If you're one of those people who shares my desire for a cool, creamy treat at the end of a long, hot summer day - without the guilt of mega fat calories - you may want to give frozen yogurt a try.

True, it doesn't have the full, satisfying taste of ice cream ( fat = flavor), but it does supply certain rewards.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ice cream contains a minimum of 10 percent milkfat (premiums contain an even greater percentage). Its presence in yogurt is considerably less.


And when you're talking calories -- one small scoop has about 74. The same amount in a lowfat version is 72. And nonfat or fat-free rolls in at 55.

The somewhat tart taste that comes along with the treat can be masked with any number of toppings -- fresh fruit if you're  heading for healthy, granola for a little crunch, or a small sprinkling of candy if you want to go a little wild.

Attesting to frozen yogurt's relatively newfound popularity, several yogurt shops have popped up in the Mentor area.  I've tried a few and before summer's end I plan to try the rest.

Even though the flavor or the product doesn't come close to the yummy-ness of  East Coast Custard's full-fat temptation of the day,  if your taste buds are tingling for a somewhat similar experience frozen yogurt just might do the trick.

-- Jean Bonchak