by Ling Yu

IN THE WEST, people often end a Chinese meal with fortune cookies. Like chop suey, however, these cookies are unknown in China, where people eat very few desserts. Usually the Chinese end a meal with fresh fruit. Here's a simple treat that combines fruit with almond, a favorite Chinese flavoring. It's light, cool, and sweet-perfect for an August afternoon!

What You'll Need:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 13-ounce can mandarin oranges, sliced peaches or pineapple, or fruit cocktail in syrup

What to Do:

1. In a small saucepan, dissolve gelatin in water. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low.
2. Add sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
3. Stir in milk and almond extract. Mix well.
4. Pour into square pan and allow to set at room temperature. Then put in refrigerator to cool.
5. When cool, cut into cubes and serve topped with fruit and syrup. Delicious!