COOKING WITH SUZI

by Suzi Castle

Got a craving?� Go ahead!� Chocolate can stimulate your

brain's production of serotonin, which soothes an edgy mood.

A craving for chocolate may be our body's way of telling us

that we need more of this mood-enhancing nutrient.� The good

news is that experts say you can indulge in your favorite

treats by choosing a small portion of a low-calorie version.

This rich-tasting, yet low-fat, sugar-free chocolate truffle

will satisfy your chocolate cravings without guilt!

Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

1��� package (2 teaspoons) plain gelatin

1/3� cup water

1��� tablespoon vanilla

3��� tablespoons cocoa, divided

1/4� cup water

1��� cup (2% fat) milk powder (equal to 4 cups low-fat milk)

Sugar substitute equal to 1/3 cup sugar (i.e., 8

packets Equal)

2��� tablespoons dried currants

6��� tablespoons finely chopped walnuts, divided

Instructions:

Mix gelatin with 1/3 cup water in a heat-proof

measuring cup.� Let soften for 2 minutes, then dissolve by

heating in a microwave oven for 20 seconds.� In a blender,

mix dissolved gelatin, vanilla, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 1/4 cup

water, milk powder and sugar substitute.� Pour into a small

bowl and stir in currants and 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts.

Refrigerate until mixture thickens and is firm enough to

shape.� Meanwhile, mix remaining 2 tablespoons cocoa with

remaining 5 tablespoons walnuts.� Using two teaspoons, shape

gelatin mixture into 20 small balls.� Roll each ball into

the cocoa-walnut mixture.� Refrigerate until firm.� Makes 20

truffles.

Per truffle:� 40 cal. (2% from fat); 2.64gm protein;

1.64gm fat (0.36gm saturated fat); 3.85gm carbohydrates;

31mg sodium; 1.7mg cholesterol.; 0.12gm fiber.� Exchanges: 1

nonfat milk.

"Suzi Castle's Deliciously Healthy Favorite Foods

Cookbook" is available now in most bookstores or by sending

$18.90 ($14.95 + $3.95 S&H) to Health Cookbooks Dept. M,

3520 McCourry Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304.