Those who choose to or have to monitor their sugar intake, or carbohydrate-conscious confectionary lovers, can often find it difficult to bake and enjoy desserts without compromising healthy eating habits -- or sacrificing taste.

One way to find balance is to prepare sweet treats that are more healthful and satisfying as possible. Consider baking a dessert made with sugar-free chocolate or candy products such as Hershey's Sugar Free Candy to avoid sacrificing flavor, texture and overall "sweet satisfaction."

Hershey's Sugar Free Candy is a welcome alternative to regular Hershey's Candy. It has the same high quality and famous taste--but without the sugar. The candy is sweetened in part, with sugar alcohols, sugar replacers that cause only a slight rise in blood sugar levels. But remember: making a healthier dessert doesn't mean that you can eat as much as you want. With all desserts, you should practice moderation and limit portion sizes.

Before selecting a dessert recipe, it is important to review nutrition guidelines that are designed to keep you and your family healthy. Check out the USDA food pyramid -- it's a great place to start and provides a wealth of information. Calculate a plan tailored to you and learn more at www.pyramid.gov.

Below are two easy-to-prepare desserts made with Hershey's Sugar Free Candies that can provide great taste for the whole family.

Peppermint Pattie Pudding ( 4 servings)
Made with York Sugar Free Peppermint Patties
• 8 York Sugar Free Peppermint Patties
• 1 package (four-serving size) sugar-free vanilla cook-and-serve, reduced-calorie pudding and pie filling
• 1 tablespoon Hershey's Dutch Processed or Hershey's Cocoa
• 2 cups low-fat 2 percent or 1 percent milk
• Frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed (optional)
• Additional York Sugar Free Peppermint Patties for garnish (optional)

Remove wrappers from peppermint patties; cut into pieces. Stir together pudding mix and cocoa in medium saucepan. Gradually stir in milk; cook according to package directions. Remove from heat; stir in chopped peppermint patties. Stir until melted and mixture is smooth. Press plastic wrap directly onto pudding surface to prevent formation of skin. Refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Remove plastic wrap; stir and divide evenly into 4 parfait glasses. Garnish with whipped topping and peppermint pattie.

Panna Cotta Coconut and Reese's White Peanut Butter Cups (4 servings)
• 1/2 cup fat-free half and half
• 1 can (14 ounces) light coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sucralose blend, granular form (sold as Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons gelatin
• 1 bag Reese's White Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups, cut into 1/4 pieces

In the top of a double broiler, combine the fat-free half and half, coconut milk, sucralose blend and vanilla. Heat liquid over medium heat, stirring until smooth and hot. Remove from double broiler and add gelatin. Stir for 5 minutes or until gelatin dissolves. Add half of the Reese's White Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups and continue stirring until incorporated. Pour into 4 ounce custard dishes and add remaining diced Reese's White Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups on top of custard. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Courtesy of ARA Content

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