Dessert

Many of us, upon hearing that we (or a loved one) is diabetic, feel that we can no longer have many of the foods we've grown to love, including desserts. While we do need to change the way we approach food, that doesn't necessarily mean no more desserts. It does mean we need to be cautious, check out what we can eat, and go from there.

Here are six yummy desserts that are diabetic-friendly, and also yummy. Check out the Pineapple Cake, the Irish Caramel Custard, as well as the rest of today's desserts. Just remember that today's word is moderation. Enjoy!

MINT CHEESECAKE BARS

Recipe Yield: 20 Servings

Source: Splenda

Recipe and image appear courtesy of Splenda.

You can view this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/mint-cheesecake-bars.

Ingredients

Crust

2 tablespoons SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup light butter, melted

Filling

12 ounces reduced fat cream cheese

1/3 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon mint extract

2 drops green food color

Chocolate Drizzle

12 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray one eight-inch square pan with baking spray. Set aside.

Mix crust ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Press into prepared pan. Bake 8 minutes or until firm.

Mix cream cheese and SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla, mint extract and green food coloring; mix well.

Pour over prepared crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until firm.

Refrigerate cheesecake bars 2 hours or until chilled and firm. Melt chocolate and drizzle over the top.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 170; Calories from fat: 100; Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 6 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 105 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Sugars: 11 g

WILD BLUEBERRY ICE CREAM POPS

Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 Pops; Serving size: 1 pop

Source: Wild Blueberry Association

To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/wild-blueberry-ice-cream-pops.

Ingredients

1 cup frozen Wild Blueberries

1 ounce milk chocolate chips

2 cups fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt, softened slightly

Materials: small wooden or plastic pop sticks

Directions

Thaw Wild Blueberries and puree.

In a bowl, combine pureed Wild Blueberries, chocolate and frozen yogurt. Mix thoroughly.

Rinse 6 standard muffin cups with cold water and spoon in Wild Blueberry mixture, dividing it evenly between the cups (silicone muffin cups need not be rinsed first).

Place a stick in the center of each "muffin" and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 94; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 45 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 19 g

ICED MOCHA SHERBET

Yield: 4 servings

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/24.shtml

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/576.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups evaporated non-fat milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons carob powder

1 tablespoon crystalline fructose

2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1 tablespoon part-skim ricotta cheese

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in blender and turn into metal trays.

Place in freezer and stir with fork from time to time to break up ice crystals.

When ready to serve, process again so the sherbet is soft.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 12; Protein: 8g; Sodium: 117mg; Cholesterol: 5mg; Fat: 0.5g; Carbohydrates: 22g

APPLESAUCE BROWNIES

Recipe Yield: Servings: 16

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/applesauce-brownies.

Ingredients

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped nuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Combine oil, applesauce and cocoa. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients together and stir into the mixture.

Pour the batter into a greased and floured (or wax paper lined & sprayed) 9 inch square pan. Sprinkle on nuts (optional).

Bake about 20 to 30 minutes or until top is set but edges are not dried out. Toothpick will come out clean. Cut into 16 or 24 squares.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 165; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 84 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Fat; 1 Fruit

IRISH CARAMEL CUSTARD

Recipe Yield: Servings: 8

Source: Cinnamon Hearts

To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/irish-caramel-custard.

Ingredients

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 eggs + 2 egg whites

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Pinch of salt (1/8 tsp)

2 cups whole milk, scalded

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, XX strength, if desired

Directions

Spray a 3-quart baking dish or mold with nonstick vegetable spray.

Sprinkle brown sugar over the bottom.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs and egg whites until light and lemon-colored.

Add granulated sugar, and salt and mix thoroughly.

Stir in the scalded milk and add the vanilla.

Pour mixture over brown sugar.

Place the baking dish or mold in a pan of hot water, 1-inch deep.

Bake at 350 F degrees about 50 minutes, or until firm and knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 140; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 102 mg; Cholesterol: 68 mg; Protein: 5 g;Carbohydrates: 23 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread; 1/2 Protein; 1/2 Fat/ 1/4 Milk

PINEAPPLE CAKE

Yield: 18 servings

Source: The Diabetic Four Ingredient Cookbook

View online:http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/538.shtml

Ingredients

5 egg whites

1 can (20 oz. ) water packed pineapple (crushed, drained)

1 yellow reduced fat cake mix

1 tablespoon sugar or equivalent alternative sweetener

Directions

Beat egg whites with electric mixer until foamy. Add drained pineapple then cake mix.

Spread mix in a floured 9x13 inch pan with nonstick spray. Sprinkle with sugar or sweetener.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 71; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 100 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch

Wednesday Recipes

Here we are, half-way through the week. Today's six recipes include Chicken with Peppers, Mint Cheesecake Bars, and more. Enjoy!

BAKED CAJUN CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Servings: 4

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

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

Ingredients

1-1/2 to 2 pounds split chicken breasts

1/2 dried thyme, crushed

Nonstick spray coating

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

2 tablespoons nonfat milk

1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper

2 tablespoons onion powder

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Rinse chicken, pat dry. Cut off skin and discard.

Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Arrange the chicken in the dish; meat side up.

Brush lightly with milk.

In small bowl mix onion powder, thyme, garlic salt, white pepper, red pepper, and black pepper.

Sprinkle over chicken.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 166; Fat: 6 g; Protein: 25 g; Carbohydrates: 0 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat

MEATLESS TEX-MEX SLOPPY JOES

This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Mondays just got a new star recipe. Impossible™ Burger is made from plants and makes this vegetarian sloppy joe recipe a delicious new addition to your meatless repertoire. These Meatless Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes use Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce and Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix. Meatless sloppy joes are as fast and easy as the original, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/meatless-tex-mex-sloppy-joes.

Ingredients

1 package (12 oz) Impossible™ Burger

2/3 cup water

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

1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce (from 9-oz bottle)

4 burger buns, toasted

1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (from 8-oz package)

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

Preparation

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.

Stir water, taco seasoning mix and taco sauce into Impossible™ Burger mixture; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Place about 1/2 cup mixture over bottom of each bun; top with cheese, lettuce, avocado and tomatoes, then top of bun.

Expert Tips

Cooking Vegetarian? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is vegetarian. Products and ingredient sources can change.

Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce plays the role that tomato sauce would play in a traditional sloppy joe recipe, with the added benefit of loads of taco flavor for these vegetarian sloppy joes.

We call for Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce in this recipe, but if you’d prefer a bit more heat in your meatless sloppy joes, feel free to substitute Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.

Buying a whole head of lettuce and slicing it thinly yourself, as opposed to buying it preshredded in a bag, will help to guarantee a fresh, extra-crisp topping for your sloppy joes.

Nutrition: 1 Sandwich: Calories: 500 (Calories from Fat: 230); Total Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 1240mg; Total Carbohydrate 41g (Dietary Fiber 6g, Sugars 7g); Protein 25g

% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 40%; Iron 35%

Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 2 1/2 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 4 Fat

Carbohydrate Choices: 3

SHANGHAI WALNUT CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to 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

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

MINT CHEESECAKE BARS

Recipe Yield: 20 Servings

Source: Splenda

Recipe and image appear courtesy of Splenda.

You can view this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/mint-cheesecake-bars.

Ingredients

Crust

2 tablespoons SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup light butter, melted

Filling

12 ounces reduced fat cream cheese

1/3 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon mint extract

2 drops green food color

Chocolate Drizzle

12 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray one eight-inch square pan with baking spray. Set aside.

Mix crust ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Press into prepared pan. Bake 8 minutes or until firm.

Mix cream cheese and SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla, mint extract and green food coloring; mix well.

Pour over prepared crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until firm.

Refrigerate cheesecake bars 2 hours or until chilled and firm. Melt chocolate and drizzle over the top.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 170; Calories from fat: 100; Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 6 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 105 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Protein: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Sugars: 11 g

CHICKEN WITH PEPPERS

Servings: 4

Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/309.shtml

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups frozen stir-fry pepper blend

1 can (15 ounces) chunky Italian-seasoned tomato sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Saute chicken and garlic in oil in large skillet until lightly browned. Push chicken to side of pan; add stir-fry pepper blend and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 215; Protein: 28.5 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 674 mg; Cholesterol: 71 mg; Carbohydrates: 9.7 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 3 Meat