Paula Deen's Lean: Mixed Berry Bellinis

Here's a toast to a new year full of happiness, health, success, love and ....Mixed Berry Bellinis! Let me tell you, we just had a blast whippin' together these wonderful drinks minutes before the ball dropped on New Year's Eve. Not only are they delicious, but they are really easy to mix up. Now let's be honest, there isn't really anything healthy about a glass of sparkling wine, unless you count the mental benefits of course. In all seriousness, alcohol contains sugar and no nutritional benefits. Each gram of alcohol delivers 7 empty, useless calories. So let's just add some mixed berries to our sparkling wine and count it as one fruit serving  for the day. That's something we can all feel better about. Sound good? Then check out this recipe for Lean Mixed Berry Bellinis!

MIXED BERRY BELLINIS

Makes 6-8 Glasses

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup SPLENDA

1 (12-ounce) package frozen mixed berries, thawed

1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling wine

DIRECTIONS:

In the container of an electric blender, combine berries and SPLENDA; process until smooth. Strain mixture, if desired. Pour fruit mixture into a serving pitcher; slowly add wine, stirring gently to combine.


RESULTS:


Not everyone likes champagne, but everyone loved the Berry Bellinis! The only thing I changed in this recipe was to substitute SPLENDA in place of the sugar. To be quite honest, there is really no need for the extra calories of sugar. The wine and fruit make it sweet enough. I suggest either leaving it out completely or subbing your favorite non-calorie sweetner instead.
These drinks make a great party treat any time of the year. I will definitely be making this festive beverage again. CHEERS!