OLD-FASHIONED EGGNOG

3 cups 1% milk, divided
1 1/2 cups fat-free half and half
1 tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch
3 large eggs, well beaten
2/3 cup Splenda Granular
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp nutmeg

In a large saucepan, thoroughly whisk together 1 cup of the milk, the half and half, cornstarch, eggs, and Splenda. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and nutmeg until combined. Stir in the remaining milk and allow to cool to room temperature.

Refrigerate until serving time.
Garnish each cup with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings
Per serving: 100 calories, 11 g carbs, 6 g protein, 3 g fat (1 1/3 g saturated)

Note: File Photo

Note: If you want alcohol in your eggnog substitute 1/2 to 1 cup of rum or brandy for the same amount of the milk. But remember that will change the nutritional numbers.

HAM STUFFED SWEET POTATOES

If you enjoy sweet potatoes (yams), there is no reason to give them up. Not all sweet potatoes are covered in heavy syrup and marshmallows. This recipe is a good way to enjoy a nutritious sweet potato even though you are diabetic. This recipe is for two sweet potatoes but can easily be doubled for 4 or tripled for 6.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 large sweet potatoes
1/2 tbsp butter
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup chopped fully cooked ham (As a diabetic, I use 1/2 cup to add more protein.)
1 tbsp finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Scrub potatoes and pierce; bake at 350 degrees for an hour or more until tender. Set aside to cool.

When potatoes are cooled enough to handle, cut a thin slice off the top of each potato. Scoop out the pulp, leaving about 1/4-inch shell. Place pulp in a bowl, add the butter, olive oil and mash. Stir the ham, onion and cinnamon into the mashed potatoes; spoon mixture into the shells.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes to heat through.

Note: Remember cinnamon is a good blood sugar stabilizer so do not omit.

There's a lot of good nutrition in a sweet potato.

CHERRY ANGEL TRIFLE

Yesterday I had a sweet tooth so I pulled out a few ingredients and made this tasty trifle. I think it is yummy.

1 sugar-free angel food cake (I buy mine at Walmart)
2 cans (20-oz each) Splenda sweetened cherry pie filling
1 carton sugar-free frozen whipped topping, thawed
Pecan pieces for garnish, if desired

In a large bowl, break up half the cake into bite-size pieces and spread over bottom of bowl.

Top cake pieces with one can of the pie filling, spreading evenly over the cake.

Top pie filling with approximately 2/3s to 3/4s of the whipped topping.

Repeat the process ending with the remaining whipped topping in the center of the dish. Sprinkle the pecans over the topping as a garnish, if desired.

Notes: Nuts are good for diabetics, especially with sweets; so I would not eliminate the nuts. Almonds would also go good with cherry pie filling.
Other pie fillings such as blueberry, apple, etc work well, too. With apple I like to sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on the top.

PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

This is my diabetic version of a cake recipe I had for years.

1 box (2 layer size) yellow sugar-free cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup canola or coconut oil
1 can (8-oz) crushed pineapple in its own juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In large bowl, combine all cake ingredients, including the pineapple juice, and mix together well.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before icing with the following icing.

Icing:
1 carton (8-oz) sugar-free frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 box (4-serving size) sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
1 can (8-oz) crushed pineapple in its own juice

Combine all icing ingredients and spread over the top of the cake.

Yield: 12-15 servings

Because of the whipped topping icing, leftovers should be refrigerated.

Reminder: This is a dessert. One square a day! This cake is so tasty you can serve it to anyone and they won't even know it is sugar-free unless you tell them. Perfect for large family meals and pitch-in meals at work, church, etc.

Note: File Photo

CHOCOLATE FROSTY

This is a Splenda recipe by Marlene Koch.

1 individual serving packet Splenda-sweetened sugar-free hot chocolate mix (Swiss Miss)
1/2 cup 1% milk
1 tablespoon Splenda Granular (or 2 Splenda packets)
2 teaspoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar-free low-carb vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup crushed ice

1. Place hot chocolate mix, milk, Splenda, and cocoa in a blender. Blend to mix.
2. Add vanilla ice cream and ice and blend until thick and frosty.

Serves One

Per Serving:
Calories 200
Carbohydrate 24 grams
Protein 13 grams
Fat 5 grams (3.5 saturated)
Fiber 4 grams
Sodium 220 milligrams

Diabetic Exchange = 1/2 Milk, 1 Starch
WW Points = 4 points

Did you know - A medium Frosty from Wendy's contains 440 calories, 11 grams of fat, and 73 grams of carbohydrate!

Note: File Photo of Similar Recipe

GUY AND HUNTER FIERI'S CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH

This recipe is from 2011 when Guy said his son Hunter ate this sandwich three times a week.

2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken, skin removed
1/2 cup diced celery
1/3 cup diced carrot
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise made with olive oil
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp granulated garlic
Pinch of paprika
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 whole-wheat sourdough rolls, split and toasted
Lettuce and tomato for garnish

In a bowl, combine the chicken, celery, carrot, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, celery salt, garlic, paprika, and black pepper; mix until combined.

Serve on the toasted rolls with a slice of lettuce and a slice of tomato on each sandwich.

Note: You can eat this on a lettuce leaf to save the bun carbs and calories, if desired.

Note: File Photo

QUICK AND EASY TUNA CHOWDER

2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
3 tbsp white whole-wheat or almond flour
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 can (17-oz) cream-style corn
2 cups 2% milk
1 can (12-oz) solid white tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup water
1 tsp chicken flavored instant bouillon

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add the celery, onion, and carrot. Saute the vegetables about 3 minutes until crisp tender. Add the flour and seasoning to the veggies, blending well. Stir in the corn, milk, tuna, water, and bouillon, stirring to blend.

Cover the pan and simmer 5-10 minutes, without boiling!, until heated through. Stir occasionally during this time.

Yield: 4 servings

 Note: File Photo

CINNAMON RAISIN BREAD PUDDING FROM EQUAL

A few years ago we were at the Ft Worth VA when they were passing out diabetic recipes.  This is one of them. I have never made it as I hate raisins.

2 cups fat-free milk
2/3 cup Equal Spoonful or 16 packets Equal Sweetener
4 tbsp stick butter, melted
1 egg
2 egg whites
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups 3/4-inch cubes day old cinnamon raisin bread

Combine the milk, Equal, butter, egg, egg whites, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl; stir in the bread cubes.

Spoon the mixture into an ungreased 1 1/2-quart rectangular casserole dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pudding is set and a sharp knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Yield: 6 servings
Per serving:  232 cal, 90 cal from fat, 10 g total fat, 2 g sat fat, 37 mg cholesterol, 405 mg sodium, 26 g total carbs, 2 g dietery fiber, 10 g protein
Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1 1/2 starch, 2 fat 

 

Note: File Photo

DIABETIC APPLE CRISP

This is one of my old Internet articles I came across in the archives. It was first published in February 2008.I did make one change. I changed the all-purpose flour to white whole-wheat. Today we have excellent white whole-wheat flour on the market. In fact, it is all I buy now. No refined white flour in my house.

If you have a diabetic among your family and/or friends, there is no need to worry about what to serve for dessert. There is also no need to make two desserts, one for the diabetic and one for everyone else. With this delicious Apple Crisp recipe, everyone can enjoy the same dessert and you won't hear one complaint. That is because this dessert doesn't taste like a "diabetic dessert". When you serve this recipe, no one will guess you just served them a diabetic crisp. If you and/or the diabetic don't tell, no one will ever know!

                           

DIABETICS APPLE CRISP

1/2 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
2 tbsp white whole wheat (or almond)  flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (Rome recommended)
TOPPING:
1 1/4 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup white whole-wheat (or almond) flour
1/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
3/4 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
To make the apple filling, combine brown sugar blend, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add apples, tossing to coat. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Set aside.
To make topping, combine oats, flour, brown sugar blend and nuts in a bowl. Stir in butter. The mixture will be crumbly. Spoon over the apples mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Best when served warm.

NOTE: Yield: 9 servings at 310 calories, 38 carbs, 4 grams protein each. As with all fruits, there is the natural sugar of the apples and a high carb count. However, the oats and nuts counter balance most of that. Enjoy this dessert after a meal that has a good protein count. You would not want to serve this dessert after a pasta or vegetarian meal. And as with all desserts, it is not a good idea to over indulge!
Enjoy!

 Note: This is a file photo.

HEALTHY OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN

8 chicken legs and/or thighs - bone-in, skins removed
1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cups fresh crumbled whole-grain bread crumbs
1 tsp smoked paprika*
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil or canola oil nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub completely with the Dijon mustard.

In a shallow bowl or a pie plate, combine the bread crumbs, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper; dredge the chicken in the mixture to coat overall; pat to hold crumbs in place.  Arrange the chicken in the prepared baking sheet; spray with the nonstick spray.

Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.  Reduce the heat to 425 degrees and bake until golden brown and juices run clear when pierced with fork, about 10 to 15 minutes.

*regular paprika may be used

Note: This is a file photo.

DIABETIC SNACKING

Everyone snacks from time to time and we diabetics are no exception.  In fact we should eat 5 times a day and a couple of those times will probably be snacks.  The key is to eat something healthy that will keep our blood sugar regulated.  Here are some ideas for snacks you can carry with you even when you are on the go.

• a hard boiled egg
• small package (or a few in a baggie) of almonds (also heart healthy), pistachios, peanuts, or sunflower seeds; unsalted is best for all those treats.  If you can't grab unsalted, a little salt won't hurt most of us.
• baby carrots
• celery sticks (have a negative calorie effect - it burns up more calories to chew and digest them than what we take in!)
• low-fat string cheese
• apple slices

I'm sure you get the idea and can add to the list with other of your favorites.  Skip the candy bars, potato chips, etc whenever possible.

 File Photo for reference only. If you eat the pretzels, eat them with peanut butter. I do that without it affecting my blood sugar. These are ideas. Use what works for you.

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder (not hot chocolate mix) + additional for dusting, if desired
1 1/4 cup white whole-wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup Splenda granulated OR equivalent of your favorite sugar substitute
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini
2/3 cup sugar-free chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt for garnish, if desired. Omit if you have to be cautious about salt.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a loaf pan with nonstick butter-flavored cooking spray and dust lightly with cocoa powder; set aside.

In a large bowl, using a whisk, combine the 1/2 cup cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

In a second large bowl, combine Splenda, egg and egg yolk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and the melted butter; mix until smooth. Add the zucchini. Stir in the flour mixture, 1/3 at a time. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly in the pan. Remove to a wire rack to finish cooling. Sprinkle with the sea salt, if using.

Note: A friend shared a recipe with me from Delish wondering if diabetics could eat it. I redid the recipe to make it diabetic-friendly.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH SPLENDA

4 medium sweet potatoes
3/4 cup Splenda Granulated
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
2 tsp grated orange rind
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
3 tbsp butter, melted
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
2 tbsp butter, melted
3 tbsp sugar-free maple-favored syrup

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour or until done.  Cool to the touch; peel and mash.  Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.

Lightly grease or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish; set aside.

Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, Splenda, evaporated milk, orange rind and juice, vanilla extract, egg, flour, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter together.  Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.  Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl combine the panko crumbs, pecans, 2 tablespoons melted butter and the maple-flavored syrup together.  Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potato mixture. 

Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Yield: 14 servings.

 Note: File Photo

WEIGHT LOSS LONG TERM

We diabetics often battle weight problems. If you get discouraged trying to shed pounds, remember this: THINK OF WEIGHT LOSS AS A LONG TERM PROCESS. Successful weight loss is not a quick fix but rather a lifestyle change in eating habits. As we all know, most habits die slowly!

VENISON STEAK WITH BLUEBERRIES

2 tablespoons butter, melted

4 venison steaks, 1/2-inch thick
1 large lemon, juiced and peel grated
1 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup fresh blueberries*
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground ginger
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add the vension steaks and cook until medium rare (or desired doneness) and browned on both sides. Remove to a platter and keep warm.

De-glaze the skillet with the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon rind. Cook over high heat until the liquid is reduced to a half cup. Lower the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 1 at a time. Add the blueberries, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper to the sauce.

To serve, pour the blueberry sauce over the steaks and serve immediately.

Note: File Photo

FOR ALL THE MOTHERS WHO FOLLOW THIS BLOG!

WHOLE GRAIN PIZZA CRUST

If you are a diabetic who loves pizza, do not be disheartened.  Make your own pizza starting with this healthy crust.

1 to 1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 cup white whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal (not cornbread mix!)
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
1 tsp active dry yeast
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)

In a large bowl combine 1 cup of the bread flour, the whole-wheat flour, cornmeal, yeast, flaxseed meal, and salt.  Add the warm water and stir until combined.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  Knead in enough of the remaining bread flour to make a soft dough that is elastic.  This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.  Shape the dough into a ball.

Lightly grease a bowl and place the ball of dough into the bowl.  Turn ball once to allow top to be greased.  Cover dough and let rise in a warm spot for 2 to 3 hours until doubled in size.  Punch down the dough.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two equal portions.  Cover and let rest for approximately 10 minutes before using.

Yield: Enough dough for 2 12-inch pizzas.

Note: File Photo

EASY OREO COOKIE DESSERT

2 small pkgs sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix

3 cups low-fat milk
8-oz light cream cheese, softened
8-oz carton frozen sugar-free whipped topping, thawed
16 Oreo sugar-free cookies, broken into pieces

Extra Oreo cookies to break over the top as garnish, if desired.

Mix together pudding mix and milk on low speed of electric mixer; add cream cheese and mix until well blended. Add whipped topping and mix well with a large spoon (do not use mixer). Add cookie pieces and mix in. Place in a serving dish and chill for several hours or overnight before serving.

Note: File Photo

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.

BAKED GREEN BEANS AND BACON

4 cans  (2 no salt) whole green beans, drained

8 slices bacon, cooked and broken up
4 tbsp salt-free butter
4 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp Splenda brown sugar blend
2 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Spread the green beans over the bottom of a 9 X 13-inch baking pan or dish; spinkle bacon over the beans.

In a glass measuring cup, combine the butter, oil, Splenda, and garlic; microwave until butter is melted. Stir mixture well to blend.

Pour the butter mixture over the beans and bacon in the baking pan.

Bake at 400 for 45 minutes.

Note: File Photo

CARROT AND PINEAPPLE GELATIN SALAD

1 can (8-oz) unsweetened crushed pineapple 

1 pkg (.3-oz) sugar-free lemon gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1 tsp white vinegar
1/8 tsp salt*
2 medium carrots, grated

Drain the pineapple well, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice; set aside.

In a bowl that can withstand boiling water, dissolve the lemon gelatin in the boiling water. Stir to dissolve all the gelatin. Stir in the cold water, vinegar, salt, and the reserved pineapple juice. Chill for about 45 minutes until partially thickened. Stir in the carrots and pineapple. Pour into a 3-cup mold that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lightly oiled. Chill until firm. Unmold to serve.  

Note: May also be placed in a clear glass bowl instead of a mold. Can then be served directly from the bowl.

Yield: 4 servings
Per serving: 59 calories, 0 fat, 12 carbs, 1 protein, 2 fiber, 158 mg sodium

*Cut down on sodium by omitting the salt.

Note: File Photo

PERFECT DIABETIC APPLE PIE

1 pkg (15-oz) refrigerated pie crusts or your own special sugar-free recipe for double crust pastry 

Filling:
6 cups thinly sliced and peeled Granny Smith or other tart apples
3/4 cup Splenda Granulated
2 tablespoons white whole-wheat flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Line a 9-inch pie plate with pastry; set aside. Roll out top pastry and cut air vents. Leave on board until ready to top the filling.

In a large bowl, combine the apples, Splenda, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss together until blended and all apples are coated. Place apple mixture into the crust in the pie plate. Place the top pastry over the filling, trim and fold the edge of the top crust under the edge of the bottom crust. Using fingers or a fork, flute the edges, sealing well. Brush the crust lightly with a small amount of water and sprinkle with a little Splenda, if desired.

Bake at 425 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is a golden brown. To prevent excess browning, about 15 to 20 minutes into the baking, place foil rings around the edges of the crust.

Yield: 8 servings Yes, 8, not 6. Remember this is a dessert and should be treated as such.

 File Photo

LEMON SIRLOIN

1 (2 to 2 1/2-lb) sirloin steak cut 1 1/2-inches thick 

2 green onions, sliced including tops
1 tsp finely shredded lemon peel
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup canola or olive oil
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Trim excess fat from the steak. Place steak in large zip-type plastic bag that you sit in a shallow bowl.

To make the marinade: Combine the green onions, lemon peel and juice, oil, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper, stirring with a wire whisk. Pour the marinade into the bag. Close the bag and gently rotate around to coat the entire steak. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours up to 8 hours; turn the bag occasionally.

Remove the meat from the marinade and pat dry. Grill over medium coals (or on inside grill) turning only once during cooking. It takes about 18 to 22 minutes for medium rare; adjust your time accordingly. Brush occasionally with the marinade but not within the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

To serve, cut into thin slices slicing against the grain.

Yield: Approximately 8 servings.

Note: This is a file photo.

TEXAS COW PATTY CANDY

1 stick butter 

2 cups Splenda granular
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a 2-qt saucepan, combine butter, Equal or Splenda, cocoa and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until mixture begins to boil. Boil for a full two minutes, stirring often. Remove mixture from the heat and add vanilla and peanut butter. Stir until peanut butter is melting. Add the oats and stir until all the oats are covered. Drop by a teaspoon onto waxed paper or lightly buttered cookie sheets. Allow to cool fully so candy will set. 

Note: File Photo

CHOCOLATE LASAGNA

1 pkg sugar free Oreos
6 tbsp butter, melted
1 pkg (8-oz) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup Splenda Granular
2 tbsp cold low-fat milk
1 carton (12-oz) sugar-free frozen whipped topping, divided
1 pkg (4-serving size) instant sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
3 1/4 cups cold low-fat milk
1 cup sugar-free chocolate chips

Crush cookies to fine crumbs; transfer to a large bowl. Add the 5 tablespoons of melted butter and stir with a fork until combined. Press mixture onto the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Refrigerate while you continue with the recipe.

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy; add the 2 tablespoons of milk and the Splenda; mix well. Stir in 1 1/4 cups of the whipped topping; spread over the chilled crust.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the pudding mix and the 3 1/4 cups of milk until the pudding starts to thicken. Spread mixture over the cream cheese layer. Let set for 5 minutes for the pudding to firm up.

Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top of the lasagna; sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top. Refrigerate 4 hours before cutting to serve.

Note: File Photo

PISTACHIO DREAM CAKE

NOTE: If you want to try this cake just be sure you share with family and/or friends and only have 1 piece yourself. This should be for special occasions only and only then if your blood sugar is under control! Not all diabetics can indulge in desserts.

1 box (2-layer size) sugar-free yellow cake mix
1 pkg (1-oz) instant sugar-free pistachio pudding mix
1 carton (8-oz) nonfat plain yogurt
3 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sugar-free lemon-lime soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, pudding mix, yogurt, egg whites, and vanilla extract; beat on low speed for 1 minute. Gradually beat in the soda.

Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and bake at 350 degrees 20-25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Frost with the following:

Frosting:
1 1/2 cups cold fat-free milk
1 pkg (1-oz) instant sugar-free pistachio pudding mix
2 cups sugar-free frozen whipped topping, thawed

In a mixing bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix; beat on low for 2 minutes. Fold in the whipped topping and spread over the cake.

Note: Cake should be stored in the refrigerator.

Yield: 20 servings
Per serving: 148 calories, 28 g carbs, 3 g protein
Diabetic Exchange: 2 starch

Note: File Photo