Chocolate Rice Cream

If you loved Fudgsicles when you were a kid, this low-fat chocolate ice made with the popular Mexican drink horchata should be a favorite.

Horchata is a nondairy product made from rice; it’s light and refreshing and especially good-tasting during the warm weather. This is a great recipe for those who have problems digesting dairy products.

Horchata is commonly found in health food stores and in Chinese and Mexican markets. It comes in many flavors; in our recipe we use the original drink that is sweetened and flavored with a bit of cinnamon. There is no need to add additional sugar or spices to the ice.

A tip: Buy an extra bottle of horchata and pour it over your breakfast cereal--it’s delicious and there’s no need to add sugar; a few slices of banana or fresh berries will do.

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE ICE

The ice is terrific on its own, but you might want to try serving cinnamon-dusted tortilla crisps (see separate recipe) on the side.

3 (12-ounce) bottles nondairy rice drink (horchata)

1/2 cup cocoa

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine 1 cup rice drink and cocoa in small saucepan. Heat and stir until cocoa is dissolved. Stir in remaining rice drink and vanilla. Let cool then freeze in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions.

Makes 8 servings.

Each serving contains about:

551 calories; 121 mg sodium; 0 cholesterol; 7 grams fat; 102 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams protein; 0.30 gram fiber.

TORTILLA CRISPS

4 corn tortillas

Nonstick cooking spray

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Powdered sugar

Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges. Arrange in single layer on baking sheets. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over tortilla wedges. Bake at 400 degrees until chips are brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes garnish for 8 servings.

Each serving contains about:

36 calories; 27 mg sodium; 0 cholesterol; 1 gram fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram protein; 0.50 gram fiber.

* Glasses and plates from Doin’ Dishes, Santa Monica, Long Beach.