From Chef LaLa's Kitchen to Your Dinner Table

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Dec. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The flavors of tradition can be enjoyed this holiday without the guilt thanks to the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of GOT MILK?  The CMPB has partnered with Certified Nutritionist and Author Chef LaLa to give Californians a merrier reason to celebrate in this season of festivities: traditional desserts for under 200 calories a serving.  From hot chocolate, to gelatins to custards, milk binds the treats together to provide a rich, creamy goodness that people have come expect from holiday desserts.  So go ahead, gather around the table with friends and family; this holiday season, you can have your "cake" and eat it, too!  

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111207/LA18397)

"Holiday treats can pack in a lot of calories, sometimes even up to 1,000 a serving," says the nationally acclaimed chef.  "I want families to know that there are ways to prepare foods, even desserts, on the lighter side without sacrificing taste."  

Chef LaLa, one of the biggest advocates of healthy cooking, especially with Latino cuisine, has adapted recipes to some holiday favorites, which can be found exclusively on www.gotmilk.com/recipes.  They include:

Raspberry and Milk Gelatin – Inspired by the colors of the season, this holiday treat is made with fresh raspberries, mint, yogurt, gelatin, vanilla pudding and plenty of low fat milk.  Perfect for any gathering, this Raspberry and Milk Gelatin is guilt-free at only 109 calories per serving.

Cinnamon Custard and Pomegranate – At only 145 calories per serving, its subtle hint of warm cinnamon and vanilla mixed with low fat milk evoke the warmth of the season.  Topped with pomegranate seeds, this dessert is sure to be a hit with the young and young at heart.

Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate – Made with low fat milk, cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa, sugar and a dash of ground cayenne pepper for a little kick, this comforting and traditional treat in the Latino community is at 133 calories per serving.

"LaLa's festive milk-based desserts are a perfect way cap off any holiday celebration," says Steve James, CMPB executive director.  "We all know that milk is great for building strong bones and teeth.  But chefs like LaLa can also attest that it is a key ingredient in any holiday cooking."

For Chef LaLa's milk-based dessert recipes made exclusively for GOT MILK?, visit www.gotmilk.com/recipes.  

About Chef LaLa

A classically-trained chef, certified nutritionist and sought-after spokeswoman who runs her own high-end catering business, SAVOR!, in Los Angeles, Chef LaLa regularly doles out her savvy solutions for better living at conferences worldwide and on international and national television.  Addressing both English and Spanish-speaking audiences, LaLa offers practical ideas for every day better living – "real solutions for real people".  Chef LaLa is dedicated to educating communities and combating obesity and the co morbidities associated with disease.  LaLa is certified in nutrition for optimal health, wellness and sports, lifestyle medicine, weight management, diabetes prevention and kids nutrition.

About the CMPB

The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California.  Awareness of GOT MILK? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history.  GOT MILK? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995.  The CMPB's Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline "Familia, Amor y Leche" (Family, Love and Milk).  The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, following a growing trend in Hispanic food advertising that uses wit and humor to reach audiences.  GOT MILK? gifts and recipes can be viewed at www.gotmilk.com and www.tomaleche.com.  The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

SOURCE California Milk Processor Board