RECIPE OF THE DAY! "STRAWBERRY CONE"

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this under-200-calorie treat.
Who says you have to skip dessert to stay lean? The following low-calorie confection lets you indulge without any of the guilt.

Makes 12 cones

1 pt (12 oz) strawberries,rinsed,hulled and halved

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

1 tub (15 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup confectioners’sugar

1/4 tsp almond extract

1 box (4 or 51/4 oz)sugar cones (12 cones)

Garnish:with chocolate mini chips and sliced strawberries

1. At least 1 day before serving, proceed through Step 3. Line a colander and a medium-size strainer with a sturdy paper towel;set each in a bowl.

2. Pulse strawberries and granulated sugar in food processor until coarsely chopped. Scrape into colander,top with a paper towel and refrigerate overnight to drain well (this is important). Clean processor.

3. Put ricotta,cream cheese and confectioners’sugar in processor; pulse until smooth.Transfer to strainer,cover with a paper towel and refrigerate overnight.

4. Just before serving: Prop cones upright in tall glasses partially filled with granulated sugar to support cones. Fold drained berries and almond extract into ricotta mixture. Spoon into a gallon-size ziptop bag. Cut 1/2 in. off a corner; pipe filling into cones and garnish.The sugar cones replace the usual pastry shells, which can be hard to make or find in stores.

Planning Tip: Prepare through Step 3 at least 24 hours, or up to 2 days, ahead. Fill cones just before serving.

Per cone Calories 188