YUMMY MUD PIE Here's a dessert kids will really want to dig into! 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup baking cocoa 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 cup chopped nuts, if desired 1/4 cup hot fudge sauce or topping 1 cup whipping (heavy) cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 to 3 tablespoons additional hot fudge sauce or topping, if desired Additional nuts, if desired

Heat oven to 325F. Grease pie plate, 9 x 1 1/4 inches, or round pan, 8 x 1 1/2 inches. Mix granulated sugar, butter, flour, cocoa, vanilla, salt and eggs in medium bowl. Stir in nuts. Pour into pan.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until edge appears dry and toothpick inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean (center will be moist). Immediately prick holes in pie with toothpick. Spread 1/4 cup fudge sauce over top. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar in chilled medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Spread over pie. Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons fudge sauce. Garnish with additional nuts. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 8 servings.

1 Serving: Calories: 390 (Cal. from fat: 215), Fat: 24g (Saturated: 14g), Cholesterol: 120mg, Sodium: 190mg, Carbohydrate: 40g, Protein: 4g.

[Gold Medal, Desserts for Spring]