BEAN, PEA AND CORN SALAD

1 can French-style green beans, well drained

1 can baby sweet peas, well drained
1 can shoepeg corn, well drained
2 oz. jar pimentos
1/2 large green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup chopped celery
1 onion, diced

Mix all the above ingredients together in a medium bowl.

Dressing:
1/2 tsp salt (Omit if using canned vegetables with salt)
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tbsp water
3/4 cup vinegar
1 cup Splenda or equivalent of your favorite sweetener
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Combine dressing ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil mixture for two minutes; let cool completely. Pour cooled dressing over the vegetables; mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight or about 8 hours. A perfect make-ahead dish.

Note: I suggest serving this with a lean protein item such as a pork chop, chicken breast, etc.

file photo

BANANA SPLIT CAKE

Crust: 

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

3 small pkgs sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
3 cans fat-free evaporated milk

Topping: 

2 medium bananas, sliced
1 large can crushed pineapple in its own juice
1 carton sugar-free whipped toppingH
3 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
Fresh cherries for garnish, optional
3 tbsp sugar-free chocolate syrup (I recommend Russel Stover brand)

Mix pudding and milk together until thickened. Chill in the refrigerator while making the crust. To make crust, mix graham crackers and butter together and press onto the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Remove filling from refrigerator and spread over top of crust. Add topping ingredients one at a time in the order listed, drizzling the chocolate syrup over all. 

Refrigerate until serving time. Leftovers should be refrigerated.

NOTE: This picture shows a regular banana split cake. We diabetics should omit maraschino cherries as we are already getting a little sugar in the graham cracker crumbs plus the natural fructose from the bananas and pineapple! If you wish to use cherries, be sure to use fresh ones or unsweetened frozen ones that have been thawed and drained well. Dry with paper toweling before placing on cake.

THIS IS NOT AN EVERYDAY DESSERT FOR A DIABETIC BUT IS FINE OCCASIONALLY FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS.

BROILED LEMON LAMB CHOPS

8 lamb chops

1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp grated lemon rind

Combine the oil, lemon, and rind in a cup or small bowl; brush on the chops.

Broil chops 4-inches from the heat for 7 to 10 minutes on each side. Baste occasionally with the lemon/oil mixture.

Note: File Photo

RED WINE VINEGAR MARINADE

1/3 cup red-wine vinegar

2 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp ground red pepper or paprika

Whisk all ingredients together until well blended.

Yield: 1 cup (enough to marinate 1 to 1 1/4 lb of steak.

Note: Can be made in quantity and stored in refrigerator up to a month. Shake or whisk before using.

Note: This is a reference photo only, not a recommendation of this brand. Use your choice of red wine vinegar brands.