Diet Dips for the Super Bowl?

Snacky foods are a Super Bowl tradition. Unfortunately, they’re usually quite rich. By the time the game’s over, you’ve consumed more than your share of fat and calories for the day.

This curried ham pa^te is a quick, sensible alternative. It’s made with low-fat ham, which is as lean as turkey ham, mixed with spices and low-fat ricotta.

I like to serve it in a hollowed-out head of red kale, which is not only colorful but easy to clean up. Surround it with red cabbage leaves and baked won ton chips. (The won tons are brushed with egg white before baking to make them extra crisp, even though they’re not fried.)

Every part of this recipe can be made as much as a day ahead, so you won’t have to miss kickoff.

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Deane’s book “Low Fat Kitchen” includes more than 100 recipes created for this column. To order, call (800) 246-4042. The price is $20.45 including shipping and sales tax.

Crisp Black Sesame Seed Won Tons With Curried Ham Pa^te

Active Work and Total Preparation Time: 40 minutes plus 1 hour chilling

I like to add carrot and celery sticks to the serving platter.

Olive oil

16 won ton wrappers

1 egg white, lightly beaten

Black sesame seeds

Coarse salt

1 slice low-fat ham (about 10 ounces)

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, ground

1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds, ground

1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds, ground

1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 head red kale

Ornamental red cabbage

* Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Brush 2 baking sheets with oil.

* Cut the won ton wrappers in half diagonally, then brush them with the egg white and place them on the baking sheets in a single layer. Sprinkle them with the sesame seeds and salt to taste.

* Bake them until golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

* Cut the ham slice into large chunks and process in a food processor until finely ground. Add the onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin, coriander, cardamom, ricotta cheese, milk and salt. Blend until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Chill until serving time, at least 1 hour.

* Turn the cabbage over so the stem end is down. Using a sharp knife, hollow out the center of the cabbage into a bowl shape. Spritz the cabbage with a little water and place in a plastic bag. Refrigerate the cabbage until you’re ready to set up the platter.

* To serve, spoon the ham pa^te into the hollowed-out cabbage. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds over the top of the pa^te for garnish. Arrange the ornamental cabbage leaves on the platter and set the stuffed kale on top. Serve with the baked won ton chips.

8 servings. Each serving: 138 calories; 554 mg sodium; 15 mg cholesterol; 7 grams fat; 13 grams carbohydrates; 7 grams protein; 0.63 gram fiber.