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Cinnamon hearts, boxes of chocolates, cheesecake for two...or one. Consuming sweets is a Valentine's Day tradition that's difficult to avoid. But for those trying to limit their carb intake, this celebration can be a real challenge.

"One in four people don't realize that sugar is a carb, so they don't consider the implications of consuming chocolate and candy on Valentine's Day," says registered dietitian Phyllis Tanaka.

A recent survey commissioned by Carb Options and conducted by Ipsos-Reid showed that nearly half of Canadians find it hard to keep their sweet tooth under control when they're trying to lose weight.

For those trying to keep their low carb diets on course this Valentine's Day, Tanaka recommends these Decadent Drizzled Cheesecake Squares.

Decadent Drizzled Cheesecake Squares
Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Bake Time: 12 minutes, Chill Time: 1 hour, Makes: 24 servings

1 1/4 cups / 300 mL Carb Options Creamy Peanut Spread
3/4 cup / 175 mL Splenda No Calorie Sweetener
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tbsp / 30 mL honey
3 tsp / 15 mL vanilla extract
1/4 tsp / 1 mL salt
2 pkgs. (250 g each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup / 250 mL whipping cream
Preheat oven to 325° F (160° C).

For crust, in medium bowl, combine 1 cup (250 mL) Carb Options Creamy Peanut Spread, 1/2 cup (125 mL) sweetener, egg, honey, 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla, and salt until smooth.

Evenly press into bottom of a 13 x 9 inch (34 x 22 cm) baking dish. Bake 12 minutes or until golden; cool.

Meanwhile in mixing bowl, with electric mixer, beat cream cheese and remaining 1/4 cup (50 mL) sweetener until blended. Slowly add whipping cream and continue beating at medium-high speed 2 minutes or until smooth and fluffy. Spread over cooled crust.

In small, microwave safe bowl, microwave remaining 1/4 cup (50 mL) Carb Options Creamy Peanut Spread at HIGH (Full Power) 15 seconds or until melted. Drizzle over top of cream cheese mixture. Chill 1 hour or until set; cut into squares and serve.

For more great tasting carb-conscious recipes, visit www.carboptions.ca.

Source - News Canada

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