Low-Carb Lemon Cheescake Recipe

We were invited for a braai this weekend and I really was torn about attending or not. I've been on a clean eating, low carb eating plan for the last two weeks and honestly, it has been a breeze. I enjoy cooking and preparing healthy meals, and once you mentally prepare yourself - half the battle is won. I decided that I would "wow" my family with a low carb no bake lemon cheesecake and boy, this went down well! Can you say Masterchef in the making!

I was assisted in the kitchen by my sisters which makes this recipe even more special to me. Getting to spend time with these girls, whether chatting over a mani & pedi or getting busy in the kitchen means building friendships and getting creative. Gather the girls and get your aprons on, this recipe is so easy to pull off, you'll wonder where the time went!

TIPS:

• This recipe calls for low-carb rusks to make the base, which I didn't have on hand. I substituted this with Hope Crunchies (blog post on this delicious product coming soon!). I recommend using digestives or even Tennis biscuits (a household favourite, am I right). 
• You can make this cheesecake in the morning and allow 2 - 3 hours in the fridge, no bake and no fuss. 

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes (lemon syrup)

INGREDIENTS: For the cheesecake

• 12 Hope Crunchies (crushed finely) 
• 50 grams butter
• 250ml (1 cup) fresh cream 
• 1 x large lemon (rind and juice required) 
• 2 tbls xylitol or sugar 
• 1 x tub creamed smooth plain cottage cheese (I used the Lancewood brand) 

INGREDIENTS:  For the lemon syrup 

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup xylitol or sugar 
• Juice of 1/2 lemon 
• A drop of yellow food colouring 
• Lemon rind for decoration 

METHOD:  

• Finely crush the Hope Crunchies in a food processor or place the crunchies in a ziplock bag and pound with a rolling pin. 
• Melt the butter over the stove or in the microwave (approximately 20 seconds) and add this liquid to the Hope Crunchies. Mix and add this mixture to a clear dish, flattening out the biscuit base and making sure there are no spaces. 
• In a separate bowl, whip the fresh cream until thickened, slowly adding the sugar and lemon juice. Lastly, add the cottage cheese and mix through. Once combined, toss in the rind of the lemon and gently mix. 
• Spoon the creamy mixture over your biscuit base and flatten with the back of your spoon. 
• Cover with cling wrap and place your cheesecake in the fridge for 2 - 3 hours. 
• To prepare the lemon syrup, bring the 1/2 cup water to a boil over the stove, slowly adding the sugar and mix continuously. Add the lemon juice and yellow food colouring once combined and thickened and continue to stir through. Let the syrup stand for a hour, and once cooled completely, spoon over the cheesecake. 
• Decorate with the lemon rind, a sprig of mint and a raspeberry for a pop of colour. 
• Serve chilled with a refreshing glass of ice tea!  

Let me know if you would try this recipe out and what you would add to make this an even more indulgent treat for your friends and family!

Love,
Yo Homi

5 ways to get the most out of your weekend

The weekend is here. You've been anticipating the slow ticking of Monday through to Thursday and before you know it, it's the WEEKEND! Like most people, you probably have this soul encapsulating "sigh" escape your lips at approximately 5pm on Sunday and if that doesn't fill you with dread, I don't know what does.

Turn that frown upside down and let me give you 5 ideas to get the most out of your weekend!

1. Plan ahead: Weekends tend to be the dumping ground of what I like to call "Life Admin". This is stuff like going to Woolworths to pay your installment or getting the car washed. Life's too short, ain't nobody got time for that. The malls are generally quieter in the morning, so wake up early and get in there before the crowds gather. Resist the temptation to browse and head to the stores you need to, mapping our a route for yourself. Once this is behind you, you have all the time in the world for FUN stuff.
2. Do your research: There are loads of local weekly and monthly markets that take place in Durban and surrounds. I love getting excited about a favourite local retailer popping up at one of these markets - from handmade onesies to food indulgences - there's something local for everyone. 
3. Explore the city: Exploration needn't cost you, especially if you're on a budget. Visiting local tourist spots can be fun, and show you a different perspective of your city. Take a walking tour of the Durban CBD, checking out famous historical sites and tasting the local food - from grilled mielies on the side walk to a good old fashioned steak sandwich or bunny chow to share. 
4. Catch some waves: Durban prides itself on great weather all year round, even in winter. Take advantage and head to one of the many beaches on the coast. From Ballito, Umhlanga, Glenashley and North Beach you'll find fun and great food along the way. 
5. Make time for family: Life get's you busy and stressed so what better way to unwind than with family. Plan a no-fuss braai or bring and share and don't sweat the small stuff. Bust out the Monopoly or Uno and the winner gets to host the next braai at their place. 

Wishing you a chilled weekend, lovelies. 

Love, 

Yo Homi