MOSTLY FAT-FREE HOT CHOCOLATE

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

5 1/2 cups fat-free milk, divided

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 can (14-oz) fat-free sweetened condensed milk

1 (3-in) cinnamon stick, optional

30 miniature marshmallows

Place the cocoa in a 3-quart slow cooker or crockpot. Gradually add 1 cup of the fat-free milk, stirring with a whisk until blended.  Add the remaining fat-free milk, vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir with a whisk until completely blended. Add the cinnamon stick, if desired. Cover and cook on low 4 to 8 hours. Discard the cinnamon stick and whisk well before ladling into mugs to serve. Top each mug with marshmallows.

Yield: 10 three-fourth cup size servings.

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APPLES AND PEARS SAUCE

1 1/2 lbs apples (preferably Gala), peeled and sliced

1 1/2 lbs Anjou or Bartlett pears, peeled and sliced

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup raisins

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp water

1 tbsp cornstarch

Place the fruits and lemon juice in slow and toss gently.

Combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and butter, stirring well. Add the pecans, raisins and cinnamon, stir gently.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting 5 1/2 hours.

In a small bowl combine the water and cornstarch, stirring until smooth. Stir into the fruit mixture. Replace the lid and continue to cook on low about 20 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Serve with ice cream, over pound or angel food cake, etc.

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