Serves 12
Ingredients:
2 tsp. Unflavored Gelatin
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. Cold Water, divided
6 large Eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar, divided
2 1/2 cups Cooked Pumpkin Purée
1 cup Low-fat Milk
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Ground Ginger
3 tsp. Vanilla
1 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 cup Vanilla or Gingersnap Cookie Crumbs
In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring about 2 inches
of water to a simmer. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl,
sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water to
dissolve, and set aside.
In a metal bowl large enough to fit neatly over the
simmering saucepan of water, beat egg yolks with a whisk
or hand-held electric mixer until well blended.
Gradually add half the sugar, making sure to mix well until
the mixture is thick and pale, at least 4 minutes. Add
pumpkin, milk, salt, cinnamon, and ginger, continuing to
blend with each additional ingredient.
Set the bowl over the simmering water, making sure to stir
constantly with a spatula for about 20 minutes, until
thoroughly cooked and blended. Remove the bowl from
the heat source and whisk in the vanilla and the reserved
gelatin in water. Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and
refrigerate for about 30 minutes to cool, but not set, the
mousse.
In a heatproof glass bowl large enough to fit over the
same saucepan of simmering water, blend the egg whites,
cream of tartar, remaining half of the sugar and remaining
scant 1/2 cup of water. Place the bowl over the simmering
water and use a hand-held electric mixer set at a low speed
to constantly whip the mixture for about 5 minutes of
cooking and blending. Increase the mixer speed to high
and continue to cook the mixture for another 4 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the heat source and let cool
about 5 minutes.
Gently fold the meringue into the cooked and cooled
pumpkin mixture. Divide half the pumpkin mousse among
a dozen dessert dishes. Sprinkle each service with the
cookie crumbs, and top each with the remaining half of
the pumpkin mousse.
Refrigerate at least 3 hours prior to serving to set. May
prepare one day in advance of your meal and serve cold.
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Sweet Potato Salad
Serves 12
Ingredients:
3 lbs. Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
6 sprigs fresh Mint
3 cups frozen Peas, thawed and drained
10 oz. reduced-sodium, reduced-fat Ham, diced
1 large Red Onion, chopped
2/3 cup Plain Non-fat Yogurt
1/3 cup Low-fat Sour Cream
3 Tbs. Cider Vinegar
3 Tbs. Coarse-grained Mustard
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Place the sweet potatoes and half the mint in a steamer
basket and set in a large saucepan over about 1 inch of cold
water. Cover the pan and bring the water to a boil over a
moderately high heat setting. Steam the sweet potatoes
about 15 minutes, or until tender. Add the peas and cook
about 5 minutes longer. Drain well and transfer to a large
serving bowl. Discard the mint. Add ham and onion, toss
to combine.
To prepare the dressing, combine the yogurt, sour cream,
vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
Finely chop remaining mint leaves and reserve.
Pour the dressing over the sweet potato mixture and add
the freshly chopped mint leaves. Toss to combine. Serve
the sweet potato salad at room temperature now, or cover
and refrigerate until ready to serve.