Diabetic Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Thursday, January 31, 2019

Desserts

Who doesn't love an occasional yummy dessert to finish up a meal?

I think most of us love having something a little decadent now and then.

Here are six yummy diabetic-friendly desserts to try out, including Cranberry Orange Cheesecake and Almond Cheesecake Bars. Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Recipe Yield: Yield: 16 servings

Source: Equal

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chocolate-cheesecake-2

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:

1/2 cup finely ground almonds

Cheesecake Ingredients:

3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1-1/4 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

2 eggs

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup reduced fat sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 ounces (4 squares) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled

Fresh raspberries, optional

Fresh mint, optional

* May substitute 30 packets Equal sweetener.

Note: The crust in the original post from Diabetic Gourmet is pictured made with chocolate wafer crumbs.

Directions

For Crust, spray bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle almonds over bottom, patting gently onto pan; set aside.

For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and Equal in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites and salt. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined. Gently mix in chocolate until blended. Pour batter over crust.

Bake in preheated 325F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. To serve, remove side of pan. Garnish top of cheesecake with fresh raspberries and mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.

Notes:

This delicious chocolate cheesecake is not only greatly reduced in fat, but also has 76% less carbohydrates than the traditional recipe. It will become a favorite!

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 197; Fat: 16 g; Sodium: 231 mg; Cholesterol: 67 mg; Protein: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 3 fat

CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE

Recipe Yield: Serves: 8

Source: Equal®

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chocolate-cream-pie

Ingredients

Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie

1-1/2 cups Equal® Spoonful or Granulated*

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/3 cup European or Dutch-process cocoa

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups 2% milk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Light whipped topping (optional)

Chocolate curls (optional)

* May substitute 36 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Pierce bottom and side of pastry with fork. Bake in preheated 375F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until crust is golden. Cool on wire rack.

Combine Equal®, cornstarch, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Boil and stir until thickened, about 1 minute.

Beat eggs in small bowl; whisk about 1 cup chocolate mixture into eggs. Whisk egg mixture into chocolate mixture in saucepan. Cook over very low heat, whisking constantly, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.

Spread hot filling in baked crust. Refrigerate until chilled and set, about 6 hours. Garnish top of pie with dollops of whipped topping and chocolate curls, if desired. Cut pie into wedges.

Notes:

A rich chocolate pie that has 43% less calories than a traditional recipe, because it is flavored with Equal, unsweetened cocoa and lower fat milk. Indulge without the guilt!

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 235; Fat: 10 g; Sodium: 463 mg; Cholesterol: 66 mg; Protein: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 milk, 1 starch, 2 fat

COCONUT CUSTARD PIE

Recipe Yield: Serves: 8

Source: Equal

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/coconut-custard-pie

Ingredients

Pastry for single-crust 9 inch pie

4 eggs

2 cups 2% milk

1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut

1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)

* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Set aside.

Beat eggs in large bowl about 5 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Whisk in milk and remaining ingredients. Pour mixture into pastry shell.

Bake pie in preheated 375F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge of pie comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Notes:

A baked custard pie with less calories because it’s sweetened with Equal and made with 2% milk. For added coconut flavor use the optional coconut extract.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 194; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 301 mg; Cholesterol: 115 mg; Protein: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 19 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 starch, 2 fat

CRANBERRY ORANGE CHEESECAKE

Recipe Yield: Serves: 16

Source: Equal®

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/cranberry-orange-cheesecake.

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:

1-1/3 cups gingersnap crumbs

3 tablespoons Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

3 tablespoons stick butter or margarine, melted

Cheesecake Ingredients:

3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated**

2 eggs

2 egg whites

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries

1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel

Additional grated orange peel (optional)

*May substitute 4-1/2 packets Equal sweetener

** May Substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

For Crust, combine gingersnap crumbs, 3 tablespoons Equal® and melted butter. Reserve 2 tablespoons crumb mixture. Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake in preheated 325° F oven 8 minutes. Cool on wire rack while preparing cheesecake.

For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and 1 cup Equal® in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites, cornstarch and salt. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined. Gently stir in cranberries and orange peel.

Pour batter over baked crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake in preheated oven 45 to 50 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving. To serve, remove side of pan. Garnish top of cheesecake with grated orange peel, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.

Notes:

Chopped fresh cranberries, grated orange peel and the tang of gingersnaps make this a festive looking and delicious cheesecake variation.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 196; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 268 mg; Cholesterol: 62 mg; Protein: 7 g;Carbohydrates: 13 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 milk, 2-1/2 fat

BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE TORTE

Recipe Yield: Serves: 12

Source: Equal

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/bittersweet-chocolate-torte

Ingredients

Torte Ingredients:

6 tablespoons stick butter or margarine

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1/3 cup fat-free milk

1/3 cup sugar-free apricot preserves or apricot spreadable fruit

2 teaspoons instant coffee crystals

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

3 egg whites

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

Rich Chocolate Glaze Ingredients:

1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate

1 tablespoon stick butter or margarine

Whipped topping, fresh raspberries, and/or fresh mint (optional)

* May substitute 36 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

For Torte, heat 6 tablespoons butter, 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, milk, preserves and coffee crystals in small saucepan, whisking frequently until chocolate is almost melted.

Remove pan from heat; continue whisking until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Whisk in egg yolk and vanilla. Add Equal, whisking until smooth.

Lightly grease bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan and line with parchment or waxed paper. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to stiff peaks in large bowl. Fold chocolate mixture into egg whites; fold in combined flour and salt. Pour cake batter into pan.

Bake in preheated 350 F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Carefully loosen side of cake from pan with small sharp knife, which will keep cake from cracking as it cools. Cool cake completely in pan on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until chilled.

For Rich Chocolate Glaze, melt 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter in small saucepan, stirring frequently.

Remove cake from pan and place on serving plate. Pour Rich Chocolate Glaze over top of cake, letting it run down sides. Let cake stand about 1 hour or until glaze is set. Garnish top of cake with prepared whipped topping, fresh raspberries and fresh mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 145; Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 116 mg; Cholesterol: 36 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 2 fat

ALMOND CHEESECAKE BARS

Recipe Yield: Serves: 20Serving Size: 1 bar

Source: Splenda

Recipe and image appear courtesy of Splenda.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/almond-cheesecake-bars.

Ingredients

Crust:

1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 1/4 cups graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs

1/3 cup light butter, melted

1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, finely ground

Filling:

12 ounces reduced fat cream cheese

1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 large eggs

1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream

2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup toasted, sliced almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix crust ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Press into prepared pan. Bake 10-12 minutes or until firm.

Mix cream cheese and Splenda Granulated Sweetener together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl, and mixing well after each addition. Add sour cream and extracts; mix well. Pour over prepared crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 47 minutes, or until firm.

Top with toasted almonds.

Notes:

Light and creamy cheesecake bars topped with toasted almonds.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Sodium: 105 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Sugars: 4 g

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Chicken!

It seems I've been running across quite a few chicken recipes lately to post here. Today's offerings include Southwestern Chicken Salad and Black-Eyed Chicken. Enjoy!

SHANGHAI WALNUT CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 4 servings

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/shanghai-walnut-chicken

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce

1 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. rice vinegar

1/4 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp. peanut or canola oil, divided

3/4 lb. chicken cutlets, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 green bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice

1 red bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice

1 green chile pepper, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, chopped

1 can (8 oz.) diced or sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, broth and cornstarch. Mix in the sesame oil. Set the seasoning sauce aside.

Set a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Drizzle in 2 teaspoons of the canola oil, swirling to coat the cooking surface. Stir-fry the chicken until it is white. Turn it out onto a plate.

Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry the green, red, and chile peppers, and the garlic, for 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan. Add the water chestnuts and walnuts. Restir the seasoning sauce and add. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately, along with cooked rice, preferably brown.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 247; Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 378 mg; Protein: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Medium-Fat Meat, 2 Vegetable

CHICKEN WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings

Source: Magic Menus for People with Diabetes

Book Title: Magic Menus for People with Diabetes

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chicken-with-sun-dried-tomatoes

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound total), trimmed of cartilage and fat

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 large shallot, minced

2/3 cup low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/8 teaspoon marjoram

1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrated in small bowl water

Directions

Cut each chicken breast half into 6 equal parts. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Saute chicken in oil over moderate heat, turning, until the chicken is just opaque throughout, 4-5 minutes.

Remove chicken with a slotted spoon. Add shallot to the skillet and sauté, stirring until softened, about 1 minute. Add broth, wine (much of the alcohol will evaporate, leaving only the flavor), marjoram, and tomatoes.

Bring to a boil over moderate heat and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer, gently spooning the sauce over the chicken, until heated through. Simmer until sauce is reduced by half.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 177; Fat: 5 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 155 mg; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Protein: 27 g; Carbohydrates: 3 g; Sugars: 2 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 Fat

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings

Source: 200 Healthy Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less!

Book Title: 200 Healthy Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less!

View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/southwestern-chicken-salad

Ingredients

Salad:

1 cup cooked corn kernels

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup green peas, frozen and thawed

1/2 cup each sliced red and green pepper

1/3 cup canned black beans, drained

2 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast

Dressing:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup lime juice

2 teaspoons cumin

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon oregano

Directions

Combine all salad ingredients. In a blender or food processor, blend all dressing ingredients. Toss the dressing with the salad and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 181; Fat: 6 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 94 mg; Cholesterol: 42 mg; Protein: 17 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Sugars: 4 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Very Lean Meat, 1 Starch, 1/2 Monounsaturated Fat

MIDDLE EASTERN-STYLE CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Yield: 10 servings

Source: The Diabetes Snack Munch Nibble Nosh Book

Book Title: The Diabetes Snack Munch Nibble Nosh Book

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/middle-eastern-style-chicken

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed of all fat and cut into bite-sized pieces

2 cups frozen mixed pepper and onion stir-fry

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup fat-free, low-sodium or regular chicken broth

1 (14-1/2 ounce) can low-sodium or regular diced tomato

1/2 cup dark raisins

1 large bay leaf

1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves

1 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/8 teaspoon cloves

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste (optional)

Directions

In a nonstick skillet coated with nonstick spray coating, cook the chicken pieces over medium heat, turning frequently, until they begin to brown.

Add the onion and pepper mixture, garlic, oil and 1 tablespoon of the broth to the skillet. Stir up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Raise the heat and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat again and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, 2 or 3 minutes, or until the onion is slightly softened. Add the remaining broth, tomato, raisins, bay leaf, thyme, cumin, allspice, cloves, and black pepper.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, uncovered, about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has cooked down slightly. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Add salt to taste (if desired).

Serve at once, or transfer to a casserole, cover, and refrigerate. The chicken will keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 99; Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 106 mg; Cholesterol: 27 mg; Protein: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Sugars: 7 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Carbohydrate, 1 Lean Meat

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH ARUGULA AND LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 4 servings.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/grilled-chicken-with-arugula-and-lemon-vinaigrette

Ingredients

4 packed cups baby arugula leaves

2 packed cups baby spinach leaves

6 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. skinless and boneless chicken breast, cut into 4 pieces

Cooking spray, preferably olive oil

Directions

Heat grill to medium-high heat. If using a ridged grill pan indoors, set over high heat until very hot.

In large mixing bowl, combine arugula and spinach. Cover and refrigerate.

In small bowl, whisk lemon juice and salt until salt dissolves. Add ground pepper and whisk in oil until combined. Set dressing aside.

One at a time, place each piece of chicken breast between two pieces of wax paper. Using the flat side of a meat mallet (or bottom of a small, heavy skillet), pound chicken until evenly 1/8-inch thick. If chicken pieces are thick, turning over several times may be necessary. Coat chicken lightly on both sides with cooking spray. If desired, season lightly with salt and pepper.

Grill chicken until white in center, turning it once, about 3 minutes each side.

While chicken grills, pour dressing over greens. Using tongs, turn until well coated. To serve, place one piece chicken on each of 4 dinner plates. Mound 1/4 of salad on top of each.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 170; Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 390 mg; Protein: 27 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g

BLACK-EYED CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/black-eyed-chicken

Ingredients

16 oz can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

1 cup diced celery

1 cup red bell pepper

1 cup green bell pepper

1/2 cup sliced green onion

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

3 Tbsp fat-free Italian salad dressing

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

6 cups lettuce leaves

Directions

Combine all ingredients except lettuce in a bowl. Stir well. Cover and chill for 4 hours. Serve on lettuce leaves.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 170; Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 430 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Protein: 20 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Sugars: 3 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 2 Meat, 1 Carbohydrate

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Tuesday Recipes

Here are today's recipes to help you through the day, including Baja Turkey Chili and Cranberry Orange Cheesecake. Enjoy!

TEN-MINUTE GAZPACHO

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ten-minute-gazpacho.

Ingredients

2 cups tomato juice, preferably reduced-sodium

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. bread crumbs

1/2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup seeded and diced cucumber

1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper

1 plum tomato, seeded and finely diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/4 cup zucchini, finely diced (optional)

1 hard boiled egg white, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

In a blender, purée tomato juice, garlic and olive oil.

Add bread crumbs and vinegar, and blend to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Pour into a covered container and chill well, from 2 hours to overnight.

When ready to serve, adjust seasonings if necessary.

Divide soup among 4 serving bowls.

Add 1 Tbsp. each of diced cucumber, pepper, tomato and onion, plus zucchini and egg white if desired. (Or add diced vegetables to juice mixture before serving.)

Notes:

Many nutrition experts advise choosing vegetables and fruits in deep colors – dark green, yellow, orange and red. Since different colors often indicate the presence of different phytochemicals, eating a rainbow of colors is a good way to bolster your health defenses.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 70; Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 97 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g

BROCCOLI SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/broccoli-salad-with-peanut-dressing

This recipe begins, “This recipe takes a tip from Thai cuisine and the peanut dressing is a healthy substitute for high-calorie, high-fat cheese sauces (or butter) that many use to top their broccoli. It is a great tasting topping for this cool salad, and the red onion and red bell pepper provide added nutrition, flavor and color.”

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets

1 medium red bell pepper, cut in thin strips, about 1 cup

1/3 cup red onion, cut in thin crescents

3 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter, natural and unsweetened

2 tsp. roasted sesame oil

1-2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tsp. agave syrup

Pinch of salt

Ground black pepper

Red pepper flakes, optional

Directions

Place steamer basket in large saucepan. Add water to depth of 1 inch. Cover and bring the water to boil. Add broccoli, cover and steam over medium-high heat until tender-crisp, 3 minutes. Transfer broccoli to mixing bowl. Add bell pepper and onion.

In small bowl, combine peanut butter and sesame oil. Add vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce and agave and whisk until dressing is smooth. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over vegetables and use fork to toss until salad is well coated. Sprinkle on red pepper flakes, if using, and mix to combine. Cover, and refrigerate the salad for 1 hour before serving, or up to 24 hours. Toss well before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 146; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 255 mg; Protein: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

BAJA TURKEY CHILI

Recipe Yield: Yield: 24 servings

Source: NDOP

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/baja-turkey-chili.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups chopped onion

2 cups chopped celery

2 quarts pulled or cooked turkey breast, chopped

50 ounces white kidney beans, rinsed and well drained

44 ounces white shoepeg corn, undrained

8 ounces green chilies, chopped

2 quarts turkey broth

2 teaspoons ground cumin

3 cups shredded monterey jack cheese

1 bunch fresh cilantro sprigs

As needed tortilla chips

Directions

In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat.

Add onion and celery, cook and stir until vegetables are tender.

Stir in turkey, beans, corn, chilies, broth and cumin. Combine well.

Cover and cook about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Serve 8 ounces per serving and garnish with cheese and cilantro.

Serve with tortilla chips, if desired (not included in nutritional information).

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 259; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 263 m; Cholesterol: 37 mg; Protein: 21 g; Carbohydrates: 29 g

SANTA FE CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings

Source: Campbells; Culinary.net and FamilyFeatures

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/santa-fe-chicken.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1-3/4 pounds)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

4 green onions, minced (about 1/2 cup)

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's Healthy Request Condensed Healthy Request Tomato Soup

1/2 cup Pace Picante Sauce

1/2 cup water

1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup whole kernel corn

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

Stir the chili powder and cumin in a small bowl. Season the chicken with the chili powder mixture.

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 minutes or until browned on both sides. Add the garlic and onions and cook and stir for 1 minute.

Stir in the soup, picante sauce and water and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the beans and corn. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with the cilantro.

Notes:

This Santa Fe Chicken is a flavorful one-skillet dish and it’s a snap to make. Serving size is 1 piece of chicken and 3/4 cup sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 308; Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 486 mg; Cholesterol: 78 mg;Protein: 35 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

CHUNKY CHICKEN, VEGETABLE AND ROSEMARY STEW

Recipe Yield: 6 servings.

Source: Recipe by Nancy Hughes. Recipe and photo appear courtesy of Canola Info.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/chunky-chicken-vegetable-and-rosemary-stew.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp canola oil

12 oz boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 Tbsp canola oil

1 medium onion, cut in 8 wedges

3 medium carrots, quartered lengthwise and cut into thirds

1 medium celery stalk, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 cups water

2 dried bay leaves

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 can (15 oz) reduced-sodium navy beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

3/4 tsp salt

Directions

In Dutch oven, heat 1 Tbsp canola oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side or until it begins to brown. (Center will still be slightly pink.) Remove from oven and set aside.

Add remaining 1 Tbsp canola oil, onion, carrot and celery. Saute for 5 minutes or until just beginning to lightly brown on edges, stirring frequently. Add water, bay leaves and pepper flakes. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, covered, 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Stir in chicken, beans, tomatoes, Italian parsley, rosemary and salt. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender and chicken is cooked.

Notes:

Here’s a great one-pot meal to warm and soothe a hungry, weary body after a hard day.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 220; Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 380 mg; Cholesterol: 50 mg; Protein: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

CRANBERRY ORANGE CHEESECAKE

Recipe Yield: Serves: 16

Source: Equal®

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/cranberry-orange-cheesecake.

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:

1-1/3 cups gingersnap crumbs

3 tablespoons Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

3 tablespoons stick butter or margarine, melted

Cheesecake Ingredients:

3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated**

2 eggs

2 egg whites

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries

1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel

Additional grated orange peel (optional)

*May substitute 4-1/2 packets Equal sweetener

** May Substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

For Crust, combine gingersnap crumbs, 3 tablespoons Equal® and melted butter. Reserve 2 tablespoons crumb mixture. Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake in preheated 325° F oven 8 minutes. Cool on wire rack while preparing cheesecake.

For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and 1 cup Equal® in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites, cornstarch and salt. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined. Gently stir in cranberries and orange peel.

Pour batter over baked crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake in preheated oven 45 to 50 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving. To serve, remove side of pan. Garnish top of cheesecake with grated orange peel, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.

Notes:

Chopped fresh cranberries, grated orange peel and the tang of gingersnaps make this a festive looking and delicious cheesecake variation.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 196; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 268 mg; Cholesterol: 62 mg; Protein: 7 g;Carbohydrates: 13 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 milk, 2-1/2 fat

Monday, January 28, 2019

Meatless Monday

It's time for another Meatless Monday. Today's offerings include Apple and Squash Bake and Chocolate Mocha Cheesecake. Enjoy!

INDONESIAN TOFU AND VEGETABLE STEW

Recipe Yield: Yield: 8 servings. Serving Size: 1 cup

Source: Patricia Chuey, RD

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/indonesian-tofu-and-vegetable-stew.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger

Juice of one medium sized lime

1 1/2 Tbsp canola oil, divided

1 (12 oz) block of firm or extra firm tofu, diced into cubes

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 cup sodium-reduced vegetable or chicken broth

1 cup light coconut milk

2 cups green beans, cut in 2 inch pieces

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 medium zucchini, diced

2 Tbsp fresh cilantro

Directions

In a bowl, marinate tofu with the ginger, lime juice and 1/2 Tbsp canola oil. Toss well to coat. This can be done about 30 minutes ahead of time and up to overnight in the refrigerator.

In a large saucepan, no lid required heat remaining 1 Tbsp canola oil. Add onion and cook for about 6 minutes or until softened and slightly browned. Add garlic, cumin, coriander and cloves and stir for 2 minutes.

To saucepan, add stock and coconut milk. Simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add green beans, bell pepper and zucchini and cook for about 10 minutes more or until vegetables are tender. Add marinated tofu and cook an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro. Serve over steamed brown rice or quinoa, if desired.

Notes:

With a light coconut lime flavor, this recipe features green beans, bell peppers and zucchini. If you have other fresh veggies on hand, then you can add them as well.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 290 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g

MOCHA CHEESECAKE BARS

Recipe Yield: 20 Servings

Source: Splenda

Recipe and image appear courtesy of Splenda.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/mocha-cheesecake-bars

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs

1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1/3 cup light butter, melted

12 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese

2/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1-1/4 teaspoons instant espresso granules

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup white chocolate chunks

Directions

Crust Directions: preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray an 8-inch x 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine chocolate wafer crumbs, Splenda Granulated Sweetener and butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until blended.

Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Filling Directions: beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

Combine Splenda Granulated Sweetener, espresso granules, and cocoa powder; add to cream cheese, beating until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla, beating, just until blended.

Stir in chocolate chunks. Pour filling over prepared crust.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until firm; cool.

Chill until firm. Cut into bars.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 4.5 g; Sodium: 120 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Sugars: 4 g

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH PARMESAN CHEESE SAUCE

Recipe Yield: Serves 4.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/roasted-asparagus-with-parmesan-cheese-sauce.

Ingredients

1 pound medium sized asparagus, rinsed and trimmed

2 tsp. canola oil

4 tsp. unbleached all purpose flour

3/4 cup fat free milk

1/4 tsp. onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Directions

Steam the asparagus in a saucepan over boiling water until just tender, about 3 to5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a cold saucepan, blend canola oil with flour using a wire whisk. Slowly whisk in the milk and heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Add onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. Continue to stir until thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Stir in the cheese.

Pour hot cheese sauce over asparagus and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 87; Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: under 1 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 62 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g

GINGERBREAD MAN COOKIES

Recipe Yield: Yield: 54 servingsServing Size: 1 cookie

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/gingerbread-man-cookies.

Ingredients

6 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

4 teaspoons ground ginger

4 teaspoons cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup SPLENDA No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup molasses

3 tablespoons water

Directions

Blend together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices in a large mixing bowl.

Cream butter, SPLENDA Granulated Sweetener and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the molasses and water. Stir well. Add the flour mixture and stir until well blended. Refrigerate dough 1-2 hours before rolling out and cutting into shapes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll cookie dough out slightly less than 1/4 inch. Cut into desired shapes. Bake in preheated oven 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100; Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 75 mg; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Sugars: 4 g

APPLE AND SQUASH BAKE

This begins, “This recipe combines all the best fall flavors and makes a great alternative to the candied yams often served for Thanksgiving dinner.”

Recipe Yield: Yield: 8 servings; Serving Size: 3/4 cup squash and apple bake

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/apple-and-squash-bake.

Ingredients

1/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 teaspoon molasses

1/4 cup light butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground mace

2 pounds butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cut into

1/2 inch slices

2 large apples - cored, and cut into 1/2 inch slices

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, stir together Splenda Granulated Sweetener, molasses, butter, flour, salt, and mace. Arrange squash in an ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with slices of apple, then sprinkle with the sugar mixture. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until squash is tender.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Fat: 3.5 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 340 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Sugars: 9 g

CHOCOLATE MOCHA CHEESECAKE

Recipe Yield: Yield: 16 servings; Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of cheesecake)

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chocolate-mocha-cheesecake.

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

44 Reduced-Fat Chocolate Wafers, crushed

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

Batter Ingredients

3 (8 ounce) packages reduced-fat cream cheese

3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 eggs

2 egg whites

1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla

1-1/4 teaspoons instant espresso crystals

2 (.55 ounce) packages Sugar-Free Swiss Miss Instant Cocoa Mix

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix crust ingredients together, and press into a 9-inch springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.

Reset oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

Beat cream cheese and Splenda Granulated Sweetener together until well mixed and smooth. Add eggs, egg whites, cornstarch and salt. Mix until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix until well blended.

Measure 1/2 cup of the cheesecake batter and pour into a small bowl. Add instant espresso crystals and cocoa mix. Stir until well combined.

Pour half of plain batter over crust. Top with half of the coffee batter by placing rounded spoonfuls over the cheesecake batter. Gently swirl the coffee batter into plain batter with the tip of knife or spatula. Repeat with remaining batters.

Bake 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven and gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cheesecake (this helps prevent cracking). Let cool 20-25 minutes before covering and placing in the refrigerator. Refrigerate 4- 6 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes:

You might also like this recipe for Sugar Free Mocha Cheesecake Bars.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 200; Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 270 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Sugars: 4 g

Friday, January 25, 2019

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry and Sweet Potato Pie. Enjoy!

ITALIAN-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings

Source: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/italian-style-grilled-chicken-breasts

Ingredients

1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 green onions, coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, quartered

1 piece (1-inch) peeled ginger root, coarsely chopped (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 chicken breasts (bone-in)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander or parsley

Directions

Preheat barbecue grill or oven to 350 degrees F.

In a food processor, combine yogurt, tomato paste, green onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne pepper; puree until smooth.

Arrange chicken in a shallow dish; coat with yogurt mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 1 day ahead. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.

Place chicken skin-side down on greased grill over medium-high heat; cook for 15 minutes. Brush with marinade; turn and cook for 10 to 15 minutes longer until golden and juices run clear. (Or place chicken on rack set on baking sheet; roast, basting after 30 minutes with marinade, for 50 to 55 minutes or until juices run clear.)

Serve garnished with chopped coriander.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 133; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 300 mg; Cholesterol: 59 mg; Protein: 24 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/4 Low-Fat Milk, 3 Very Lean Meat

CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI STIR-FRY

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings

Source: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Terrific Diabetic Meals

Book Title: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Terrific Diabetic Meals

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chicken-and-broccoli-stir-fry

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive or canola oil

4 (3 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breast, halves, cut into thin strips

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups chopped broccoli florets

1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 2-1/2 inch pieces

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth

3 tablespoons Lea & Perrins White Wine Worcestershire Sauce

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Reduce heat. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Add broccoli and bell pepper to the same skillet; cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine cornstarch, ginger, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce, and blend well. Return chicken to skillet. Add cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes, until bubbly and thickened.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 189; Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 210 mg;Cholesterol: 68 mg; Protein: 29 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Fat

COUNTRY PEACH TART

Recipe Yield: Serves: 8

Source: Equal®

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/country-peach-tart.

Ingredients

Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie

4 cups peeled, pitted, sliced fresh peaches or frozen unsweetened peaches, thawed

1/2 cup Equal® Spoonful or Granulated*

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

*May substitute 12 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

Roll pastry on floured surface to 12-inch circle. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet.

Combine peaches, Equal®, flour, cinnamon and almond extract. Toss gently to coat. Arrange peach mixture on pastry, leaving 2-inch border around edge of pastry. Bring pastry edge toward center, overlapping as necessary.

Bake tart in preheated 425F oven 25 to 30 minutes or until crust is golden and peaches are tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes:

Easier than a pie, but just as flavorful and appealing, you’ll like this quick to fix dessert filled with cinnamon and almond spiked peaches. Use a refrigerated pie crust for added ease in preparation.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 161; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 100 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 starch, 1 fat

GREEN BEANS WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings (3/4 cup each)

Source: The Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook

Book Title: The Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/green-beans-with-poppy-seed-dressing

Ingredients

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon white-wine or rice-wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon honey

1 tablespoon minced shallot

1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Freshly ground pepper to taste

1 pound green beans, stem ends trimmed

Directions

To prepare dressing: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat.

Add poppy seeds and toast, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl (or jar) and let cool. Add oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, shallot, salt and pepper; whisk (or shake) until blended.

To prepare beans: Cook beans in a large pot of boiling water until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain. Warm the dressing in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beans and toss to coat.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 113; Fat: 8 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 104 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Vegetable, 1-1/2 Fat

BUTTERNUT SQUASH ENCHILADAS WITH SALSA VERDE

Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 8 servings.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/butternut-squash-enchiladas-with-salsa-verde

Ingredients

1 package (16 oz.) diced peeled butternut squash, or 1 1/4 lb. squash, seeded, peeled and diced

Canola oil spray

1 can (15.5 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cup (3 oz.) crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, divided

8 large (about 7-inch) corn tortillas

1 jar (16 oz.) salsa verde

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Place squash in medium saucepan. Add 1 cup water. Cover pot tightly, and place over medium-high heat. Cook until squash is tender but not mushy, 12-15 minutes, depending on size of cubes. Drain squash, and set aside.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Select a baking dish just large enough to hold the eight tortillas, folded over and slightly overlapping, so that they fit snuggly in the dish. (You may want to "test" and see if the baking dish is the proper size by arranging unfilled, folded tortillas in it, as they would be once filled and ready to bake.) using the canola oil spray, lightly coat the interior of the baking dish and set aside.

Place beans in mixing bowl. Using fork, partially mash beans. Add squash and blend, leaving mixture coarsely mashed, with some beans still whole. Mix in 1/2 cup of the cheese. Season filling to taste with salt and pepper.

Coat a tortilla on both sides with cooking spray. Lay it on a plate. Spoon 3/4 cup of filling on one half of the tortilla. Fold tortilla in half over filling. Set it at one end of the baking dish. Repeat, placing filled tortillas so they overlap, filling baking dish tightly. Pour pureed sauce over assembled enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cheese over sauce. Cover pan with foil.

Bake enchiladas about 30 minutes, until they are heated through and tortillas are soft. Uncover and serve garnished with cilantro, accompanied by cooked brown rice, if desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 479 mg; Protein: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g

SWEET POTATO PIE

Recipe Yield: Yield: 8 servings

Source: Equal

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/sweet-potato-pie-3.

Ingredients

Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie

2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie pounds)

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated fat-free milk

Light whipped topping (optional)

Grated nutmeg (optional)

* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

Roll pastry on floured surface into a circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Set aside.

Blend sweet potatoes in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth. Stir in eggs, Equal, flour, lemon juice, vanilla, spices, salt and evaporated milk. Pour mixture over pastry shell.

Bake in preheated 400F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until filling is set and sharp knife inserted into center comes out clean.

Cool pie completely on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate. Garnish top of pie with whipped topping and grated nutmeg, if desired. Cut pie into wedges.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 197; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 316 mg; Cholesterol: 58 mg; Protein: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Chicken!

How often should you have an HbA1c test?

According to Diabetes Self-Management, at least twice a year. Check the tip in full here. To learn more about the HbA1c test, click here.

And now, on to the recipes.

If you've followed this blog for a while, you may have read that there was a time (think early- to mid-twentieth century) when chicken was relegated to the Sunday dinner table.

Now, it's an anytime meal. Give these recipes a try, including Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Mint Raita and Chunky Chicken, Vegetable, and Rosemary Stew. Enjoy!

BLACK-EYED CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/black-eyed-chicken.

Ingredients

16 oz can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

1 cup diced celery

1 cup red bell pepper

1 cup green bell pepper

1/2 cup sliced green onion

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

3 Tbsp fat-free Italian salad dressing

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

6 cups lettuce leaves

Directions

Combine all ingredients except lettuce in a bowl. Stir well. Cover and chill for 4 hours. Serve on lettuce leaves.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 170; Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 430 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Protein: 20 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Sugars: 3 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 2 Meat, 1 Carbohydrate

QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN CACCIATORE

Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 4 servings

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/quick-and-easy-chicken-cacciatore

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray

1/2 lb. chicken breasts, skinless and boneless

1/2 lb. chicken thighs, skinless and boned

1 green bell pepper, cut into julienne strips

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

1 (14 1/2 oz) can no added salt stewed tomatoes

1/4 cup water (may substitute low-sodium chicken broth or dry red cooking wine)

2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning

1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Coat large skillet with cooking spray. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Turn frequently to ensure consistent browning.

Add in pepper, onion and mushrooms and saute an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Stir in tomatoes, water (or broth or wine), Italian seasoning and black pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, simmer, gently stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and no longer pink, about 15 minutes.

Remove chicken from skillet, set aside and cover to keep moist and warm. Continue to simmer sauce, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until desired consistency.

Place chicken in a serving dish. Pour sauce over the top and serve.

Notes:

Creating classic tastes doesn’t have to be time consuming or difficult, as proven by this recipe. It combines the goodness of chicken with the timeless taste of tomatoes, all set off with traditional Italian spices.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 190; Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 75 mg; Protein: 23 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g

TANDOORI CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH MINT RAITA

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings for main course or a snack for 6 or 12 people

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/tandoori-chicken-skewers-with-mint-raita.

Ingredients

1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt, divided

1/3 cup reduced fat coconut milk, divided

2 tsp. curry powder, mild or hot

1-2 finely chopped garlic cloves

3/4 tsp. sea salt, divided

1 Tbsp. canola oil

1 lb. skinless and boneless chicken breast

2 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint

1 tsp. fresh lime juice

12 (8-inch) bamboo skewers

Directions

In wide, shallow bowl or deep plate, combine 2 tablespoons of yogurt with 2 tablespoons of coconut milk, curry powder, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix in oil.

Cut chicken lengthwise into 12 strips. Insert skewer into bottom of one chicken strip and work it up lengthwise to top. Repeat with remaining chicken. Place skewers in curry marinade and using your fingers, make sure it coats them. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours.

Arrange marinated chicken on paper toweling and blot dry, removing all excess marinade. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat, then coat with cooking spray. Or heat stovetop griddle. Arrange skewers in one layer in pan and cook for 2 minutes, browning chicken. Using tongs, turn skewers and brown on another side, 2 minutes. Turn chicken and cook until it is opaque and hot around skewer at thickest part of chicken. Transfer skewers to serving plate.

While chicken cooks, prepare the Raita. In bowl, combine remaining yogurt and coconut milk with onions, mint, lime juice and remaining salt. When possible, make Raita 30 minutes before serving chicken to allow its flavors to develop and meld. Serve it the day it is made.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 121; Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 297 mg; Protein: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g

MEXICAN CHICKEN SOUP

Recipe Yield: Yield: 10 servings.Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups.

Source: CanolaInfo

Recipe and image appear courtesy of CanolaInfo.org.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/mexican-chicken-soup.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp canola oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, sliced

4 celery stalks, sliced

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp red pepper flakes

8 cups low-sodium chicken stock

2/3 cup lentils

1 can (19 oz) tomatoes, chopped

3 medium carrots, thinly sliced

2 lbs cooked chicken, cubed

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced

1 cup frozen peas

1 small avocado, peeled and sliced

Directions

In Dutch oven, heat canola oil. Add garlic, onion and celery. Saute until vegetables are tender. Season with black pepper, cumin and red pepper flakes.

Add chicken stock, lentils, tomatoes and carrots. Simmer, covered, 30 minutes, or until carrots are tender.

Add chicken, zucchini and peas.

Cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until vegetables are tender. Garnish with avocado slices.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 250; Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 280 mg; Cholesterol: 75 mg; Protein: 33 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g

SANTA FE CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings

Source: Campbells; Culinary.net and FamilyFeatures

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/santa-fe-chicken.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1-3/4 pounds)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

4 green onions, minced (about 1/2 cup)

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's Healthy Request Condensed Healthy Request Tomato Soup

1/2 cup Pace Picante Sauce

1/2 cup water

1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup whole kernel corn

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

Stir the chili powder and cumin in a small bowl. Season the chicken with the chili powder mixture.

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 minutes or until browned on both sides. Add the garlic and onions and cook and stir for 1 minute.

Stir in the soup, picante sauce and water and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the beans and corn. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with the cilantro.

Notes:

This Santa Fe Chicken is a flavorful one-skillet dish and it’s a snap to make. Serving size is 1 piece of chicken and 3/4 cup sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 308; Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 486 mg; Cholesterol: 78 mg;Protein: 35 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

CHUNKY CHICKEN, VEGETABLE AND ROSEMARY STEW

Recipe Yield: 6 servings.

Source: Recipe by Nancy Hughes. Recipe and photo appear courtesy of Canola Info.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/chunky-chicken-vegetable-and-rosemary-stew.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp canola oil

12 oz boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 Tbsp canola oil

1 medium onion, cut in 8 wedges

3 medium carrots, quartered lengthwise and cut into thirds

1 medium celery stalk, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 cups water

2 dried bay leaves

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 can (15 oz) reduced-sodium navy beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

3/4 tsp salt

Directions

In Dutch oven, heat 1 Tbsp canola oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side or until it begins to brown. (Center will still be slightly pink.) Remove from oven and set aside.

Add remaining 1 Tbsp canola oil, onion, carrot and celery. Saute for 5 minutes or until just beginning to lightly brown on edges, stirring frequently. Add water, bay leaves and pepper flakes. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, covered, 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Stir in chicken, beans, tomatoes, Italian parsley, rosemary and salt. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender and chicken is cooked.

Notes:

Here’s a great one-pot meal to warm and soothe a hungry, weary body after a hard day.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 220; Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 380 mg; Cholesterol: 50 mg; Protein: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Desserts

If you, or a loved-one, have been recently diagnosed as diabetic, you might feel that desserts are now a thing of the past.

But, like many things, desserts are still possible, as long as they're done in moderation. These six yummy dessert recipes (all from Diabetic Gourmet) show that you can, indeed, have an occasional dessert. Try the Iced Lemon Sorbet, the Mocha Cheesecake Bars, or any of the other recipes and see which one hits the spot the most. Enjoy!

VANILLA CREAM PUFFS

Recipe Yield: Yield: 12 ServingsServing Size: 1 cream puff

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/vanilla-cream-puffs.

Ingredients

Cream Puffs Ingredients

1 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1/4 cup butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

Custard Filling Ingredients

2 tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 cups 1% low-fat milk

2 egg yolks, lightly beaten

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup commercial chocolate sauce

Directions

Cream Puff Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine water, salt, Splenda Granulated Sweetener and butter in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until butter melts. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture leaves sides of pan and forms a smooth ball. The mixture resembles mashed potatoes. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes.

Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer. Scrap down the sides of bowl occasionally and beat until batter is smooth.

Spoon mixture heaping tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between puffs.

Bake immediately for 35 minutes or until puffs are golden brown and have a crisp shell. (Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking time.) Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.

Custard Filling Directions: Combine Splenda Granulated Sweetener and cornstarch in a heavy saucepan; gradually stir in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 6 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil. Cook 1 additional minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir about 1/4 the hot mixture into egg yolks; add to remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat and cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and strain mixture through a sieve; cover the surface of the custard with wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent a film from forming on the surface.

Cut tops off and fill with 2 1/2 tablespoons custard; replace tops and drizzle with 1 tablespoon chocolate sauce. Serve immediately.

Storage: Store baked unfilled cream puff shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 24 hours or freeze up to 2 months.

Notes:

Fluffy pastry shells filled with a thick vanilla custard and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 200; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 4.5 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 180 mg; Cholesterol: 120 mg; Protein: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Sugars: 12 g

BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS

Yield: Serves: 20

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/blueberry-cheesecake-bars.

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1/3 cup light butter, melted

12 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened

2/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 large eggs

1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1/4 cup reduced-sugar apricot preserves

1 tablespoon water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an eight-inch square pan with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, Splenda Granulated Sweetener, and butter, mixing well. Firmly press mixture evenly in bottom of prepared pan. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven; set aside.

Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add Splenda Granulated Sweetener, beating until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla, beating just until blended. Gently stir in blueberries. Pour mixture into prepared pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until firm. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Cover and chill 2 hours.

Topping Directions: Combine apricot preserves and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until jam melts. Spread over filling; cut into bars.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100; Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Sodium: 110 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Sugars: 3 g

CHOCOLATE MOCHA CHEESECAKE

Recipe Yield: Yield: 16 servings; Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of cheesecake)

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chocolate-mocha-cheesecake.

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

44 Reduced-Fat Chocolate Wafers, crushed

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

Batter Ingredients

3 (8 ounce) packages reduced-fat cream cheese

3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 eggs

2 egg whites

1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla

1-1/4 teaspoons instant espresso crystals

2 (.55 ounce) packages Sugar-Free Swiss Miss Instant Cocoa Mix

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix crust ingredients together, and press into a 9-inch springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.

Reset oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

Beat cream cheese and Splenda Granulated Sweetener together until well mixed and smooth. Add eggs, egg whites, cornstarch and salt. Mix until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix until well blended.

Measure 1/2 cup of the cheesecake batter and pour into a small bowl. Add instant espresso crystals and cocoa mix. Stir until well combined.

Pour half of plain batter over crust. Top with half of the coffee batter by placing rounded spoonfuls over the cheesecake batter. Gently swirl the coffee batter into plain batter with the tip of knife or spatula. Repeat with remaining batters.

Bake 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven and gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cheesecake (this helps prevent cracking). Let cool 20-25 minutes before covering and placing in the refrigerator. Refrigerate 4- 6 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes:

You might also like this recipe for Sugar Free Mocha Cheesecake Bars.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 200; Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 270 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Sugars: 4 g

ALMOND CHEESECAKE BARS

Recipe Yield: Serves: 20Serving Size: 1 bar

Source: Splenda

Recipe and image appear courtesy of Splenda.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/almond-cheesecake-bars.

Ingredients

Crust:

1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 1/4 cups graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs

1/3 cup light butter, melted

1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, finely ground

Filling:

12 ounces reduced fat cream cheese

1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 large eggs

1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream

2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup toasted, sliced almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix crust ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Press into prepared pan. Bake 10-12 minutes or until firm.

Mix cream cheese and Splenda Granulated Sweetener together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl, and mixing well after each addition. Add sour cream and extracts; mix well. Pour over prepared crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 47 minutes, or until firm.

Top with toasted almonds.

Notes:

Light and creamy cheesecake bars topped with toasted almonds.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Sodium: 105 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Sugars: 4 g

MOCHA CHEESECAKE BARS

Recipe Yield: 20 Servings

Source: Splenda

Recipe and image appear courtesy of Splenda.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/mocha-cheesecake-bars

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs

1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1/3 cup light butter, melted

12 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese

2/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1-1/4 teaspoons instant espresso granules

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup white chocolate chunks

Directions

Crust Directions: preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray an 8-inch x 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine chocolate wafer crumbs, Splenda Granulated Sweetener and butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until blended.

Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Filling Directions: beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

Combine Splenda Granulated Sweetener, espresso granules, and cocoa powder; add to cream cheese, beating until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla, beating, just until blended.

Stir in chocolate chunks. Pour filling over prepared crust.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until firm; cool.

Chill until firm. Cut into bars.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 4.5 g; Sodium: 120 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Sugars: 4 g

ICED LEMON SORBET

This recipe begins, “Wow your guests with a tangy fresh lemon sorbet served in hollowed out lemons. Just don’t tell them how fast and easy it was to make!Garnish with a sprig of mint for a great presentation.”

Recipe Yield: Serves: 8; Serving size: 1/2 cup

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/iced-lemon-sorbet.

Ingredients

4 cups boiling water

12 packets Splenda Essentials No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

8 lemons (for optional decorative serving)

8 sprigs fresh mint sprigs

Directions

Combine boiling water and Splenda Essentials No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber in a large bowl, stirring until dissolves; cool slightly. Stir in lemon rind and juice. Pour mixture into a 9-inch square pan; cover and freeze.

Cut tops from lemons; remove pulp. Set aside.

Remove sorbet from freezer; let stand about 10 minutes. Scrape sorbet surface with a spoon; scoop or spoon sorbet into lemon shells or into small serving dishes. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 30; Fiber: 7 g; Sodium: 5 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Tuesday Recipes

Today's offerings include Chicken with Eggplant-Zucchini Ragout and Bittersweet Chocolate Torte. Enjoy!

MEDITERRANEAN BRAISED BEEF

Recipe Yield: Makes 6 servings

Source: TBC

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/mediterranean-braised-beef

Ingredients

1 boneless beef chuck shoulder pot roast (2-1/2 to 3 pounds)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 small onions, halved, sliced

4 medium shallots, sliced

1/4 cup chopped pitted dates

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 325F. Lightly coat beef pot roast with flour. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until hot. Brown pot roast; remove.

Add 1-1/2 cups water and vinegar to Dutch oven; cook and stir until brown bits attached to pan are dissolved. Return pot roast. Add onions, shallots, dates, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover tightly and cook in 325F oven 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until pot roast is fork-tender. Remove pot roast; keep warm.

Cook liquid and vegetables over medium-high heat to desired consistency. Carve pot roast. Serve with sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 290; Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 1.2 g; Sodium: 275 mg; Cholesterol: 75 mg; Protein: 29 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g

CINNAMON BUN BREAKFAST FOCACCIA

Recipe Yield: Serves: 16

Source: Equal

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/cinnamon-bun-breakfast-focaccia

Ingredients

1 package (16 oz.) Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix

1/4 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

2-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided

1 cup very hot tap water

1 egg, slightly beaten

5 tablespoons stick butter or margarine, melted, divided

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated**

1 cup reduced-fat granola cereal

4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons Equal Spoonful or Granulated***

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk

* May substitute 6 packets Equal sweetener

** May substitute 6 packets Equal sweetener

*** May substitute 3 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

Combine hot roll mix, yeast packet, 1/4 cup Equal and 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Stir in hot water, egg and 3 tablespoons melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead in cranberries. Continue to knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 3 minutes. Shape into a ball. Cover with a bowl and let rest 5 minutes.

Press dough evenly into a well sprayed 15 x 10-inch baking pan. Combine 1/4 cup Equal, remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Spread over surface of dough. Sprinkle with granola, pressing lightly into dough. Cover with waxed paper and let rise until puffy, about 25 minutes.

Bake in preheated 375F oven 18 to 22 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, 2 tablespoons Equal, vanilla and enough milk to form a spreading consistency. Drizzle cream cheese mixture over warm focaccia. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes:

Hot roll mix makes this breakfast bread easy to prepare. Low fat granola cereal and colorful dried cranberries along with a cream cheese glaze add appetite appeal.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 198; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 228 m; Cholesterol: 27 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat

SOUTHWESTERN CORN AND ZUCCHINI SAUTE

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings (3/4 cup each)

Source: The Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook

Book Title: The Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook

View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/southwestern-corn-and-zucchini-saute

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 large zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears) or frozen

1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until golden and tender, 5 to 10 minutes.

Stir in zucchini, corn and chilies.

Cover and cook, stirring once, until the zucchini is tender, about 10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 76; Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 138 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat

BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE TORTE

Recipe Yield: Serves: 12

Source: Equal

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/bittersweet-chocolate-torte

Ingredients

Torte Ingredients:

6 tablespoons stick butter or margarine

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1/3 cup fat-free milk

1/3 cup sugar-free apricot preserves or apricot spreadable fruit

2 teaspoons instant coffee crystals

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

3 egg whites

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

Rich Chocolate Glaze Ingredients:

1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate

1 tablespoon stick butter or margarine

Whipped topping, fresh raspberries, and/or fresh mint (optional)

* May substitute 36 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

For Torte, heat 6 tablespoons butter, 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, milk, preserves and coffee crystals in small saucepan, whisking frequently until chocolate is almost melted.

Remove pan from heat; continue whisking until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Whisk in egg yolk and vanilla. Add Equal, whisking until smooth.

Lightly grease bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan and line with parchment or waxed paper. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to stiff peaks in large bowl. Fold chocolate mixture into egg whites; fold in combined flour and salt. Pour cake batter into pan.

Bake in preheated 350 F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Carefully loosen side of cake from pan with small sharp knife, which will keep cake from cracking as it cools. Cool cake completely in pan on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until chilled.

For Rich Chocolate Glaze, melt 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter in small saucepan, stirring frequently.

Remove cake from pan and place on serving plate. Pour Rich Chocolate Glaze over top of cake, letting it run down sides. Let cake stand about 1 hour or until glaze is set. Garnish top of cake with prepared whipped topping, fresh raspberries and fresh mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 145; Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 116 mg; Cholesterol: 36 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 2 fat

MOROCCAN CHICKEN WITH EGGPLANT-ZUCCHINI RAGOUT

This recipe begins, “The word ragout refers to a main dish, French-style stew. It is typically hearty and features well-seasoned meat or fish, often stewed along with vegetables. This is a very flavorful ragout which features chicken, eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and olives.”

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/moroccan-chicken-with-eggplant-zucchini-ragout

Ingredients

1-1/2 to 2 pounds chicken leg quarters

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup white wine or water

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices

1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons capers, rinsed

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons parsley, minced

Directions

In large skillet over medium high-heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season leg quarters with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add leg quarters to pan, skin-side down. Brown chicken, turning once, 8 to 10 minutes per side. Remove chicken to plate and drain off all but 2 tablespoons oil.

Add eggplant to hot pan and cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil, along with zucchini, onion and garlic. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Raise heat to high and add white wine to pan, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Add all other ingredients, except parsley, and place chicken legs in mixture. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes or until cooked through or until an instant read thermometer reads 170F.

To serve, place some of the eggplant ragout onto plates, top with a leg quarter and sprinkle with parsley.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 370; Fat: 20 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 900 mg; Protein: 28 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Sugars: 8 g

20-MINUTE CHICKEN CREOLE

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings (1-1/2 cups per serving)

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/20-minute-chicken-creole.

Ingredients

12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips

1 cup canned whole peeled tomatoes, chopped

1 cup chili sauce (look for lowest sodium version)

1-1/2 cup green bell pepper, rinsed and chopped

1-1/2 cup celery, rinsed and chopped

1/4 cup onion, chopped

1 Tbsp garlic, minced (about 2–3 cloves)

1 Tbsp fresh basil, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

1 Tbsp fresh parsley, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Spray saute pan with cooking spray. Preheat over high heat.

Cook chicken in hot saute pan, stirring for 3–5 minutes. Reduce heat.

Add tomatoes with juice, chili sauce, green pepper, celery, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, crushed red pepper, and salt. Bring to boil over high heat, and then reduce heat to simmer.

Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 274; Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 383 mg; Cholesterol: 73 mg; Protein: 30 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g

Monday, January 21, 2019

Meatless Monday

Okay, before we get started with today's recipes, I have a quick question. If you've been in the hospital, what should you do before heading home?

According to a tip from Diabetes Self-Management, you need to have (in writing) what meds and doses of them you'll need when you arrive home. (The tip, in full, can be found at https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/tips/what-should-i-be-sure-to-do-before-i-go-home-from-the-hospital-12/.)

While you're at it, here is an article titled "Ensuring a Successful Hospital Stay". (Again, from Diabetes Self-Management.) Check it out; you never know when the information will come in handy.

Okay, now for the food. As you probably know, it's time for another Meatless Monday. These six yummy recipes (including Broccoli Salad with Peanut Dressing and Ten-Minute Gazpacho) should appeal even to those who usually avoid a vegetarian diet. Enjoy!

GREEN BEANS WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings (3/4 cup each)

Source: The Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook

Book Title: The Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/green-beans-with-poppy-seed-dressing

Ingredients

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon white-wine or rice-wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon honey

1 tablespoon minced shallot

1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Freshly ground pepper to taste

1 pound green beans, stem ends trimmed

Directions

To prepare dressing: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat.

Add poppy seeds and toast, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl (or jar) and let cool. Add oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, shallot, salt and pepper; whisk (or shake) until blended.

To prepare beans: Cook beans in a large pot of boiling water until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain. Warm the dressing in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beans and toss to coat.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 113; Fat: 8 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 104 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Vegetable, 1-1/2 Fat

JALAPENO BROCCOLI

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 to 5 servings

Source: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook

Book Title: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/jalapeno-broccoli

Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt, optional

1 head broccoli, trimmed and separated into spears

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

2 fresh jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced (with or without seeds, depending on desired hotness)

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Few sprigs fresh coriander or parsley, chopped

Directions

Bring a pot of water to the boil and add optional salt. Add the broccoli spears and boil over high heat for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on desired tenderness).

Drain and transfer broccoli to bowl of ice cold water for 30 seconds. Drain and lay out the cooked spears decoratively on a presentation plate. Drizzle evenly with balsamic vinegar.

In a small frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add sliced jalapeno peppers (with seeds, if using) and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Take peppers with all the oil from the pan, and distribute evenly over the broccoli. Garnish with pine nuts and herbs.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 142; Fat: 9 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 206 mg; Protein: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Lean Meat, 1-1/2 Fat

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE BITES

Recipe Yield: Yield: 24 cookies

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/peanut-butter-cookie-bites.

Ingredients

1/4 cup margarine, softened

1 cup creamy style peanut butter

1/4 cup egg substitute

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup SPLENDA No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat margarine and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until creamy, approximately 1 minute.

Add egg substitute, honey and vanilla. Beat on high speed for approximately 1 1/2 minutes.

Add SPLENDA Granulated Sweetener and beat on medium speed until well blended, approximately 30 seconds.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small mixing bowl. Slowly add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, beating on low speed until well-blended, about 1 1/2 minutes. Mixture may be crumbly.

Roll level tablespoons of dough into balls and drop onto a lightly oiled or parchment lined sheet pan, two inches apart. Flatten each ball with a fork, pressing a crisscross pattern into each cookie. Bake 7-9 minutes or until light brown around the edges. Cool on wire rack.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 150 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Sugars: 3 g

TEN-MINUTE GAZPACHO

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ten-minute-gazpacho.

Ingredients

2 cups tomato juice, preferably reduced-sodium

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. bread crumbs

1/2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup seeded and diced cucumber

1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper

1 plum tomato, seeded and finely diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/4 cup zucchini, finely diced (optional)

1 hard boiled egg white, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

In a blender, purée tomato juice, garlic and olive oil.

Add bread crumbs and vinegar, and blend to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Pour into a covered container and chill well, from 2 hours to overnight.

When ready to serve, adjust seasonings if necessary.

Divide soup among 4 serving bowls.

Add 1 Tbsp. each of diced cucumber, pepper, tomato and onion, plus zucchini and egg white if desired. (Or add diced vegetables to juice mixture before serving.)

Notes:

Many nutrition experts advise choosing vegetables and fruits in deep colors – dark green, yellow, orange and red. Since different colors often indicate the presence of different phytochemicals, eating a rainbow of colors is a good way to bolster your health defenses.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 70; Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 97 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g

BROCCOLI SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/broccoli-salad-with-peanut-dressing

This recipe begins, “This recipe takes a tip from Thai cuisine and the peanut dressing is a healthy substitute for high-calorie, high-fat cheese sauces (or butter) that many use to top their broccoli. It is a great tasting topping for this cool salad, and the red onion and red bell pepper provide added nutrition, flavor and color.”

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets

1 medium red bell pepper, cut in thin strips, about 1 cup

1/3 cup red onion, cut in thin crescents

3 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter, natural and unsweetened

2 tsp. roasted sesame oil

1-2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tsp. agave syrup

Pinch of salt

Ground black pepper

Red pepper flakes, optional

Directions

Place steamer basket in large saucepan. Add water to depth of 1 inch. Cover and bring the water to boil. Add broccoli, cover and steam over medium-high heat until tender-crisp, 3 minutes. Transfer broccoli to mixing bowl. Add bell pepper and onion.

In small bowl, combine peanut butter and sesame oil. Add vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce and agave and whisk until dressing is smooth. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over vegetables and use fork to toss until salad is well coated. Sprinkle on red pepper flakes, if using, and mix to combine. Cover, and refrigerate the salad for 1 hour before serving, or up to 24 hours. Toss well before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 146; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 255 mg; Protein: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

GINGERBREAD MAN COOKIES

Recipe Yield: Yield: 54 servingsServing Size: 1 cookie

Source: Splenda

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/gingerbread-man-cookies.

Ingredients

6 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

4 teaspoons ground ginger

4 teaspoons cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup SPLENDA No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup molasses

3 tablespoons water

Directions

Blend together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices in a large mixing bowl.

Cream butter, SPLENDA Granulated Sweetener and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the molasses and water. Stir well. Add the flour mixture and stir until well blended. Refrigerate dough 1-2 hours before rolling out and cutting into shapes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll cookie dough out slightly less than 1/4 inch. Cut into desired shapes. Bake in preheated oven 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100; Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 75 mg; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Sugars: 4 g