CHOCOLATE-STRAWBERRY NAPOLEON

1 (3 oz) pkg vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough (half of 17 1/4 oz pkg), thawed
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped, divided use
1/4 cup frozen non-diary whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
2 pints strawberries, halved (reserve 4 whole berries), divided use
additional non-dairy whipped topping (optional garnish)

Prepare pudding mix according to package directions using 2 cups milk. Put in bowl; cover surface of pudding with plastic wrap, Refrigerate until set.

On floured surface roll dough into 12-inch square. Cut into 3 strips. put on ungreased baking sheets. Prick dough; refrigerate until firm.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Place wire racks on top of pastry. Bake 10 minutes; let cool.

Melt 4 oz chocolate in microwave on High, 1 minute. Spread over 2 pastry strips. Freeze until chocolate is firm.

TO ASSEMBLE:
Fold whipped topping into pudding.

Place 1 chocolate-covered pastry strip on platter; spread with half of pudding. Arrange half of halved strawberries over. Top with second pastry strip, chocolate-side up; repeat layering with remaining pudding and berries. Top with remaining pastry.

Melt remaining chocolate in microwave on High, 30 seconds; drizzle over pastry.

Halve reserved whole berries. Garnish with additional topping, if desired, and berry halves.

Servings: 8
Adapted from source: Woman's World, August 17, 1999