Well, here we are; I hope you've made it to the end. Because in this chapter you will find some interesting low calorie desserts, that will round out a meal rather nicely and not leave you craving a little "something sweet."

There are several recipes that I want to point out that are so delicious and so satisfying that you will never feel deprived or wanting. This is what I meant, in the introduction, by "natural and normal" eating.

Orange & Walnut Torte is one of the tastiest of tortes, fresh and refreshing with the tartness of orange and peel. The Walnut Cake with the Raspberry & Lemon Glaze is one of the best, for taste and texture. Skinny Chocolate Torte ala Sacher has the character of the famous cake, (chocolate cake, apricot glaze and chocolate frosting) and is truly rapturous. Lemon Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce is another very memorable dessert. These are all grand for the finest dinner party. While relatively low in calories, they still have calories, so keep the portions as directed.

For a very low calorie dessert, Angel Cake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce (92 calories) is about the most satisfying. It is quite a generous portion too. The Chocolate Sponge (113 calories) is also exceedingly low and is very versatile. It can be rolled, cut into layers or cut into pastries. Lady Finger Spongecake Base (40 calories) is great when topped with fresh fruit and a generous serving of Low-Calorie Whipped Cream. Basic Orange & Lemon Spongecake (98 calories) is one of my favorites. It is tart and fruity, and served with a few crushed strawberries and Low-Calorie Whipped Cream...delicious!

There are certain fruit recipes that I want to make note of...Apples Baked in Orange Juice is one of the very best. It can be prepared as an accompaniment to roast chicken, as apple sauce (it is the best), as a topping to ice milk, or sponge cake. Spiced Peaches with Cinnamon & Cloves is also great. Apricots can be substituted. It is a great dessert and a beautiful accompaniment to Chicken and Veal. It is recommended in various recipes,

Baked Bananas is another very delicious recipe. Serve it as dessert or as an accompaniment to Caribbean Chicken. Spiced Compote of Dried & Winter Fruit (98 calories) served warm, is a good choice on a chilly night. Banana Ice Cream (58 calories) is amazing. It is no more than a frozen banana, pureed in a food processor and flavored slightly. Excellent snack, also.

Apple Tart (126 calories) or Strawberry Tart (120 calories) are excellent low calorie choices for dessert. As are the Cobblers. Basic Fruit Soufflé (39 calories) is very light and delicious. A cookie can be added and dessert will still be very low.

Ices are low in calories and are a refreshing finale to a meal. Add a cookie and the calories are still low. If possible, invest in an electric ice cream maker and you will be able to produce ices with excellent texture and in the minimum amount of time.

Many of the cookies are made with oats, oat bran and whole wheat flour. The Brownie is not like its high caloried cousin. It has half the fat, so don't overbake it or it will be too dry. Also, it is intensely chocolate and you might want to reduce the cocoa by 1 tablespoon.

The Low Calorie Vanilla Creme Fraiche is a variation of the Creme Fraiche I created way back in 1968...only then, I called it Creme Vanilla. It is still one of the most delectable sauces. Now, it is equally delicious made with low-fat sour cream and half-and-half. "One" tablespoon of Creme Fraiche (20 calories) will add a good deal of taste and pleasure to a dessert. The accent is on the word "one."

Low-Calorie Whipped Cream (2 calories per tablespoon) is made with cold skim milk and in minutes in a food processor. It is really very pleasant and, flavored with a little vanilla, it does add a little character to dessert. It is so low in calories and so innocent in content, that you can enjoy it as often as you like.

A few dessert beverages to add a little pleasure to dessert. Hot Spiced Apple Cider with Orange & Lemon (50 calories) is nice around the winter holidays. Cappuccino (35 calories) or Cafe Kahlua (25 calories) deliver a lot of satisfaction and will round out a lovely dinner.

Remember, keep it moderate... It is the overeaters of the world that have given good food a bad reputation.

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