CURRIED CHICKEN AND CHUTNEY SPREAD

"Mango chutney and curry powder turn cream cheese into a "company's coming" appetizer and a great snack. Serve small scoops of this creamy chicken spread on cucumber slices, bell pepper squares, or celery sticks, or use it to fill phyllo shells."

1 cup diced cooked chicken or turkey, white meat only, skin and all visible fat removed (6 to 8 ounces cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 small turkey tenderloin, about 8 ounces)
2 ounces fat-free or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup fat-free or low-fat plain yogurt
3 tablespoons mango chutney
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional)
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1/4 teaspoon curry powder (optional)

In a food processor or blender, process the chicken, cream cheese, yogurt, chutney, and 1 teaspoon curry powder to the desired texture. (If you want the consistency like chicken salad, coarsely chop the chicken with a knife and combine the ingredients in a small bowl.)

TO SERVE:
Put the spread in a small bowl. Sprinkle with almonds, paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon curry powder.

COOK'S TIP ON MANGO CHUTNEY:
Mango chutney is like a sweet, fruit-based jam with a zesty attitude (from a touch of vinegar). Find it near the condiments or Indian foods in your grocery. Serve mango chutney as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, or spread 1/2 cup of it over a block of fat-free cream cheese for an instant appetizer with low-fat crackers and mixed vegetables on the side.

Serves 8; 2 tablespoons per serving

Per serving (with almonds): Calories 68, Total Fat 1.5 g, Saturated 0.5 g, Polyunsaturated 0.5 g, Monounsaturated 1.0 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 55 mg, Carbohydrate 6 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 7 g

Per serving (without almonds): Calories 59, Total Fat 1.0 g, Saturated 0.0 g, Polyunsaturated 0.0 g, Monounsaturated 0.5 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 55 mg, Carbohydrate 5 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 7 g

Excerpted from American Heart Association Low-Calorie Cookbook by American Heart Association
Copyright © 2003 by American Heart Association. Excerpted by permission of Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.