South Beach Diet Raspberry Ginger Fizzes

Note from Cheri: The recipe and text below are reprinted with permission from The South Beach Diet -- Parties & Holidays Cookbook by Arthur Agatston, MD (2006 Rodale). What I like best about this book, along with other South Beach Diet Cookbook (see The South Beach Diet Dining Guide and The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook) is that the recipes are appealing even you aren't following Dr. Arthur Agatston's wildly popular South Beach Diet. To eat food this good and still lose weight is just a happy bonus. You'll get 20 full party plans and menus and 150 delicious South Beach Diet friendly recipes. Now you can entertain and still stay on your diet. The food will be so good, your friends and family will never suspect they eating healthy. Click here for more information about this book along with discount ordering links through Amazon.com NOTE: This recipe is part of an entire South Beach Diet party plan -- Hors d’Oeuvres Party for a Crowd (click link for party plan and many more recipes).

The vibrant red color and sprightly flavor of this fresh-tasting fruit and ginger drink will make homemade soda fans of all your friends.

1 (10-ounce) package frozen raspberries, thawed, with juices 1 (3/4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled 2 tablespoons granular sugar substitute 1 (2-liter) bottle seltzer water, chilled I ice cubes (optional)

Makes 10 (3/4-cup) Drinks Prep Time: 5 minutes To make the drink base: Purée raspberries and their juices, ginger, and sugar substitute in a blender. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. For each drink, place 4 1/2 teaspoons of the base in an 8-ounce glass. Add 3/4 cup seltzer and stir rapidly. Add a few ice cubes, if desired, and stir again. Serve. Make-Ahead: Raspberry-ginger drink base can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in a covered container until ready to use. Add seltzer water to drinks individually, just before serving. Nutrition Per Serving: 60 calories, 4.5 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 4 g protein, 2 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 25 mg sodium.