2 unique desserts you've got to try

Looking for a simple dessert that will please a crowd? Check out these two tasty recipes that can be made in a pinch.

• Preparation: 15 minutes.
• Cooking time: 2 hours.
• Serves 10.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium orange sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
• 375 ml (12 oz) can light evaporated milk
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) canola oil
• 110 g (1⁄2 c) packed brown sugar
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) orange juice concentrate
• 2 ml (1⁄2 tsp) ground ginger
• 2 ml (1⁄2 tsp) ground cloves
• 2 ml (1⁄2 tsp) ground allspice
• 2 ml (1⁄2 tsp) salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 125 ml (1⁄2 c) shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Coat a two litre (eight cup) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix together sweet potato, evaporated milk, oil, brown sugar, orange juice concentrate, ginger, cloves, allspice, salt, egg and egg whites in a large bowl. Pour into the baking dish. Cover dish with aluminum foil.
3. Bake for one hour 30 minutes. Sprinkle with coconut. Bake, uncovered, until the centre is set and coconut turns golden, about 30 minutes.

• Here's a dessert well worth adding to the repertoire: it's loaded with beta-carotene.

Each serving contains:

• 167 calories
• 6 g protein
• 5 g fat (including 3 g saturated fat)
• 72 mg cholesterol
• 24 g carbohydrates
• 1 g fibre
• 220 mg sodium

• Preparation: 20 minutes.
• Serves 6 (makes 750 ml/3 cups)

Ingredients:

• 300 ml (1 1⁄4 c) light evaporated milk
• 1 large egg
• 110 g (1⁄2 c) packed brown sugar
• 150 ml (2⁄3 c) canned unsweetened puréed pumpkin
• 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
• 2 ml (1⁄2 tsp) ground ginger
• 2 ml (1⁄2 tsp) cinnamon
• Large pinch of ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Bring evaporated milk to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Whisk egg and sugar in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in boiling milk.
3. Stir in pumpkin, vanilla extract, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Refrigerate until well chilled.
4. Freeze in an ice cream maker, following manufacturer's instructions. Soften slightly before serving.

• For fibre and protective antioxidant vitamins along with a lovely fresh flavour and creamy texture, this ice cream is hard to beat.

Per 125 ml (1⁄2 cup):

• 141 calories
• 5 g protein
• 2 g fat (including 1 g saturated fat)
• 40 mg cholesterol
• 26 g carbohydrates
• 1 g fibre
• 102 mg sodium

• Dress up your ice cream with chopped apricots, chopped toasted walnuts or a dash of maple syrup.

With these simple recipes you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Try one (or both!) today and surprise your family with a delicious treat that's surprisingly nutritious.