Monin O’Free Syrups

English poet William Cowper said “Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all it’s flavor.” He was so right.  How dull would life be if everything was the same. This especially applies to our food choices. While I’ve been known to eat the same food several days in a row, eventually I’m ready for something different. Low-carbers everywhere rejoice at the variety of great foods they can enjoy with this lifestyle. We also know that sometimes it’s hard to find a substitute for old favorites – especially where desserts are concerned. This is an area where sugar free syrups can really save the day.

I recently tried Monin O’Free sugar free syrups and I have to tell you, it’s good stuff.  It mixes well in drinks and recipes and I’m finding it doesn’t take a large amount to do the job.  The flavor is spot on and I’m enjoying trying it in a plethora of recipes.  It’s great in drinks, giving your coffee or protein shakes a whole new flavor. My favorite use for sugar free syrups has to be the amazing mock danish. There have been several versions of this tasty treat floating around in cyberspace. Below I’ve shared the recipe I use.

Mock Danish

Start with the Egg Crepe.

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp. butter
• Dash of your favorite sweetener
• Dash of salt

1. Beat the egg, salt and sweetener until foamy.
2. Melt the butter over medium heat in a 10 inch skillet, covering the surface of the pan.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, spreading it into a thin layer.
4. Cook for about 2 minutes. Loosen the edges, then flip over using a large spatula. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Flip and cook on each side as needed until golden brown and dry.
6. Slide onto dinner plate and let cool.

Danish Filling

• 2 oz. cream cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp sweetener of choice
• 1 tsp of  sugar free syrup (such as Monin O’Free), any flavor

1. Soften cream cheese in microwave for about 30 seconds.
2. Mix with the rest of ingredients until smooth.
3. Microwave again for about 1 minute. The center will not be set.
4. Stir well then let cool slightly before spreading on egg crepes. (Filling will resemble tapioca pudding.)
5. Roll up like a jelly roll and wrap in tin foil. Chill several hours. Slice and serve with sugar free whipped cream and/or fresh berries.

There are so many ways to change this recipe to your tastes that it’s impossible to list them all. A favorite in our house is a Mock Danish with caramel flavored filling.  My son swears it tastes like a pancake.

Monin O’Free comes in caramel, vanilla, hazelnut and strawberry.

There are absolutely no calories and the label lists 4 carbs per serving. This would normally bother me, but since these carbs seem to come from the Erythritol, which has virtually no calories and isn’t absorbed by the body like other carbohydrates, I’m giving it a get-out-of-jail free card.

If you are interested in getting some Monin O’Free for yourself, I suggest you act quickly. Due to freezing temps, many stores, such as Carb Smart, will stop selling these products until spring.

I give this product 5 stars for taste and 3 stars for the confusing label. (The sugar alcohol content makes the calorie/carb ratio look off.)

Disclosure: I was provided this product free of charge in order to review it. It in no way affected my opinion of the product.