Caramelized apples layered with nonfat vanilla yogurt is a simple and delicious quick dessert. Draining the yogurt for half an hour gives it enough body so it can be layered in a parfait glass with the apples.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 cups nonfat vanilla yogurt
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons butter
4 large baking apples, such as Rome, Golden Delicious or Cortland, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped toasted walnuts (optional)

1. Line a colander or sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and set it over a bowl. Spoon in yogurt and let drain for about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, stir together sugar and water in a medium heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Cook, without stirring, until the syrup turns deep amber, about 5 minutes. (Do not let the syrup burn.) Remove the pan from the heat, add butter and swirl the pan until the butter has melted.
3. Add apples and lemon juice. Return to low heat, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and translucent and the juice has thickened slightly, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Spoon alternating layers of the caramelized apples and drained yogurt into 4 parfait or wineglasses. Sprinkle walnuts over top, if desired.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 368 calories; 2 g fat (2 g sat, 0 g mono); 7 mg cholesterol; 84 g carbohydrate; 7 g protein; 5 g fiber; 86 mg sodium; 512 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Calcium (23% daily value).
4 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings?
Exchanges: 2 fruit, 1 fat-free milk, 2 other carbohydrate