Chocolate-Cherry Mousse Delight

Name: Chocolate-Cherry Mousse Delight
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries with stems; 1 package (16 ounces) angel food cake mix; 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1-1/2 cups cold fat-free milk; 1 package (1.4 ounces) sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix; 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed

I concocted this for a ladies get-together because several of us were watching our weight. I topped each slice of cherry cake with homemade mousse and chocolate covered cherries—sure to delight! —Teresa Gilbreth of Columbia, Missouri

Ingredients

1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries with stems
1 package (16 ounces) angel food cake mix
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups cold fat-free milk
1 package (1.4 ounces) sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed

Directions

Drain cherries, reserving juice; set cherries aside. Add enough cold water to cherry juice to measure 1-1/4 cups. In a large bowl, beat cake mix and cherry juice mixture on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until dark golden brown and entire top appears dry. Immediately invert pan onto a wire rack; cool completely, about 1 hour. Run a knife around sides of cake and remove from pan.
In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Pat cherries dry with paper towels. Holding cherries by the stem, dip in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; refrigerate until set.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes or until thickened. Whisk until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Slice cake; serve with mousse and dipped cherries.