazine featured these crisps in this month's issue all about cheese. In their version, they use 1-1/2 cups of the grated parm, then mix with 1T flour and 1-2 t herbs/spices. They suggest lemon zest or pepper or curry or smoked paprika or scallions. I know the flour is a no-no for now, but it might be something to keep in mind down the road. I'm about to try them right now inspired by you! Happy, healthy eating...crh

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    1. Chris, that sounds great! I can see how the flour would absorb some of the natural oils in the cheese, and I love the idea of different zests or herbs. I will definitely try these with those additions once I'm able! So appreciate your comment, thank you!

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  10. I tried these, they are fun easy ad quite yummy. Thanks

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    1. Hi Judy! Aren't they great?! I'm going to try Chris's suggestions (above) to add a little variety to this new snack! So glad you liked them! (PS - don't forget you have to redeem that prize!).

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  11. I have never made these before but have always wanted to. So thanks for posting. Great snack idea!
    Ginelle

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    ReplyDelete