Five County employees made healthy dessert seem as easy as pie this month. Each of the amateur chefs prepared lower calorie treats in the Employee Wellness Program’s Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipe Contest, but only one was crowned the best baker.

From tarts and tortes to cheesecake and mousse, the finalists each submitted recipes and presented their confectionary concoctions in the bake-off contest at the County Operations Center last week. The contestants prepared, plated and presented their sweet treats for judges, who assessed the healthy holiday dishes on presentation and taste.

Grace Anggrainy, an administrative analyst with Public Health’s Maternal, Child and Family Health Services, won with her No Bake Greek Yogurt Cheesecake. Her dish incorporated reduced calorie ingredients.

Grace Anggrainy's No Bake Greek Yogurt Cheesecake

“I love taking recipes and modifying them to be healthier,” said Anggrainy.

She said she found a “base” recipe on Pinterest and quickly went to work in the kitchen substituting sugar alternative, low-fat yogurt and fresh berries into the cheesecake.

“I don’t just work in Health Services, I also incorporate healthy choices into my own life,” Anggrainy said. “I try to eat healthier and exercise more.”

Anggrainy, who enjoys cooking and baking for family and friends, added that her No Bake Greek Yogurt Cheesecake is a piece of cake to make. See attached recipe.

The holidays can be challenging with so many holiday parties and family gatherings, but indulging in something sweet is OK—just as long as you don’t overindulge, said William Erese, the County’s wellness coordinator.

Everyone who entered a recipe into the annual contest received prizes, including a cookbook. The final contenders were:

CSG: Deborah Dyar, Cranberry Tart
FG3: Susan Yepiz, Strawberry Schaum Torte
HHSA: Grace Anggrainy, No Bake Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
LUEG: Paula Phillips, Fruit Dip
PSG: Laura Bennett, Pumpkin Mousse Shooters

Anggrainy’s recipe will be featured at the COC cafeteria as the Recipe of the Day sometime next month. Check back on InSite for an invite with a date and time.