APPLE BUTTER

I love apple butter and this Splenda recipe is tasty. A serving size is 1 tablespoon. This is an easy crock pot recipe that makes your house smell so good while it cooks.

• 5 lbs of apples – peeled, cored and thinly sliced (suggest Jonathan, Golden Delicious or Ida Red)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup SPLENDA^® Brown Sugar Blend
• ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon of cloves
• ½ teaspoon of allspice

1. Stir all ingredients together in slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours.
2. Remove and reserve cinnamon stick.
3. Place apple mixture into food processor and process until smooth.
4. Return mixture and cinnamon stick back to the crock pot and cook uncovered, on high, for about 4 hours or until mixture is thick and dark.
5. Place in containers and store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

CITRUS PUNCH

1 pkg (4-serving size) sugar-free orange gelatin
1/2 gallon sugar-free orange sherbet
2 bottles (2 liter size) sugar-free ginger ale, chilled
1 orange cut into thin slices for garnish, if desired
Extra scoops of sherbet to float on top, if desired

Mix the dry gelatin and the sherbet together until gelatin is dissolved. Pour into a punch bowl and stir in the chilled ginger ale.

Garnish with the thin oranges slices or sherbet, if desired.

Yield: Approximately 20 servings

file photo

NUTRITIONIST APPROVED CHILI RECIPE FOR DIABETICS

This recipe is one I received from Diabetic Connect. They suggest serving with topping options of reduced-fat sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, scallions or green onions, and diced tomatoes. Serve with whole-grain tortillas, warmed.

• 1 pound beef round, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 3 onions, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 12 ounces dark or light beer
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 8 sun-dried tomatoes, (not packed in oil), snipped into small pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 19-ounce cans dark kidney beans, rinsed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1. May cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  2. 12 servings, 1 cup each
  3. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, 2 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with another 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and remaining beef.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pot. Add onions and bell peppers; cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Add garlic, jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, paprika and oregano. Stir until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add beer and simmer, scraping up any browned bits, for about 3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bay leaves and reserved beef. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  6. Add beans; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Servings
     12
     Per serving
     250 Calories
     31g Carbohydrates
     5g Fat
     1g Saturated Fat
     2g Monounsaturated Fat
     18g Protein
     28mg Cholesterol
     11g Dietary Fiber
     582mg Potassium
     490mg Sodium
     0g Added Sugars
     1 starch
     1 1/2 vegetable
     2 1/2 lean meat Exchanges
     1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings
     52 mg vitamin c (90% dv)
     38% dv fiber
     35% dv vitamin a
     4 mg iron (20% dv).
  
  
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BAKED PARMESAN PORK CHOPS

This recipe was given to me by a friend. She credits it to Janet's Appalachian Kitchen. I have made a minor adjustment to make it diabetic-friendly.

Parmesan Baked Pork Chops 

4 boneless pork chops
1 T. olive oil
1 C. parmesan cheese
1 C. Italian bread crumbs (use whole-grain bread crumbs and mix in Italian seasoning)
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
Nonstick olive oil cooking spray

On a plate combine the last 4 ingredients. Rub the pork chops with olive oil and then dip (coat) each one in the cheese mixture. Press the mixture over the pork chops to make sure they are well covered in it. Line a pan with tin foil and spray with cooking spray. Place the pork chops on the pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

HEALTHY CARROT AND OAT MUFFINS

Please note: This recipe contains a small amount of honey per muffin. You know your blood sugar so you make the decision whether or not to eat these. They should be fine for most diabetics.

3/4 cup white whole-wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp wheat germ
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup raisins, optional
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup low-fat or fat-free milk
1/4 cup olive or coconut oil
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 cups dry oats

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spice, wheat germ, salt, carrots, and raisins- if using; set aside.

In another bowl, combine the egg, milk, oil, honey and oats; stir well and let stand 3 minutes.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the oat mixture to the well and stir just until all is moistened.

Spoon mixture into the prepared muffin pans, filling each 3/4 full.

Bake muffins at 400 degrees for 18 to 20 minuts. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Note: File Photo

BAKED GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN BREASTS

This is a recipe I saw on Luna recipes (they thanked kitchme) and tweeked to make it diabetic-friendly. If you follow my blogs you know I won't eat it but I know all you chicken-eaters out there will like it. (As will my family!)

2 tbsp olive oil
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry whole-grain bread crumbs
2⁄3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp dried basil
1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning the chicken
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast, halves
lightly salt, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

2. In a shallow dish, blend olive oil and garlic. In a separate shallow dish, mix bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, basil, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Season each chicken breast with salt and black pepper, dip it in the oil mixture, and then in the bread crumb mixture. Arrange coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and top with any remaining bread crumb mixture.

3. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

   

HOT BACON AND ONION PASTA SALAD

1 lb whole-grain rotini
1 large onion
1 garlic clove
1 lb bacon
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup Splenda granulated
1/2 cup prepared mustard

Cook rotini as directed on the package; drain well.

While rotini cooks fry the bacon crisp and drain on paper towels. Reserve enough of the bacon drippings to saute the onion and garlic together in the pan.  When the onions are transparent, reduce the heat under the skillet and add the vinegar, mustard, and Splenda; stir to mix well. Remove from heat.

Crumble the drained bacon into the skillet mixture.

In a heatproof bowl, toss the pasta with the cooked dressing mixture.

Serve this dish warm.

Sorry, no photo.

AMBROSIA PUDDING

I have been posting several dessert recipes lately. I want diabetics to realize that as we approach the upcoming holidays they, too, can enjoy a tasty dessert. If you are invited to a dinner or party, always offer to bring a dessert. By doing that you will know there is a dessert you can enjoy. The desserts on this blog are so tasty no one will even know they are diabetic desserts unless you tell them! As a word of caution, though, let me remind you not to overindulge. Portion control is the key to your success!

1 pkg (4 serving size) sugar-free instant lemon-flavored pudding mix
2 cups cold fat-free milk
1/2 tsp grated orange peel
1/2 cup diced fresh orange sections
2/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut

Prepare pudding mix with the milk as directed on the package.  Fold in the orange peel and orange sections plus the coconut.

Pour into a serving dish or into 6 individual dessert dishes and chill.

Yield: 6 servings.

Note: File Photo

BUTTERMILK PIE

Remember that diabetics have to watch their portions. Only 1 slice a day, no cheating.

1 9-inch sugar-free unbaked pie shell
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups Splenda Granulated
3 tbsp white whole-wheat flour
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup fat-free or low-fat buttermilk
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large mixer bowl, beat the eggs; add the Splenda, flour, nutmeg and cinnamon and mix well.  Beat in the buttermilk, butter, and vanilla; pour into the pastry shell.

Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees then reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake another 35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cool before cutting.

Garnish with some fresh fruit, if desired.

Leftovers should be refrigerated.

BEEF ENCHILADAS

Don't get carried away here, watch your portion size. This recipe should be okay for most diabetics occasionally.

Note: This recipe is one I got from the Brown Eyed Baker but it was adapted from America's Best Test Kitchens 2008. I have changes to make it more diabetic-friendly.

3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon Splenda Granulated
1 teaspoon salt
1¼ pounds boneless chuck steaks, trimmed of fat
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 yellow onions, finely chopped
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
½ cup water
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, divided
4 ounces low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup chopped canned pickled jalapeños
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas

1. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, sugar and salt.

2. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sprinkle the meat with salt and cook until browned on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the meat to a plate.

3. Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions to the pot and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic mixture and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce and water and bring to a boil. Return the meat and any accumulated juices to the pot, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the meat is tender and can be broken apart easily, about 1½ hours.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

5. Strain the beef mixture over a medium bowl. Transfer the meat and any other solids to a separate medium bowl and break the beef into small pieces. Mix together with half of the shredded cheeses, the cilantro and the jalapeños.

6. Spread ¾ cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Microwave the tortillas according to package directions to soften. Spread about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll up tightly, and place in the baking dish seam-side down. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the enchiladas and spread to ensure that all of the ends are covered in sauce.

7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top of the enchiladas, cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese browns slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Make-Ahead: The beef filling and sauce can be prepared through step #5 and refrigerated in separate containers for up to 2 days. Prepare the rest of the recipe as directed, increasing the covered baking time by 5 minutes.

(Recipe adapted from The Best of America's Test Kitchen 2008)

FRUIT COCKTAIL CAKE

1 3/4 cups white whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup garbanzo bean flour*
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups Splenda Granular
1/2 cup Splenda baking blend**
2 tsp baking soda
1 can (15-oz) no sugar added fruit cocktail
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, salt, cinnamon, both Splendas and the baking soda. When combined, add the fruit cocktail with juice and eggs. Mix together well.

Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.

Before cake is finished baking, make the following topping:

1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1 cup Splenda granulated
7 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut, optional

Combine the topping ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Boil mixture 5 minutes. Pour topping over the hot cake.

*May use additional white whole wheat flour if you don't have garbanzo bean flour.

**If you cannot have any sugar, use additional Splenda Granulated.

Note: As with all desserts, do not go overboard in one sitting! Diabetics must always eat in moderation.

ROASTED GREEN BEANS WITH MUSHROOMS, BALSAMIC, AND PARMESAN

I got this recipe from a facebook friend's post. Haven't tried it yet but certainly intend to.
Ingredients:

8 oz. mushrooms, sliced in 1/2 inch slices (I used brown crimini mushrooms, but any mushrooms will work)
1 lb. fresh green beans, preferably thin French style beans
1 1/2 T olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
2 T finely grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450F/230C. Wash mushrooms and let drain (or spin dry in salad spinner, which is what I did.) While mushrooms are drying, trim ends of beans and cut beans in half so you have bite-sized pieces. (An easy way to trim them is to gather a small handful of beans, stand them up on cutting board, holding loosely so they will fall down and have ends ends aligned, then trim. Repeat with other end.) Cut mushrooms into slices 1/2 inch thick.

Put cut beans and mushrooms into a Ziploc bag or plastic bowl. Whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar and pour over, then squeeze bag or stir so all the beans and mushrooms are lightly coated with the mixture. Arrange on large cookie sheet, spreading them out well so beans and mushrooms are not crowded. Roast 20-30 minutes, starting to check for doneness after 20 minutes. Cook until beans are tender-crisp, mushrooms are cooked, and all liquid on the pan from mushrooms has evaporated. Season beans to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper, then sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan. Serve hot.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE ALICE SPRINGS CHICKEN

For those of you who enjoy the Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse, here is a recipe from a friend. Since I don't eat chicken I can't vouch for this but I hear it is an almost exact replica of Outback's. I have added notes to make this even more diabetic friendly. I also suggest diabetics cut the cheese back to 1 or 1 1/2 cups.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
Lowry's Seasoning Salt  (Diabetics should apply any salt lightly.)
6 bacon slices
1/4 cup regular mustard
1/3 cup honey
2 Tbsp. Mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
1 cup sliced fresh mushroom
2 cup shredded Colby/Jack cheese (Diabetics should use low-fat cheese)

First, Sprinkle and rub the chicken breasts with seasoning salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

While the chicken is in the refrigerator, cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside. ***Do not discard grease.***

Saute chicken in the bacon grease for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned. Place chicken in a 9" × 13" casserole dish or pan.

To make the Honey Mustard: In a small bowl, mix the mustard, honey, mayonnaise and dried onion flakes.
Spread some of the Honey Mustard over each piece of chicken, then layer with mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.

Bake in a 350° oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken is done.
Serve with the left over Honey Mustard Sauce that you made.

CHOCOLATE ECLAIR CAKE

Note: This cake uses graham crackers. If you have a serious problem with your blood sugar readings, take this into consideration.

2 pkg (3-oz each) instant sugar-free French vanilla pudding mix
3 cups fat-free milk
1 carton (9-oz) Sugar-Free frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 box Graham crackers
1 can ready-to-use sugar-free fudge frosting

Lightly butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or pan. Line bottom of pan with Graham crackers.

Mix the pudding mix with the milk by following directions on box; fold in the whipped topping. Alternate layers of pudding and crackers, ending with a cracker layer. Top with the frosting.

Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Serves 12

LAYERED TURTLE CHEESECAKE - DIABETIC STYLE

I posted a recipe on my Ladybug's Sweet Treats blog that looked so good I decided to try making a diabetic version. It is pretty tasty but as always we diabetics need to remember we must eat all things in moderation!

CRUST:
1 cup white whole-wheat flour
2 tbsp + 2 tsp packed Splenda brown sugar blend
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
6 tbsp cold butter, cubed

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Place a greased 9-inch springform pan on a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18-inches square). Wrap foil tightly around the pan.

In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar blend, and pecans; cut in the butter until crumbly. Press onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees 12 to 15 minutes or until set. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

FILLING:
1 pkg (8-oz each) cream cheese, softened
3 pkgs (8-oz each) low-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup Splenda granulated
2 tbsp + 2 tsp packed Splenda brown sugar blend
1/4 cup + 1 tsp white whole-wheat flour, divided
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate chips, melted and cooled
1/4 cup sugar-free caramel ice cream topping
1/3 cup chopped pecans

In a large bowl, beat cream cheeses and both Splendas until smooth. Beat in 1/4 cup of the flour, whipping cream, and vanilla extract. Add eggs and beat on low speed just until blended. Remove 1 cup of the batter to a small bowl and stir in the melted chocolate; spread over the cooled crust.

In another small bowl, mix the caramel topping with the 1 teaspoon of remaining flour; stir in the pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls over the chocolate batter. Top with the remaining batter.

Place the springform pan in a large baking pan and pour 1-inch of hot water into the baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours until the center is just set and the top appears dull. Remove the springform pan from the water bath then remove the foil. Cool cake on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a thin knife around the sides of the pan to loosen cake. Allow to cool on a wire rack for another hour.

Refrigerate overnight.

GANACHE:
1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Additional sugar-free caramel ice cream topping, if desired

Place chips in a small heat-proof bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the whipping cream just to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chips and whisk until smooth. Cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Remove sides of the pan.

Spread the ganache over top of cheesecake and sprinkle with the chopped pecans. Refrigerate until set.

If desired, drizzle with additional caramel topping before cutting to serve.

EASY CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM

2 cups low-fat cold milk
2 tbsp Splenda granulated
1 pkg (4-serving size) sugar-free instant chocolate fudge pudding mix

In a large bowl, combine all three ingredients; beat on lowest speed of electric mixer for 1 minute or just until blended.

Pour mixture into a shallow pan that is freezer-safe.  Freeze mixture until firm, at least 4 hours.

Remove from freezer and let stand 15 minutes before scooping to serve.

ENCHILADA BAKE

Note: I got this recipe from a friend. It is a facebook post with the info at the end of the post. Don't know what "batch red enchilada sauce" means but I will use a can of enchilada sauce. It is very low carb which is why I am posting it here. Fat content seems a little high but if you are going low carb, it appears to be a good recipe.

THIS IS SOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! Feel Free to Share !!!!!!!!!! 

ENCHILADA BAKE 

Crust: 
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon Taco Seasoning
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 ounce tortilla chips, finely crushed *

Beat or whisk the cream cheese and eggs until smooth. Add the seasoning; mix well. Stir in the cheese and crushed chips; mix well. Grease a 9x13" baking dish or line with parchment paper; spread the cheese mixture evenly over the bottom. Bake at 350º, 35 minutes or until browned, but not too dark. Let stand 5-10 minutes before adding the topping.

* 1/4 ounce is about 4-5 small round tortilla chips. I used the unflavored white corn kind. They only add about 4 carbs to the whole recipe.

Topping:
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning 
1/2 batch Red Enchilada Sauce (about 1 cup)
8 ounces pepper-jack cheese, shredded

Brown the hamburger; drain fat. Stir in the seasoning and enchilada sauce. Spread over the crust. Top with the cheese. Bake another 20 minutes or so until hot and bubbly.

Makes 8 servings

Per Serving: 414 Calories; 32g Fat; 27g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs

The addition of the tortilla chips makes a big difference in this dish and adds less than a carb per serving. I was making the crust for my Enchilada Bake recipe and threw the crushed chips in on a whim. I wasn't even sure if such a tiny bit would be noticeable but was pleasantly surprised to find that they add a nice corn tortilla flavor.

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LOW CALORIE BROWNIES

This is a recipe I saw on facebook. I have not made these yet so cannot personally recommend them. For us diabetics I added unsweetened to the applesauce. Also, I never bake with a stevia product as I find it turns bitter at high temperatures. I use Splenda in all my baking.

(If you don’t save these to your wall, then you are NUTS.. who doesn’t love brownies??)

3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (I used vanilla)
1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup Cocoa powder
1/2 cup Old fashioned rolled oats (like Quaker)
1/2 cup Truvia (or any natural/stevia based sweetener that pours like sugar)
1 egg
1/3 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a square baking dish (I used 8”x8”). Combine all ingredients into a food processor or a blender, and blend until smooth (about 1 minute). Pour into the prepared dish and bake for about 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 9 large squares.