Cannoli-Stuffed French Toast Nuggets

Yeah, I'm in a little bit of a cannoli mood, huh? Probably because I have enough ricotta cheese in fridge to be in that kinda mood. Lol! I'm trying to get rid of it before it goes bad. So, I made these yesterday morning. They were actually pretty yummy. Don't be scared by the hot dog bun. It is really light and fluffy. I love them! This is another Hungry Girl recipe. This may not seem like a lot, but it actually filled me up. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup fat-free liquid egg substitute - I used Egg Beaters. 
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided in ½
• 3 tablespoons fat-free ricotta cheese
• 2 teaspoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 no-calorie sweetener packet - I used Splenda.
• 1 light hot dog bun (about 80 calories)
• 2 teaspoons light whipped butter or light buttery spread
• ½ teaspoon powdered sugar
• Optional: sugar-free pancake syrup, for dipping

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix egg substitute, cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. In a separate small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and sweetener, and mix well.

3. Split hot dog bun open lengthwise, without fully separating the two halves. Spoon ricotta mixture onto the bottom half of the bun. Gently press the top half down over the filling. Carefully slice into four "nuggets."

4. Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Add butter and allow to coat the bottom of the skillet. Meanwhile, coat each nugget on all sides with the egg mixture. (You won't need to use all of the egg mixture.)

5. Once butter has melted, place nuggets in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping nuggets until golden brown on all sides.

6. Plate your nuggets, sprinkle with powdered sugar and, if you like, serve with syrup for dipping!


Makes 1 serving.


PER SERVING (entire recipe): 228 calories, 6.5g fat, 395mg sodium, 31g carbs, 3g fiber, 10.5g sugars, 12.5g protein


HG TIPS!

-If you can't find fat-free ricotta, go for low-fat or light -- then your nuggets would have 237 calories and 8.5 grams of fat.

-Can't find 80-calorie buns? No worries! Get the lowest-calorie ones you can find, and adjust the nutritionals for this recipe accordingly.

Recipe Source: Hungry Girl 1-2-3 by Lisa Lillien