VELVETY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

3 oz unsweetened chocolate

1 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup egg substitute*
1/2 cup Splenda granular
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp orange extract
1/2 cup whipping cream
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries

In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, place the chocolate and milk. Heat over a medium heat until the chocolate is melted; set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, stir together the egg substitute, Splenda, cornstarch, and orange extract until blended. Add to the chocolate mixture in the saucepan. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat 3 or 4 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat.

Pour the mixture into a food processor or blender and blend or process very briefly, about 10 to 20 seconds, to make a creamier texture. Pour mixture into a medium bowl and cover. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until cooled.

Whip cream until stiff and fold gently into the chocolate mixture. Refrigerate mousse overnight to set. (You may refrigerate up to 3 days.)

To serve, layer the mousse with the strawberries in 6 wine glasses or pretty footed dessert dishes, beginning and ending with the mousse. If desired, top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a strawberry.

*May substitute 1 whole egg for the egg substitute.

Yield: 6 servings
Per serving: 210 calories, 17 g (10 sat) fat, 5 g protein, 14 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 30 mg cholesterol, 50 mg sodium, 5 g sugar (milk and berries)
diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 3 fats

Note: The above information is figured based on using egg substitute and without the whipped cream and strawberry garnish.

file photo.