Dessert time can be anytime

Wed., Sept. 28, 2005

JoAnna M. Lund King Features Syndicate

When you find a delicious dessert that also happens to be healthy — well, what more could you ask for?

Creamy “Cookie” Fruit Dessert

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder

1- 1/2 cups water

2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar

1 (4-serving) package sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, packed in fruit juice, undrained

1 cup reduced-calorie whipped topping

1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, rinsed and drained

1 cup diced banana

9 (2- 1/2 -inch) chocolate graham crackers

In a large bowl, combine dry milk powder, water and vinegar. Let set 5 minutes. Add dry pudding mix and undrained pineapple. Mix well, using a wire whisk. Blend in whipped topping. Add mandarin oranges and banana. Mix gently to combine. Coarsely crush 6 graham crackers. Fold crushed graham crackers into pudding mixture. Evenly spoon mixture into 6 dessert dishes. Crush remaining 3 graham crackers into fine crumbs. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon crumbs over top of each. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

• Each serving equals: 168 calories, 0 g fat, 6 g protein, 36 g carb., 238 mg sodium, 1 g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Fruit, 1/2 Fat-Free Milk, 1/2 Starch.

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