CHIP Tip No. 24: Sweet Treat
from CHIP Clinical Manager Amy Lister, R.D.

Treat yourself without sabotaging your holidays!

Many people struggle with weight gain during the holiday season because many celebrations are centered around food. Typically this food is not very healthy, yet those gooey desserts and creamy appetizers can tempt our taste buds. Simply nibbling on cookies and appetizers while mingling at a party can results in lots of extra calories.

The year, consider making a healthy treat for your next holiday party. When you bring this special holiday dessert, you're guaranteed to have at least one good choice! This recipe is so rich and delicious, you may even feel like you're indulging. Happy Holidays!

Chocolate Peppermint Dream Pie
Amy Lister, R.D., CHIP Clinical Manager

Crust:
1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 Tbsp. thawed apple juice concentrate

Filling:
1 1/2 12-oz. packages low-fat, firm silken-style tofu
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 Tbsp. chocolate chips
3/4 cup sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, honey, rice syrup, brown sugar)
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ tsp. peppermint extract

Garnish:
1 candy cane
Fresh mint leaves

Combine crust ingredients and mix well. Spray a pie pan with cooking spray and press mixture into bottom and sides of pan. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Melt chocolate chips in microwave. Place all filling ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Pour mixture into prepared pie crust and chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Crush candy cane into small pieces and sprinkle over chilled pie.

Serve each slice with a fresh mint leaf.

Nutrition information per serving (makes 8 pieces):
calories 216, fat 3 gm, protein 7 gm, carbohydrate 48 gm, fiber 3 gm, sodium 150 mg