Winter Fruit with Chocolate-Ginger Cannoli Cream

This deliciously creamy ricotta mixture full of chocolate and ginger, makes a wonderful sauce for crisp, juicy winter fruit. You could also serve the sauce in a bowl and treat it like a dipping sauce. Or try it over pancakes!

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
3 tablespoons low-fat (1%) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
2 apples, cored and cut into 8 wedges
2 pears, cored and cut into 8 wedges

1. In food processor, combine ricotta, sugar, orange zest, milk, and vanilla and process until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl and fold in chocolate chips and ginger.
2. Divide fruit evenly among 4 plates and spoon ricotta mixture on the side.

Makes 4 servings.
Per serving: 278 calories, 6.8g total fat (4.1g saturated), 20mg cholesterol, 4.5g dietary fiber, 49g carbohydrate, 8g protein, 87mg sodium.