Diabetic Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Monday, August 31, 2020

Meatless Monday

It's time for another Meatless Monday, a time to explore both vegetarian and diabetic recipes. Today's offerings include Falafel Patties with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce and Melon with Fresh Berry Sauce. Enjoy!

SIMPLE VEGGIE SKEWERS

Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan

Recipe Yield: Yield: 12 appetizers

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/simple-veggie-skewers

Ingredients

1 medium-small zucchini squash

12 cubes (3/4-inches each) reduced-fat white cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese (about 3 ounces)

12 small whole fresh mushrooms

12 pitted jumbo black olives

12 cherry or grape tomatoes

12 wooden skewers (6-inches each)

1/2 cup light ranch salad dressing (optional)

Directions

Trim the ends off the zucchini, quarter it lengthwise, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces.

Thread 1 of the zucchini pieces, 1 cube of cheese, 1 mushroom, 1 olive, 1 tomato, and another zucchini piece onto each skewer.

Serve immediately (accompanied by the dressing if desired) or cover and chill for several hours before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 58; Fat: 2.8 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 138 mg; Cholesterol: 7 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g

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

MELON WITH FRESH BERRY SAUCE

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings

Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan

Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/melon-with-fresh-berry-sauce

Ingredients

3-1/3 cups fresh or frozen (thawed and undrained) raspberries or blackberries

1-1/2 tablespoons orange juice

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Sugar substitute equal to 3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 raspberries or blackberries

1/2 honeydew melon

Directions

Place 2 cups of the berries and all of the orange juice and lemon juice in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Pour the mixture into a wire strainer and use the back of a spoon to push the mixture through the strainer and into a bowl. Discard the seeds. Stir the sugar substitute into the berry puree and set the sauce aside.

Remove the seeds and rind from the melons. Cut each melon piece into 3 long wedges and then cut each wedge in half crosswise to make a total of 12 shorter wedges. Using a sharp knife, slice each melon wedge lengthwise toward the point without cutting completely to the end and open each wedge into fan shape.

Place 2 tablespoons of the sauce on each of 6 dessert plates. Top the sauce on each plate with a cantaloupe and honeydew fan and garnish with some of the remaining fresh berries. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 85; Fat: 0.2 g; Fiber: 3.3 g; Sodium: 41 mg; Protein: 1.6 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Carbohydrate

SPINACH AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO QUESADILLAS

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/spinach-and-sun-dried-tomato-quesadillas

Recipe Yield: Yield: 16 appetizers

Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan

Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan

Ingredients

2 tablespoons julienned or diced sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained

1-1/2 cups (moderately packed) chopped fresh spinach

1 cup shredded nonfat or reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

4 whole-wheat flour tortillas (8-inch rounds)

Directions

Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes in a medium nonstick skillet and place over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and saute for a minute or two, just until the spinach is wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.

Lay a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle the bottom half only with a quarter of the spinach mixture. Sprinkle with a quarter of the cheese. Fold the top half of the tortilla over to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 4 filled tortillas.

Coat a large griddle or nonstick skillet with cooking spray and preheat over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles when it hits the heated surface.

Lay the quesadillas on the griddle and cook for about 1-1/2 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Spray the tops lightly with the cooking spray and then turn with a spatula. Cook for an additional 1-1/2 minutes, until the second side is golden brown.

Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and cut each one into 4 wedges. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 47; Fat: 0.9 g; Sodium: 106 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Carbohydrates: 7 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1/4 Medium-Fat Meat

FALAFEL PATTIES WITH YOGURT CUCUMBER SAUCE

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings (2 each)

Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes For People with Diabetes

Book Title: 1,001 Delicious Recipes For People with Diabetes

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/falafel-patties-with-yogurt-cucumber-sauce

Ingredients

1 package (6 ounces) falafel mix

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup sunflower kernels

2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions and tops

Vegetable cooking spray

Yogurt Cucumber Sauce (recipe follows)

Directions

Prepare falafel mix with water according to package directions; mix in carrots, sunflower kernels, and green onions. Shape mixture into 8 patties about 1/2 inch thick.

Spray large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet and spray tops with cooking spray; cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

Serve with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce.

YOGURT CUCUMBER SAUCE

Yield: Makes about 1-1/3 cups

Ingredients

1 cup plain fat-free yogurt

1 cup shredded, or chopped, cucumber

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/2 teaspoon dried mint leaves

Salt and white pepper, to taste

Directions

Mix yogurt, cucumber, and herbs. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.

Notes:

The falafel mixture can also be shaped into 1-inch balls and cooked as the recipe directs; serve with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce as appetizers, or in pitas for sandwiches.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 255; Fat: 7.7 g; Sodium: 586 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Protein: 11.7 g; Carbohydrates: 29 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Bread/Starch, 1 Meat, 1 Fat

TERIYAKI TOFU KABOBS

Recipe Yield: Yield 4 servings; Serving Size: 2 skewers

Source: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible

Book Title: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/teriyaki-tofu-kabobs.

Ingredients

8 bamboo skewers

3/4 pound extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 32 cubes

1 red pepper, cut into 16 squares

1 cup canned pineapple chunks, reserve 1/2 cup juice

1 tablespoon lite soy sauce

1 clove garlic

2 teaspoons minced ginger

Directions

Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning as you cook the skewers.

Meanwhile, put the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple chunks in a plastic bag or container with a lid. Add reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Drain, reserving marinade to baste. Thread the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple on the skewers.

Prepare an outdoor grill or oven broiler with the rack set 6 inches from the heat source. Grill or broil the kabobs about 5 minutes per side, basting with the marinade. Serve with brown rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 107; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 147 mg; Protein: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Very Lean Meat

Friday, August 28, 2020

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Here are six yummy diabetic recipes to help you through the weekend, including Grill Pan Chicken With Fiery Mango-Ginger Salsa and Pumpkin Pancakes with Hot Cider Syrup. Enjoy!

TURKEY BURGERS

Recipe Yield: 4 Servings

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

Book Title: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

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

Ingredients

1 egg white

1 thin slice whole-wheat bread

1 small onion, grated

1 pound ground turkey

2 teaspoons ground coriander

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons virgin olive oil

Directions

In a large bowl, lightly beat egg white.

Tear bread into small pieces; soak in egg white 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients, except oil and thoroughly mix. Shape into four patties.

In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil. Cook patties over medium heat about 10 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 208; Fat: 14 g; Sodium: 195 mg; Cholesterol: 48 mg; Protein: 17 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Meat

STUFFED TOMATOES WITH SMOKED CHICKEN AND TABOULI

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings Serving Size: 1 tomato, 6 ounces tabouli mixture

Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking

Book Title: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/stuffed-tomatoes-with-smoked-chicken-and-tabouli.

Ingredients

1 cup deli tabouli (bulgur)

1 cup diced, seeded cucumber

1 cup diced smoked chicken breast

4 medium ripe, firm tomatoes

2 teaspoons olive oil

4 tablespoons deli hummus

Directions

Add the cucumber and chicken to the prepared tabouli mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Take each tomato and cut off the top (set aside). Scoop out the pulp and discard. Fill the cavity with the tabouli mixture. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon olive oil over each tomato and put 1 tablespoon hummus on top of that. Cover the filled tomato with the tomato top and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 158; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 572 mg; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Protein: 10 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g

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

TABBOULEH FRUIT SALAD

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan"

Found in Info: “The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan: A Guide to Understanding the Emerging Epidemic of Prediabetes and Halting Its Progression to Diabetes”

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups prepared bulgur wheat

3/4 cup seedless red grapes

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

1/2 cup sliced scallions

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sliced almonds or pine nuts

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

Dressing Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Combine the bulgur wheat, grapes, apricots, scallions, almonds or pine nuts, parsley, and mint and toss to mix well. Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and stir to mix well. Add the dressing to the salad and toss to mix well. Cover the salad and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (per 3/4 cup serving): Calories: 186, Carbohydrate: 27 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Fat: 8.2 g, Saturated Fat: 0.9 g, Fiber: 5.7 g, Protein: 4.6 g, Sodium: 204 mg, Calcium: 42 mg

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Fruit, 1 Fat

PUMPKIN PANCAKES WITH HOT CIDER SYRUP

This is from a long-since-forgotten emailing list, though it's apparently a diabetic emailing list that I was on for a while.

Ingredients

2 cups flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup canned pumpkin, mashed

4 egg yolks

4 ounces melted butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

4 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Directions

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, combine milk, pumpkin, egg yolks, butter and vanilla extract. Pour combined liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just blended. Carefully fold in egg whites. Cook pancakes on a light oiled griddle.

Hot Cider Syrup

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups apple cider

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 cup corn syrup

2 ounces butter

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Grated rind from 1 lemon

2 apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon rind. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add apples. Heat for several minutes more. Serve over pancakes.

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Grain (Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1 Fruit; 5 1/2 Fat; 4 1/2 Other Carbohydrates

Per serving: 786 Calories (kcal); 29g Total Fat; (32% calories from fat); 11g Protein; 124g Carbohydrate; 212mg Cholesterol; 977mg Sodium

GRILL PAN CHICKEN WITH FIERY MANGO-GINGER SALSA

This recipe begins, "This dish offers a medley for flavours. Using salsa in place of more salt lowers the sodium content and boosts taste!"

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings; Serving size: 1 chicken breast and 1/4 cup salsa

Source: The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful Recipes Made with Canola Oil

Book Title: The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful Recipes Made with Canola Oil

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/grill-pan-chicken-with-fiery-mango-ginger-salsa.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each), rinsed, patted dry and flattened to 1/2-inch thickness

Canola oil cooking spray

1 lemon, cut into quarters

Salsa

1 cup finely chopped mango

2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon canola oil

Directions

Combine 1 tablespoon canola oil, curry powder, sugar, pepper and salt. Brush over chicken and let marinate for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir together salsa ingredients in a small bowl.

Coat a grill pan with canola oil cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, discarding any marinade. Cook chicken 4 minutes on each side or until no longer pink inside and juices run clear. Transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken; serve with salsa.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 205; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 175 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 25 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat

CHORIZIO PORK TACOS WITH CREAMY SLAW

This is from Old El Paso, and begin, "Shake up taco night with this easy-to-make taco that delivers big on flavor. Cooked ground pork is seasoned with chorizo taco seasoning mix, and then layered with a quick and easy creamy cabbage slaw, topped with shredded cheese, radishes and green onions."

Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 10 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/chorizo-pork-tacos-with-creamy-slaw.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons lime juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 cups shredded green cabbage

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 lb ground pork

2/3 cup water

1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix

1 1/4 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (5 oz)

1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package

1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Lime wedges, if desired

Preparation

In medium bowl, stir mayonnaise, lime juice and salt until blended. Add cabbage and 2 tablespoons of the green onions; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook pork over medium-high heat 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Divide warm pork mixture and cheese among heated taco shells. Top with slaw, radish, remaining 2 tablespoons green onions and the cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Expert Tips

To save time, purchase shredded cabbage.

Try shredded Monterey Jack cheese instead of Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a new flavor twist.

Nutrition: 10 servings (1 taco each); 1 Taco Calories 260 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 18g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 45mg; Sodium 410mg; Total Carbohydrate 12g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 1g); Protein 13g; % Daily Value: Vitamin A 2%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 10%; Iron 6%; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Lean Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 2 Fat

Carbohydrate Choice: 1

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Thursday Recipes

Ahhhh...almost the end of the week, as well as the last Thursday in August. Where does the time go? Who knows...

Here are today's six recipes, including Crispy Chicken and Chocolate-Cherry Parfait. Enjoy!

Note: Beginning in the next week or two, I'll be backing this blog down to three days a week. It probably won't be forever, just simply for maybe a month or two while I try finding a few more places to pick up a few more diabetic recipes. One of the places I'd gotten recipes from has changed their format to the point where it's difficult to find the older recipes, along with changes from other diabetic sources. Hopefully, I'll be able to find a few more places to find yummy diabetic-friendly food.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY TARTS

Recipe Yield: Servings: 24

Source: Cinnamon Hearts

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chocolate-cherry-tarts

Ingredients

2 (8oz) packages Neufchatel (light) cream cheese, room temp

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs, room temp

1 tsp vanilla extract

24 Keebler chocolate wafers, 30% reduced fat

1 (21oz) can light cherry pie filling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Line muffin tins with foil and paper cupcake liners.

Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Place a chocolate wafer in each cup, spoon on cheese mixture. Bake 18 to 20 minutes; remove from tins and let cool. Top with cherry pie filling. Chill overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 118; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 104 mg; Cholesterol: 24 mg; Carbohydrates: 16 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 bread; 1/2 fruit; 1/2 protein; 1 fat

TURKEY LONDON BROIL

Recipe Yield: Serves: 6

View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/turkey-london-broil.

Ingredients

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped


1 tablespoon grated lemon rind

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (2 pounds)

Directions

Combine garlic, oil, lemon rind and juice, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper and wine in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.

Place turkey breast, smooth side down, on a cutting board. Starting in center of thickest part on one half of the breast, cut meat horizontally in half but not all the way through. Spread meat out like an open book. Press lightly on thickest parts to make a rectangle of even thickness.

Place turkey in marinade in dish; turn several times to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to marinate.

Heat broiler, or prepare a charcoal grill with hot coals, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Place broiler pan or grill rack 4 inches from source of heat.

Remove turkey from marinade. Bring marinade to boiling in a small saucepan; boil 5 minutes. Broil or grill turkey 8 to 10 minutes per side or until internal temperature registers 170 degrees on an instant-read thermometer; baste with marinade every minute until last 3 or 4 minutes. Let turkey rest about 5 minutes. Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 297; Fat: 14 g; Sodium: 158 mg; Cholesterol: 102 mg; Protein: 37 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 4-1/2 Low-Fat Meat

CHOCOLATE-CHERRY PARFAIT

Recipe Yield: Servings: 6

https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chocolate-cherry-parfait

Ingredients

3 oz Neufchatel cream cheese

2 cup cold skim milk

3 oz package Jell-o sugar-free instant chocolate pudding

1 pound fresh bing cherries, pitted, cut in half

Directions

Blend cream cheese with 1/4 cup skim milk, on low speed of electric mixer, until smooth. Add remaining milk and pudding mix. Mix 1 or 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.

Add to 75% of the fresh cherries to 1/2 cup water, and cook until it boils for 1 minute. Remove from heat, drain well.

Alternately spoon pudding and cherries into parfait dishes, ending with pudding.

Garnish the top of each parfait with the remaining cherries.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 116; Fat: 3.5 g; Sodium: 305 mg; Cholesterol: 14.5 mg; Carbohydrates: 16 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 1/2 Fruit; 1 Fat

CRISPY CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Servings: 4

Serving Size: 3 – 4 oz

Source: How to Cook for People with Diabetes

Book Title: How to Cook for People with Diabetes

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

Ingredients

1 cup cornflakes

1/4 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp pepper

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast

1 Tbsp margarine, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Crush the cornflakes between two sheets of wax paper. Mix the crushed cornflakes with the thyme and pepper.

Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Place the chicken, breast side up, in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Brush the chicken with the melted margarine. Sprinkle the corn-flakes on top of the chicken breasts.

Cover the baking pan with a lid or a large sheet of foil tucked under the sides of the pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove foil, then bake, uncovered, for another 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 202; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 173 mg; Cholesterol: 73 mg; Protein: 26 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 3 Lean Meat

CHICKEN GUMBO SOUP

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings

Serving Size: 1 cup

Source: The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes

Book Title: The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes

View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chicken-gumbo-soup

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

3 cups reduced-sodium, reduced-fat chicken broth, divided

3 cups water

1 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 bay leaf

1/8 tsp sage

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp thyme

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes

1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh

1 cup frozen okra

2 Tbsp canola oil

1/4 cup flour

2 cups cooked brown rice

Directions

Place the chicken in a large soup pot with 1 cup of broth. Bring to a boil.

Add the additional broth, water, onion, garlic, salt (omit this if you need to reduce total sodium), pepper, bay leaf, sage, red pepper flakes, and thyme and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, corn, and okra and simmer for 15 minutes.

In a separate pan, heat the oil and flour and stir until the flour and oil are golden brown and bubbly, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup of the soup broth to the mixture and whisk until smooth.

Add the mixture back to the soup pot and whisk until dissolved. Simmer 30 minutes. Stir in the rice the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 279; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 720 mg; Cholesterol: 43 mg; Protein: 23 g; Carbohydrates: 31 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 Starch; 2 Lean Meat

LEMON SPIKED GARLIC GREENS

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 Servings

Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes

Book Title: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes

View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/lemon-spiked-garlic-greens.

Ingredients

Garlic-flavored vegetable cooking spray

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-1/2 pounds greens, washed, stems removed, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup water

1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Spray large saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Saute onion and garlic until tender, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add greens and water to saucepan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until greens are wilted and tender, about 5 to 8 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Season to taste with lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Notes:

Kale, collard, turnip, or beet greens are excellent choices for this quick-and-easy healthy vegetable.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 58; Fat: 1.7 g; Sodium: 43 mg; Cholesterol: 53.3 mg; Protein: 5.9 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Soup's On!

When it comes to comfort food, it's hard to top soup...unless it's with, maybe, a sprinkling of shredded cheese. (Sorry, had to go there...)

Seriously, soup is one of those foods that my mom would make a couple of times a month, along with a salad and maybe some homemade rolls. Yum! It's the ultimate comfort food. Check out the Vegetable-Chicken Noodle Soup, Pumpkin Soup, and all the other soups in today's post. Enjoy!

OLD-FASHIONED TOMATO SOUP

Yield: 4 servings

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/22.shtml

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/643.shtml

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. butter

1 onion, finely chopped

2 large garlic cloves, chopped

1 can (28-oz.) diced tomatoes

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. dried thyme

1/8 tsp. ground mace

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half cream

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 Tbsp. snipped dill, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Melt the butter in a small Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Saute the onion until translucent, 4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until the onions are golden, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the tomatoes with their juices, the sugar, thyme, mace and cayenne. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer the soup until the tomatoes and onion are soft, about 15 minutes.

Let the soup sit 20 minutes, uncovered. Transfer it to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and reduce the mixture to a puree, either pulpy or completely smooth, as desired. Blend in the half-and-half. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve the soup hot, sprinkling one-fourth of the dill over each bowl, if using.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 105; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 586 mg; Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Reduced-Fat Milk, 1 Vegetable

SUMMER SOUP

Servings: 4 (1-cup servings)

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/312.shtml

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

Ingredients

2 cups water

Salt and pepper to taste

2 new potatoes, peeled, diced

2 carrots, sliced

6 fresh spinach leaves, chopped

1/2 cup fresh green peas or thawed frozen green peas

1 tablespoon arrowroot

1-1/2 cups skim milk

1/4 teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

In a medium-size saucepan, place water, salt, pepper, potatoes and carrots; bring to a boil. Cover and cook 10 minutes. Add the remaining vegetables and cook 5 minutes more.

Meanwhile, make a paste of the arrowroot and 3 tablespoons of the milk. Add remaining milk and stir into the vegetables. Add cayenne and simmer 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Garnish with parsley.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 97; Protein: 6 g; Sodium: 112 mg; Cholesterol: 2 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Milk, 2 Vegetable

VEGETABLE-CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/253.shtml

Servings: 6 (Serving = 1-1/2 cup)

Ingredients

6 cups 1/3-less-salt chicken broth, divided

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup thinly sliced leek (white part only)

1/2 cup chopped carrot

1/2 cup peeled and chopped turnip

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1-1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1 teaspoons fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2 ounces uncooked "no-yolk" broad noodles

1 cup diced cooked chicken

Directions

Place 1/3 cup chicken broth, celery, leek, carrot and turnip in large saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in remaining 5 -2/3 cups chicken broth, parsley, thyme, rosemary, vinegar and black pepper. Bring to a boil; add noodles. Cook until noodles are tender; stir in chicken. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until heated through.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 98; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 73 mg; Cholesterol: 18 mg; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Starch/Bread, 1 Lean Meat, 1/2 Vegetable

CHILI-BEAN SOUP

Recipe Yield: Servings: 8

Source: Deliciously Healthy Favorite Foods Cookbook

Book Title: Deliciously Healthy Favorite Foods Cookbook

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chili-bean-soup.

Ingredients

1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 small onion, chopped

1/3 pound lean round steak, sliced into very thin 1" long strips

4 cups low-sodium beef bouillon

1-1/2 teaspoons each: chili powder and dried parsley flakes

3 cups canned peeled tomatoes (with juice), cut into pieces

3 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup water

1 can (15 oz.) pink or pinto beans with juice

Directions

In a large, heavy soup post sprayed with nonstick spray, stir-fry pepper and onion over medium-high heat until soft but not browned. Remove from pot and set aside.

Re-spray pot with non-stick spray and brown beef strips over medium-high heat. Add cooked pepper and onion to pot. Add beef bouillon, chili powder, parsley, tomatoes with juice, cornstarch dissolved in water and beans with juice. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 101; Fat: 2.9 g; Sodium: 395 mg; Cholesterol: 9 mg; Protein: 7.1 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 1 Bread/Starch

GOULASH SOUP

Recipe Yield: Servings: 6

Source: Deliciously Healthy Favorite Foods Cookbook

Book Title: Deliciously Healthy Favorite Foods Cookbook

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/goulash-soup.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 pound lean round steak, cut into 1/2" cubes

4 cups water

1 beef bouillon cube

1-2 tablespoons paprika

1/2 teaspoon Morton Lite Salt Mixture

2 ounces tomato paste (or substitute 1 peeled tomato, cut up)

1 medium potato, peeled and diced

Directions

In a large, heavy soup pot sprayed with non-stick spray, stir-fry onion and garlic until golden brown. Remove from pot and set aside. Re-spray pot with non-stick spray and brown beef cubes over medium-high heat.

Add cooked onion and garlic to pot. Add water, bouillon cube, paprika, Morton Lite Salt Mixture and tomato paste or tomato. Cover and simmer for 4 hours. Add potato and simmer for 15 minutes longer.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 91; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 290 mg; Cholesterol: 23.4 mg; Protein: 10 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 1/2 Bread/Starch

PUMPKIN SOUP

Recipe Yield: Makes 8 servings.

Source: AICR

Recipe and image appear courtesy of American Institute for Cancer Research.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/pumpkin-soup-2.

Ingredients

4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided

4 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) (butternut squash may be substituted)

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 clove garlic

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. light whipping cream (optional)

1 tsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Nutmeg (optional)

Directions

In large pot over medium-high heat add 3 cups broth, pumpkin, onion, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce to low and simmer uncovered, about 30 minutes.

Puree mixture until smooth, in small batches, using blender or food processor. Return to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes. Add remaining broth as desired. (Optional, stir in cream.)

Pour into bowls. Garnish with parsley (or sprinkle of nutmeg) and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 71; Fat: 1 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 284 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Tuesday Recipes

If anyone has wondered whether diabetic food can taste good, today's post should help settle that. These yummy recipes include Beef Tacos with Mango Salsa (as a nod to Taco Tuesday) and Strawberry Panna Cottas. Enjoy!

ROASTED POTATOES, CHICKEN, AND CHEESE

Yield: 4 serving; Serving size: 1-3/4 cups

Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking

Book Title: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/roasted-potatoes-chicken-and-cheese.

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray

4 large red potatoes, scrubbed and quartered

Black pepper to taste

2 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1/4 cup fat-free Parmesan cheese, shredded

2 cups smoked deli chicken, diced (or use regular cooked chicken to reduced sodium)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a glass baking dish with nonstick spray.

Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into the glass baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more, until potatoes are tender.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 267; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 965 mg; Cholesterol: 33 mg; Protein: 20 g; Carbohydrates: 29 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Starch, 2 Lean Meat

CARIBBEAN BEEF BURGERS WITH MANGO SALSA

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings

Source: TBC

Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/caribbean-beef-burgers-with-mango-salsa.

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds 95% lean ground beef

2 tablespoons Caribbean jerk seasoning

Salt

Mango Salsa:

1 large mango, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon chopped green onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeno pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions

Combine Ground Beef and jerk seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties.

Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 14 minutes), until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Season with salt, as desired.

Meanwhile, combine salsa ingredients in medium bowl, mixing lightly. Serve burgers with salsa.

Note: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 193; Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 1.1 g; Sodium: 51 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 24 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g

GRILL PAN CHICKEN WITH FIERY MANGO-GINGER SALSA

This recipe begins, "This dish offers a medley for flavours. Using salsa in place of more salt lowers the sodium content and boosts taste!"

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings; Serving size: 1 chicken breast and 1/4 cup salsa

Source: The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful Recipes Made with Canola Oil

Book Title: The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful Recipes Made with Canola Oil

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/grill-pan-chicken-with-fiery-mango-ginger-salsa.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each), rinsed, patted dry and flattened to 1/2-inch thickness

Canola oil cooking spray

1 lemon, cut into quarters

Salsa

1 cup finely chopped mango

2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon canola oil

Directions

Combine 1 tablespoon canola oil, curry powder, sugar, pepper and salt. Brush over chicken and let marinate for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir together salsa ingredients in a small bowl.

Coat a grill pan with canola oil cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, discarding any marinade. Cook chicken 4 minutes on each side or until no longer pink inside and juices run clear. Transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken; serve with salsa.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 205; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 175 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 25 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat

STRAWBERRY PANNA COTTAS

This recipe begins, “Reduced-carb panna cotta that everyone will love!”

Recipe Yield: Servings Per Recipe: 4Serving Size: 1 (6-ounce) panna cotta

Source: Splenda

Recipe and image appear courtesy of Splenda.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/strawberry-panna-cottas

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups whole milk

1-1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

1-1/2 pints strawberries, halved

2 tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pint strawberries, sliced

Directions

Sprinkle gelatin over milk in a small saucepan; let stand 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin dissolves (do not boil). Set aside to cool.

Process 1-1/2 pints strawberries in a food processor, or until pureed, stopping to scrape down sides. Press strawberries through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, discarding solids. Stir cooled milk mixture into strawberry puree. Add Splenda Granulated Sweetener and vanilla, stirring until Splenda Granulated Sweetener dissolves.

Coat 4 (6-ounce) ramekins with cooking spray. Divide strawberry mixture evenly among ramekins. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight until panna cottas are set.

Run a knife around the edge of each panna cotta and unmold onto serving plates. Serve with sliced strawberries.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 130; Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 50 mg; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g; Sugars: 5 g

TOMATO-ROSEMARY CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Servings: 12

Source: Family Circle: All-time Favorite Recipes

Book Title: Family Circle: All-time Favorite Recipes

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/tomato-rosemary-chicken.

Ingredients

12 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 pounds total)

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)

2 tbsp butter (or margarine)

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 pound proscuitto, chopped

1/3 cup dry white wine

1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried, crumbled

12 plum tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions

Season both sides of chicken breast halves with salt and pepper. Place flour on a sheet of waxed paper. Turn chicken in flour to coat both sides; shake off any excess and place chicken on another piece of waxed paper.

Heat oven to 375F.

Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 chicken breast halves and saute until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Place chicken in a 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan in a single layer, filling half of pan. Repeat with remaining oil, butter, and chicken.

Bake chicken in heated 375F oven for 20 minutes or until internal temperature registers 170F on an instant-read thermometer.

Meanwhile, add garlic and proscuitto to skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 3 minutes. Add wine and rosemary; cook 2 minutes, stirring up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.

Add tomatoes and broth. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.

Place chicken on a serving platter; pour sauce over top. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 257; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 377 mg; Cholesterol: 89 mg; Protein: 34 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Low-Fat Meat; 1 Vegetable

BEEF TACOS WITH MANGO SALSA

This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Family taco night gets a summery twist with this easy beef taco topped with Monterey Jack cheese, shredded red cabbage and a fresh mango, red onion salsa."

Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes 10 servings.

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/beef-tacos-with-mango-salsa.

Ingredient

1 ripe medium mango, seed removed, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)

2 tablespoons chopped red onion

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon honey

1 lb ground beef (at least 80% lean)

2/3 cup water

1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix

1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package

1 1/4 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (5 oz)

1 1/4 cups shredded red cabbage

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation

In small bowl, mix mango, red onion, lime juice and honey. Set aside.

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Divide warmed beef mixture among heated taco shells. Top with cheese, cabbage, mango salsa and cilantro.

Expert Tips

No red cabbage? Use shredded green cabbage. If shredded cabbage has larger pieces, chop into smaller, more bite-size pieces.

To peel a mango, first stand the fruit on its end, and use a knife to cut straight down on either side, avoiding the large seed in the middle. Slice horizontally and crosswise on the flesh to make diced mango. To save time, purchase already peeled and sliced mango.

Nutrition: 1 Taco Calories 230 (Calories from Fat 110); Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 45mg; Sodium 340mg; Total Carbohydrate 18g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 6g); Protein 12g

% Daily Value: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 15%; Calcium 15%; Iron 8%

Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Medium-Fat Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choice: 1

Monday, August 24, 2020

Meatless Monday

It's time for another Meatless Monday, where we check out vegetarian recipes that are also diabetic friendly. This week's offerings include Jalapeno Broccoli and Butternut Squash Enchiladas with Salsa Verde. Enjoy!

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

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

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

GINGERBREAD MUFFINS

Recipe Yield: 12 servings

Source: Equal®

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/gingerbread-muffins.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups Kellogg's Special K cereal, crushed to 1 cup

3/4 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

1/2 cup raisins

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup low-fat buttermilk

2 egg whites

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 tablespoons light molasses

* May substitute 18 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

Lightly coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick spray or line with paper-liners; set aside.

Combine flour, crushed cereal, Equal, raisins, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda and salt in large mixing bowl.

Stir in buttermilk, egg whites, vegetable oil and molasses until all ingredients are just moistened. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling 2/3 full.

Bake in preheated 400F oven 18 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and cool on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 152; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 273 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat

Friday, August 21, 2020

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday, time to get ready for the weekend. Today's six recipes include Ratatouille and Chicken and Vegetable Curry. Enjoy!

BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN

Recipe Yield: Servings: 6

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/baked-chicken-parmesan

Ingredients

Vegetable oil spray

4 slices whole-wheat bread

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1-1/2 tablespoons finely snipped fresh parsley

1-1/2 teaspoons paprika

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled

1/2 cup nonfat or low-fat buttermilk

Vegetable oil spray

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, about 4 ounces each, all visible fat removed

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly spray a rectangular baking sheet and slightly smaller cooling rack with vegetable oil spray. Put rack on baking sheet. Set aside.

In a food processor or blender, process bread into fine crumbs. Pour into a shallow bowl. Stir Parmesan, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme into crumbs.

Pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl.

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Dip chicken into buttermilk, shake off excess liquid, dredge in crumbs, and shake off excess crumbs. Put chicken on cooling rack. Spray each breast with vegetable oil spray.

Bake for 15 minutes, turn chicken, and bake for 10 minutes, or until done.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 209; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 303 mg; Cholesterol: 68 mg; Protein: 38 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 3/4 Bread/Starch; 4 Low-Fat Meat

RATATOUILLE

Recipe Yield: Serves 4

Source: AICR

Recipe and image appear courtesy of American Institute for Cancer Research.

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

Ingredients

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

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 large red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch pieces

4 small zucchini, sliced

1 onion, coarsely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. tomatoes, chopped, OR 1 can (28 oz.) whole tomatoes, drained and chopped

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Directions

Sprinkle eggplant lightly with salt and let drain in colander for 30 minutes. Pat dry.

In non-stick skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add eggplant. Stir and cook until soft and browned, about 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer eggplant to bowl.

Add remaining oil to pan and heat until hot. Add red peppers, zucchini, onion and garlic. Cook vegetables, stirring, until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Mix in tomatoes, basil and eggplant. Stirring occasionally, cook on low heat 15 to 20 minutes or until all vegetables are very tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Ratatouille, a specialty of the Provence region of France, is a popular and versatile dish that uses large amounts of produce. The tomatoes and eggplant create a juicy, stew-like sauce that accentuates the flavors of basil and garlic. Serve it hot as a side dish or over a grain for an entree. This version also tastes great when served cold.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 123; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 200 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 19 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 3-1/2 Vegetable; 1 Fat

CURRIED RICE

This originally came from Diabetic Gourmet, though the recipe is probably more than ten years old. (It was in an email that long ago.) Unfortunately, I no longer have the link to this recipe. However, it is from "Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine”, at http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/24.shtml. Yield: 6 servings (Makes 2-1/2 - 3 cups)

Ingredients

2 cups Chicken Broth

1 cup brown Basmati rice, well rinsed

2 teaspoons virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder

1 tablespoon raisins

1/2 cup green peas, thawed if frozen

6 hazelnuts, chopped

Directions

In medium-size saucepan, bring broth and rice to boil. Cover and simmer 40 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Drain, if necessary.

Meanwhile, heat oil in non-stick skillet and saute onion until softened. Stir in curry powder. Add onion, raisins and peas to rice and heat through. Garnish with nuts.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (About 1/2 cup): Calories: 128, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Carbohydrate: 23 g, Protein: 3 g, Sodium: 13 mg, Fat: 3 g Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch/Bread, 1/2 Fat

FRUITFUL FROZEN YOGURT

Yield: 6 servings

Online version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/841.shtml

Source: Diabetic Dream Desserts

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/61.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups frozen fruit, coarsely chopped and thawed (such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, or peaches)

4 cups light vanilla yogurt (or use the same flavor yogurt as the fruit you choose)

Sugar substitute equal for 1/4 cup sugar

Directions

Place the fruit and the accumulated juices in a large bowl and mash slightly with a fork.

Stir in the yogurt and sugar substitute.

Pour the mixture into a 1-1/2 quart ice cream maker and proceed as directed by the manufacturer.

Spoon into dessert dishes and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 114; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 0.4 g; Sodium: 122 mg; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate

CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE CURRY

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 Servings

Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes

Book Title: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chicken-and-vegetable-curry.

Ingredients

Vegetable Cooking Spray

12-16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets

2 medium potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

2 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1-1/2 cups reduced sodium fat-free chicken broth

3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

1 tablespoon flour

2 tablespoon cold water

1 large tomato, chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt, cayenne, and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Spray large saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Saute chicken, onion, and garlic until chicken is browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Add cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, broth, and herbs to saucepan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until chicken and vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat mixture to boiling. Mix flour and water; stir into boiling mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in tomato, parsley, and lemon juice; simmer 2 to 3 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt, cayenne, and black pepper.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 250; Fat: 3.1 g; Sodium: 203 mg; Cholesterol: 51.7 mg; Protein: 28.4 g; Carbohydrates: 29 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1 Bread, 2 Meat

NOODLE KUGEL

Yield: 12 Servings

Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml

Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/684.shtml

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked broad egg noodles

3 large eggs, beaten, or 3/4 cup egg substitute

3/4 cup low-fat small-curd cottage cheese

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large tart apple, peeled, cored, and diced in 1/4-inch pieces

1/4 cup raisins, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes and drained

1/4 cup margarine, melted

Directions

Cook the noodles according to the package directions, omitting salt; drain well. There should be 4 cups of cooked noodles.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8-inch-square pan with non-stick pan spray.

Combine the eggs, cottage cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in the noodles, apple, and raisins. Pour into the prepared dish.

Drizzle the margarine evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake, uncovered, for 45 to 55 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cut the kugel into 12 equal pieces (about 2 x 2 inches). Serve hot or chilled.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (one 2 x 2-1/2-inch square): Calories: 156, Fat: 6 g, Cholesterol: 71 mg, Sodium: 122 mg, Carbohydrate: 20 g, Dietary Fiber: 1 g, Sugars: 6 g, Protein: 6 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch, 1 Fat

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Dessert

Who doesn't love dessert?

Okay, that's almost a trick question. I'm sure that there are people out there who don't love dessert, just not anyone I know.

But when facing a diabetes diagnosis, it's entirely possible to think that desserts are now out of the question. Fortunately, these six desserts prove otherwise. The key is how they're made, and, as always, eaten in moderation. Check out the Crumb Topped Cherry Pie Dessert, the Chocolate-Cherry Parfait, as well as the rest of today's desserts. Enjoy!

SOUTHERN PECAN PIE

Recipe Yield: Servings: 10

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/southern-pecan-pie.

Ingredients

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell

1 cup fruit sweetener

1 tablespoon cornmeal

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

3 tablespoons water

2 tablespoon cornstarch

3 eggs

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoon very strong coffee or espresso, prepared

24 pecan halves

Directions

Prepare pastry and place in 9" pie pan.

In large bowl, combine fruit sweetener, cornmeal and applesauce.

Beat with an electric mixer.

In a small bowl, blend water and cornstarch until smooth.

Add to fruit sweetener mixture and blend

.Beat in eggs, one at a time.

Stir in the vanilla and coffee.

Pour mixture into pie shell.

Decorate top with pecan halves.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until custard is set, at 375F.

Cool slightly before cutting.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 211; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 69 mg; Cholesterol: 82 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Bread, 1 Fruit, 2 Fat

CHOCOLATE-CHERRY PARFAIT

Recipe Yield: Servings: 6

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chocolate-cherry-parfait.

Ingredients

3 oz Neufchatel cream cheese

2 cup cold skim milk

3 oz package Jell-o sugar-free instant chocolate pudding

1 pound fresh bing cherries, pitted, cut in half

Directions

Blend cream cheese with 1/4 cup skim milk, on low speed of electric mixer, until smooth. Add remaining milk and pudding mix. Mix 1 or 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.

Add to 75% of the fresh cherries to 1/2 cup water, and cook until it boils for 1 minute. Remove from heat, drain well.

Alternately spoon pudding and cherries into parfait dishes, ending with pudding.

Garnish the top of each parfait with the remaining cherries.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 116; Fat: 3.5 g; Sodium: 305 mg; Cholesterol: 14.5 mg; Carbohydrates: 16 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 1/2 Fruit; 1 Fat

HAZELNUT MACAROONS

Recipe Yield: Servings: 30 Cookies (1 per serving)

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/hazelnut-macaroons

Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes

Book Title: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes

Ingredients

4 egg whites

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1 cup canned sweetened coconut

1/4 cup hazelnuts or pecans, finely chopped

Directions

Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt to soft peaks in medium bowl. Beat in sugar gradually, beating to stiff, shiny peaks. Fold in coconut; fold in hazelnuts.

Drop mixture by tablespoons onto parchment-or aluminum foil-lined cookie sheets. Bake at 300 degrees until cookies begin to brown and feel crisp when touched, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in pans on wire racks.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 44; Fat: 1.4 g; Sodium: 25.6 mg; Protein: 0.7 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat

PINEAPPLE LIME SORBET

To view this online, click here. Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups pineapple puree

2 teaspoons grated lime or lemon zest

3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice

1/4 cup water

Thin slices lime or lemon

Directions

In a bowl, stir together pineapple puree, lime zest and juice, water and, if desired, sugar. In an ice cream maker, freeze according to manufacturer's directions. Divide among 4 individual dessert dishes.

Serve garnished with thin slices of lime.

Nutritional Information Per Serving : Calories: 38; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 1 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Exchanges: 2/3 Fruit

STRAWBERRY PANNA COTTAS

This recipe begins, “Reduced-carb panna cotta that everyone will love!”

Recipe Yield: Servings Per Recipe: 4Serving Size: 1 (6-ounce) panna cotta

Source: Splenda

Recipe and image appear courtesy of Splenda.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/strawberry-panna-cottas

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups whole milk

1-1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

1-1/2 pints strawberries, halved

2 tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pint strawberries, sliced

Directions

Sprinkle gelatin over milk in a small saucepan; let stand 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin dissolves (do not boil). Set aside to cool.

Process 1-1/2 pints strawberries in a food processor, or until pureed, stopping to scrape down sides. Press strawberries through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, discarding solids. Stir cooled milk mixture into strawberry puree. Add Splenda Granulated Sweetener and vanilla, stirring until Splenda Granulated Sweetener dissolves.

Coat 4 (6-ounce) ramekins with cooking spray. Divide strawberry mixture evenly among ramekins. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight until panna cottas are set.

Run a knife around the edge of each panna cotta and unmold onto serving plates. Serve with sliced strawberries.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 130; Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 50 mg; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g; Sugars: 5 g

CRUMB TOPPED CHERRY PIE DESSERT

Recipe Yield: Servings: 12

Source: Sweet Inspirations

Book Title: Sweet Inspirations

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/crumb-topped-cherry-pie-dessert.

Ingredients

Pastry for a one-crust pie

2 (1lb) cans red tart cherries (packed in water)

1/2 cup fruit sweetener** (1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate plus 1/4 cup granulated fructose)

3 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 cup water

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp. grated lemon peel

2 tbsp lemon juice

A few drops of red food coloring (optional)

2 tbsp almond flavoring

Topping:

1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup instant mashed potato or buds

1/4 cup fruit sweetener** (1/8 cup frozen apple juice concentrate plus 1/8 cup granulated fructose)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 cup margarine

**You can find commercial fruit sweeteners, ordinarily a combination of concentrated peach & pear juices and unsweetened pineapple syrup, in health food stores, gourmet food stores and large grocery outlets. It tastes 1-1/2 to 2 times sweeter than refined sugar. You can also make your own fruit sweetener. For example, if a recipe calls for 1/2 cup fruit sweetener, you can substitute 1/4 cup concentrated apple juice + 1/4 cup granulated fructose.

Directions

Line 9-inch pie pan with prepared pastry. Set aside.

Drain cherries, reserving one cup of the liquid. In a saucepan, combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water, stirring until smooth. Add cherry liquid, fruit sweetener and salt. Simmer mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and add cherries, peel, lemon juice, food coloring and almond flavoring. Pour into prepared pie shell.

Combine last six ingredients and blend to crumbly consistency. Sprinkle over pie filling. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Cut into 12 pieces.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 178; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 128 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch, 2/3 Fruit, 1-1/2 Fat

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Wednesday Recipes

We're half-way through the work week. Here are six yummy recipes to help us through the rest of the week, including Strip Steaks with Broiled Asparagus and Tikka Kebabs. Enjoy!

MEXICAN CHICKEN SOUP

Yield: 10 servings. Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups. May be viewed online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1206.shtml

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. Sauté 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; Protein: 33 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 280 mg; Cholesterol: 75 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g

STRIP STEAKS WITH BROILED ASPARAGUS

Yield: 2 servings

View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/727.shtmlView online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/727.shtml

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

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/76.shtml

Ingredients

Vegetable oil cooking spray

1 (8 ounces) boneless beef top loin (strip) steak, cut about 3/4-inch thick, trimmed of all fat

1 or 2 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon cracked or coarsely ground black pepper

8 - 10 (6 ounces) thin asparagus spears, trimmed

2 teaspoons garlic-flavored olive oil or regular olive oil

Sauce:

1/2 cup low-salt beef broth

1 tablespoon dry white wine

1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Rub steak on both sides with a mixture of garlic and pepper. Place asparagus in shallow dish and drizzle with oil.

For sauce, in a medium skillet stir together broth and wine. Cook over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture is reduced in volume to 1/4 cup. Whisk in mustard. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Preheat the broiler. Spray an unheated broiler pan with cooking spray and place steak on it. Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 8 to 10 minutes for medium rare or 10 to 12 minutes for medium, turning once and place asparagus into the pan next to the steak for the last two minutes of broiling.

Spoon sauce onto a plate. Cut steak in half crosswise and place atop sauce. Top with asparagus spears.

Serving size: 3 ounces cooked beef top loin steak with 2 tablespoons sauce and four spears of asparagus

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 226; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 58 mg; Cholesterol: 67 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 3 g; Exchanges: 3 Medium-Fat Meat, 1 Fat, 1/2 Vegetable

MINESTRONE SOUP

This originally came from Diabetic Gourmet, though the recipe is probably more than ten years old. (It was in an email that long ago.) Unfortunately, I no longer have the link to this recipe. However, it is from However, it is from "Cooking with The Diabetic Chef" by Chris Smith, which can be found at http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/23.shtml. Yield: 4 servings (about 1 cup each)

Ingredients

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 medium onion, finely diced

1/4 medium carrot, finely diced

1/4 stalk celery, finely diced

2/3 teaspoon garlic, minced

2 tablespoons leeks, finely diced

3 ounces (about 1/3 cup) canned tomatoes, chopped

1/2 medium zucchini, diced

1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme

3/4 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced

3 cups chicken stock

3 ounces (about 1/2 cup) frozen spinach, chopped

3/4 cup white beans, cooked

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Heat olive oil in medium pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and leek and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato, zucchini, thyme, oregano, and chicken stock. Bring liquid to simmer for 20 minutes. Add spinach and white beans. Return liquid to simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper. Serve immediately & garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (about 1 cup): Calories: 110, Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 3 mg, Sodium: 283 mg, Carbohydrate: 15 g, Dietary Fiber: 5 g, Sugars: 3 g, Protein: 7 g

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

TURKEY CASSEROLE

Recipe Yield: Serves: 4

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

Book Title: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

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

Ingredients

4 ounces vegetale elbow or shell macaroni

1/2 pound ground turkey

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

Pepper to Taste

1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook macaroni until al dente, being careful not to overcook. Drain and rinse under cold water. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large non-stick skillet, cook turkey, onion and garlic until meat is browned. Drain off fat. Stir in macaroni, tomato sauce, thyme, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Spoon into casserole dish and top with cheese. Bake 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 241; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 253 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Protein: 17 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 Starch/Bread, 1 Vegetable

TIKKA KEBABS

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings

Source: AICR

Recipe and image appear courtesy of American Institute for Cancer Research.

Ingredients

1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger, or 1/4 tsp. ground

1 tsp. tomato paste

1 Tbsp. curry powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

12 oz. boneless skinned chicken breast, cut in 24 pieces

8 1-inch cubes fresh or canned pineapple

1 medium red onion, cut in 20 wedges

1 large green bell pepper, cut in 20 pieces

Canola oil cooking spray

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, curry powder, salt and pepper. Mix in chicken to coat on all sides. Cover bowl and refrigerate 2 to 8 hours.

Preheat grill or broiler. Soak skewers in water at least 15 minutes.

Remove chicken from marinade, scraping off and discarding most of marinade. Onto each skewer thread a piece of pineapple, then chicken, onion wedge and green pepper. Repeat, minus pineapple, until each kebab contains 6 pieces of chicken, 5 onion wedges, 5 pieces of pepper and 2 pineapple cubes, one cube at each end.

To help prevent charring, spray kebabs with cooking oil spray. Cook skewers 4 to 5 minutes, making sure they are far enough from the heat source to avoid charring. Turn and cook until chicken is opaque throughout, about 4 minutes.

Serve kebabs. Kebabs go especially well with freshly-cooked brown rice or tucked inside pita bread lined with lettuce leaves.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 161; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 81 mg; Protein: 23 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Fruit, 3 Low-Fat Meat

ROASTED BABY EGGPLANT AND TOMATOES

Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings

Source: Great Healthy Food - Diabetes

Book Title: Great Healthy Food - Diabetes

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/roasted-baby-eggplant-and-tomatoes.

Ingredients

4 baby eggplant, stalks trimmed

8 small plum tomatoes, pierced once

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut the baby eggplants into quarters lengthwise.

Put them into an open ovenproof dish with the tomatoes and drizzle them with the balsamic vinegar. Season, then roast in the oven for 1 hour.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 56; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 14 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Beef

For decades, beef was the mainstay of American's meals during much of the week. (Think burgers-and-fries, meatloaf-potatotes-and-green-veggies, etc.)

It's still very popular, though there are times it can seem a little pricey. That said, if you're cooking it, you want to make sure it tastes great.

These recipes fit that bill, including One-Pot Comfort Shepherd's Pie and Easy Homemade Meatloaf. Enjoy!

QUICK ITALIAN BEEF ROAST WITH ZUCCHINI AND TOMATOES

This recipe begins, “Rubs are an popular way to season a roast. Not only does it add flavor, but it creates a coat that helps seal in moisture and adds texture.”

Makes 8 servings

Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1305

View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1305.shtml

Ingredients

1 beef Eye of Round Roast (2 pounds)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon pepper

3 medium zucchini, sliced (1/2-inch)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halves

Directions

Heat oven to 325F.

Combine salt, 1/2 teaspoon basil, oregano and pepper; press onto beef roast.

Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef. Do not add water or cover.

Roast in 325F oven 1-1/4 hours for medium rare doneness.

Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135F.

Transfer to board; tent with foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10F to reach 145F for medium rare.)

Increase oven temperature to 425F.

Combine remaining ingredients, except tomatoes, in large bowl; toss. Place on rack in pan.

Roast in 425F oven 15 minutes or until tender. Add tomatoes; toss. Carve roast. Serve with vegetables.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 244; Protein: 35 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 278 mg; Cholesterol: 86 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g

ONE-POT COMFORT SHEPHERD'S PIE

This is from Diabetes.org, and begins, “Comfort foods don't have to be loaded with fat to be good! Slow cook this healthy One-Pot Comfort Shepherd's Pie and enjoy the winter favorite guilt free. Chef's Note from author Nancy S. Hughes: When buying potato flakes, be sure to purchase brands that do not include hydrogenated oils.”

This recipe is from our new cookbook, The Diabetes Fast-Fix Slow-Cooker Cookbook: Fresh Twists on Family Favorites, by Nancy S. Hughes, author of Gluten-Free Recipes for People with Diabetes and The 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook.

Yield: 6 cups; Serves: 4; Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

View this online at http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/cookbook-recipes/one-pot-comfort-shepherds.html.

Ingredients

Filling:

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/2 cups diced onion

1 pound extra-lean ground beef

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste 1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

Topping:

1 1/3 cups water

2 tablespoons trans-fat-free margarine

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/3 cups instant potato flakes

1 1/4 cups fat-free milk

1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions

Coat a 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.

Heat a large skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onions, cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add ground beef, cook 4 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the beef mixture and bring to a boil over medium- high heat. Place mixture in slow cooker with the tomato paste, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Top with the mixed vegetables.

In the same skillet, prepare topping. Combine remaining 1 1/3 cups water with the margarine and 1/4 teaspoon salt in the skillet and bring to a boil over medium- high heat.

Remove skillet from heat; stir in the potato flakes and milk until blended. Spoon the potatoes on top of the vegetables, spread evenly over all. Cover and cook on low only for 3 hours.

Turn off heat and sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 15 minutes, uncovered, to absorb liquid and thicken slightly.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 340;Calories from Fat: 80; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Trans Fat: 0.5 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Sodium: 730 mg; Potassium: 427 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 34 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 11 g; Protein: 30 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 2 vegetable, 3 lean meat, 1 fat

BEEF TERIYAKI

Recipe Yield: Servings: 5

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

Ingredients

1 pound beef boneless sirloin steak

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 teaspoons chopped gingerroot or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon sugar (or sugar substitute)

1 clove garlic, chopped

Directions

Trim fat from beef steak; cut beef into 3/4-inch cubes. Place beef in glass or plastic bowl. Mix remaining ingredients; pour over beef. Cover and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, at least 1 hour.

Thread 6 beef cubes on each of 5 skewers; brush with marinade. Set oven control to broil. Broil kabobs with tops about 4 inches from heat 5 to 6 minutes; turn. Brush with marinade; broil until done, 5 to 6 minutes longer.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 200 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Protein: 17 g; Carbohydrates: 1 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 Low-Fat Meat

SPICY BUFFALO-STYLE MEATBALLS

Makes 32 appetizer servings.

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/541.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound 95% lean ground beef

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 tablespoons chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 to 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon honey

Blue cheese dressing

Celery sticks

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 32 1-inch meatballs; place on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 18 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine hot pepper sauce, butter and honey in large bowl; mix well. Add meatballs; stir to coat.

Serve with dressing and celery sticks, as desired. Makes 32 appetizer servings. Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef done-ness.

Cook's Tip: 1 package (about 18 ounces) frozen fully-cooked beef meatballs can be substituted for ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook meatballs according to package directions. Continue as directed in step 3.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 33; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 78 mg; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Carbohydrates: 1 g

TEXAS RED CHILI

Recipe Yield: Servings: 8

Source: Family Circle's "All-time Favorite Recipes"

Book Title: Family Circle's "All-time Favorite Recipes

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/texas-red-chili.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 beef brisket (about 2 pounds), cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1 cup chopped onion

3 jalapeno chiles, halved, seeded and finely, chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/4 cup chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

1 can (13-3/4 ounces) beef broth

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes

1 bottle (12 ounces) beer

1 bay leaf

Lime wedges for garnish

Directions

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, saute brisket until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Add onion, jalapenos and garlic to drippings in pot; cook over medium-low heat until onion is very tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper; cook 1 minute. Return meat to pot. Stir in broth, tomatoes, beer and bay leaf. Heat to boiling. Lower heat; simmer with cover slightly ajar until meat is tender, about 1-1/2 hours. For last 20 minutes, uncover to thicken chili.

To serve, ladle chili into bowls. Garnish each bowl with lime wedge.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 334; Fat: 17 g; Sodium: 712 mg; Cholesterol: 84 mg; Protein: 30 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch; 4 Medium-Fat Meat

EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF

Servings: 6

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml

Ingredients

1 egg

2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine

2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)

1 teaspoon salt

2 slice bread, cubed fine

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 cup catsup

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

1/3 cup onion, chopped fine

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients well.

Form into a loaf.

Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.

Bake until done (15-20 minutes).

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat