HAM, CHEESE, MUSHROOM SANDWICHES

Yes, we diabetics do enjoy a sandwich from time to time. When you have the urge or need for a sandwich, give this sandwich a try. There are alternatives and the nutritional numbers below.

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 

pinch of salt, optional
pinch of freshly ground black pepper
pinch of rosemary
2 tbsp mayo
4 slices white whole-wheat (or your favorite low/no carb) bread, toasted
2 slices (or more) lean ham
2 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese

Coat a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and rosemary, stir to combine.

To assemble, spread the mayo on two pieces of the toast. Top each with half the mushroom mixture, 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of cheese. Top with the remaining pieces of toast. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and serve with a pickle spear, if desired.

Note: This sandwich has a good carb/protein ratio making it okay for most diabetics. Each sandwich has approximately 19 g of protein and 32 g of carbs. Numbers were for 1 slice of ham per sandwich. Adding more ham will increase the protein number, using a low/no carb bread will lower carb numbers. You could also choose to eat half a sandwich with some fresh fruit or veggies.

This is a file photo only.

PENUCHE SQUARES

3/4 cup Splenda granulated 

1/2 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
2/3 cup half and half cream (I use evaporated milk sometimes)
2 tablespoons butter (do not substitute margarine)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Butter the sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Add the Splenda granulated and Splenda Brown Sugar Blend, and cream to the saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook while stirring frequently, until a candy thermometer reads 236 degrees or mixture reaches the soft-ball stage. This will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and vanilla extract but do not stir. Cool, without stirring, until mixture reaches 110 degrees. This will take about 50 minutes.

When mixture has cooled, add the pecans and beat with a wooden spoon or a mixer with a paddle attachment until the candy thickens and just starts to lose its gloss. Very quickly pour into an 8-inch square pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the candy evenly in the pan. 

Score into 24 squares and cut completely through when firm. The squares in the file photo below are too large for diabetic pieces! Do not over-indulge. This is a treat and may not be suitable to diabetics whose blood sugar is not controlled. 

POTATO SALAD-SLAW

Yes, I realize that title is confusing but read on. This recipe is a unique combination potato salad and slaw, two things many of us diabetics love but try to eat sparingly. Enjoy this dish instead of a helping of potato salad and one of slaw. Note, there is very little protein in this dish so be sure to eat this with a protein item such as a grilled chicken breast, lean pork chop, etc. The nutritional information follows the recipe. 

3/4 lb small red potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
3 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp German-style mustard
3 tbsp cider vinegar
4 cups bagged coleslaw mix
1 celery stalk, sliced thin
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with boiling water; cook 10 to 15 minutes until tender. Drain well in a colander and set aside.

In a large bowl, using a wire whisk, whisk the mayonnaise and mustard together; gradually add vinegar and whisk until smooth. Toss in the potatoes. Add the coleslaw mix, celery, and green onions; toss to coat.

Cover dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but up to 24 hours. Toss gently before serving. Sprinkle the bacon over potato/slaw mixture.

Yield: 8 servings
Per serving: 80 calories, 12 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein
Dietetic Exchanges: .5 fat, .5 vegetable, .5 starch
Carb Choices = 1

This is a file photo very similar to this recipe. It is important for us diabetics to add the crumbled bacon.

BAKED THREE-CHEESE BEEFY ZITI

Diabetics should not substitute regular pasta for the ones listed. It is important that diabetics avoid regular pastas.

1 pkg (12-oz) uncooked whole-grain (or your favorite low/no carb) ziti pasta

1 lb lean ground beef

1/2 cup sliced or button mushrooms, optional
3 cups sugar-free or low-sugar marinara or pasta sauce
1 pkg (8-oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
3 tbsp pesto sauce
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to pkg directions; drain.

While pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a nonstick skillet and drain well.

In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta with the browned beef and mushrooms, if using.  Add the 2 cups of the marinara sauce, half the mozzarella cheese, half the Parmesan cheese, the ricotta cheese, pesto sauce and red pepper.  Stir until well blended.

Spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.  Spoon the ziti-beef mixture into the baking dish.  Spoon the last cup of marinara sauce over the casserole.  Sprinkle with the remaining halves of the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake the casserole at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until the cheeses are melted and the casserole is bubbly.  Serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

file photo for reference only

 

CINNAMON BAKED CUSTARD

2 large eggs

2 cups low-fat milk
1/3 cup Splenda Granular
1/4 tsp salt
Dash of ground ginger
1/8 to 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Note: Cinnamon is a blood sugar stabilizer so I recommend the 1/4 teaspoon. However, if you aren't fond of cinnamon start with a dash and work your way up. Diabetics should eat cinnamon daily.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease 4 8-ounce custard cups; set in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or pan.

In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, Splenda and salt until well blended. Pour the custard evenly into the 4 prepared cups; sprinkle the tops with the ginger and cinnamon.

Pour hot water 1/2-inch deep on the baking pan.

Bake custards at 350 for 50 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the centers comes out clean.

Remove the cups from the water to a wire rack to cool.

Custard may be served warm or cold. Top with a few fresh berries, if desired.

Leftovers should be refrigerated.

Note: File Photo

ZUCCHINI & TOMATO FRITTATA

2 tbsp olive or canola oil 

1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp thyme
6 whole green onions, chopped fine
1 large egg
3 large egg whites
1 large zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into slices
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 can (16-oz) low-sodium diced tomatoes, drained*
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a nonstick 10-inch skillet that has an ovenproof handle, heat oil over medium heat about 1 minute. Add green onions and cook until soft. Be sure to cook uncovered. Add the garlic, zucchini, tomatoes, basil, thyme, and pepper. Mix and cover, continuing to cook 3 minutes.

In a small bowl whisk together egg & whites; blend into the skillet and sprinkle with cheese. Place in the oven uncovered; bake just until set - about 5 minutes or until golden.

*Or use equal amounts of fresh tomatoes, chopped.

Yield: 4 servings
Per serving: 10 g carbs, 13 g protein

Note: This photo from the Food Channel is used for reference only.

This is not their recipe!

MUSHROOM BISQUE

3/4 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced 

1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 tbsp white whole-wheat flour (or your favorite no/low carb substitute)
1 tsp salt
4 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cups  cream
fresh chopped parsley

In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter; add the mushrooms, garlic, and onion sautéing 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice. Blend in the flour then gradually stir in the broth. Add the salt and pepper. Cook soup, stirring constantly, until the soup is slightly thickened. Stir in the cream, heat thoroughly, but do not boil. Garnish with the chopped parsley.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

Note: This is a file photo of a similar recipe.

"SWEET" 'N' SPICY SNACK MIX

When you really want a snack, try a handful of this. It doesn't sound diabetic-friendly but if you read the nutritional facts below, you will see it is okay once in awhile.

3 cups crispy rice cereal squares

2 cups toasted O-shaped cereal
2 cups small twisted or thin stick pretzels
1 cup oyster crackers 
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 egg white
1/2 cup Splenda granular
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp paprika

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Spray a 10 x 15-inch baking or jellyroll pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine the cereals, pretzels, crackers, and peanuts in a large bowl.

Beat the egg white until foamy and stir in the Splenda, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the cereal mixture in the large bowl; toss to coat well. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 300 degrees. Stirring mixture every 10 minutes during baking. Allow to cool before serving.

Note: May be stored in an airtight container.

Yield: 16 servings
Per serving: Approximately 140 calories, 17 g carbs, 4 g protein, 1 g sugar, 2 g fiber, and 300 mg sodium.

Note: I have never taken a picture of this and the following one is the closest I could find. However it is not this exact recipe.

OAT BRAN PANCAKES

1 cup oat bran hot cereal, uncooked 

1/2 cup white whole wheat flour (or equivalent of your favorite no carb/low carb substitute)
1/4 cup Splenda Granular
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
dash of salt
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup egg substitute*

Heat a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium to medium high heat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat bran, flour, Splenda, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a smaller mixing bowl, beat the buttermilk and egg substitute together using a wire whisk. Pour this mixture over the dry mixture in the other bowl. Stir mixtures together only until mixtures are just blended without large lumps.

Pour approximately 1/4 cup of the batter, per pancake, onto the hot griddle. Cook until pancakes are puffed, browned, and slightly dry around the edges. Flip and cook until the second side is browned.

Serve with your favorite low-sugar or sugar-free syrup, fresh fruit, etc.

*1/4 cup egg substitute is equal to 1 whole egg in a recipe.

Yield: 6 servings
Per serving: 130 calories, 20 g carbs, 7 g protein, 2 g (1 g sat)fat, 2 g fiber, 5 mg cholesterol, 4 g sugar
NOTE: The above nutritional information is for the pancakes only; does not included any toppings. 

FILE PHOTO

Note: File Photo

LEMON AND HERB CHICKEN BREASTS

4 (approx 1 lb total) boneless skinless chicken breast halves 

1 egg, beaten
white whole-wheat flour for coating chicken
3 tablespoons butter
1 envelope (from a 2 envelope box) Golden Herb with Lemon Soup Mix
1 cup water
4 lemon slices
Hot cooked brown rice or whole-wheat noodles(or your favorite low carb/no carb product)

Dip the chicken pieces in the egg then coat very lightly in flour.

Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and brown in the butter.

Mix the soup mix with the water and add to the skillet with the chicken. Place a lemon slice on each chicken breast. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken in thoroughly cooked.

Serve chicken and sauce over the hot rice or noodles.

Yield: 4 servings

Note: File Photo

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE CUPS

CRUST: 36 low-fat, sugar-free chocolate wafer cookies 

1/4 cup Splenda granular
5 tbsp light butter, melted

PEANUT BUTTER CENTER: 1/2 cup Splenda granular
3 tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter
3 tbsp low-fat cream cheese

CHOCOLATE FILLING: 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
8 oz low-fat cream cheese
1 3/4 cup Splenda granular
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 oz sugar-free dark chocolate, melted; optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

CRUST: Crush cookies into fine crumbs by placing in a large zip-lock type bag, sealing and crushing with a rolling pin. Place in small bowl, add Splenda and butter. Mix and set aside.

CENTER: Mix Splenda, peanut butter and cream cheese together well in a small mixing bowl and set aside.

FILLING: In a small saucepan, over low heat, melt unsweetened chocolate. Set aside. Place cream cheese and Splenda in small mixing bowl and beat until soft. Slowly add milk. Mix using a wire whisk, until smooth. Add melted chocolate and stir to mix. Add egg substitute and vanilla. Mix well.

TO ASSEMBLE: Place 24 mini foil baking cups on a sheet pan. Divide crust mixture evenly between the cups. Press into bottom of cups. Place 1/2 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture in the center of each crust. Spoon chocolate filling into cups over the peanut butter mixture and crust. Firmly tap pan on countertop to get rid of any air bubbles. Bake 10-15 minutes or until slightly firm to touch. Chill 2 hours before serving. Drizzle melted chocolate over tops if desired.

Note this is a file photo.

As I always say with "sweets" or dessert recipes, this will not work for all diabetics! If your blood sugar is under control and YOU know how to limit yourself to one or two a day, then give this a try and have a Reese's Cup-type candy to enjoy. Share with family, friends, co-workers, etc so you aren't tempted to over-indulge.

CITRUS CHICKEN WITH ALMONDS

Note: Almonds are a heart-healthy food and should be in everyone's diet. 

4 (1 lb total) boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp Splenda granulated
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp chopped chives
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup raw sliced almonds, toasted

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Place the chicken breasts on an ungreased baking sheet. Using 1 tablespoon of the orange juice, brush the chicken breasts. Place in the oven and bake at 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through.

In a small saucepan, combine the remaining orange juice, lemon juice and chicken broth.

In a small bowl, combine the Splenda and cornstarch; stir into the broth and juice mixture. Heat over medium heat until mixture starts to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove pan from the heat; whisk in the butter. Stir in the chives and parsley.

To serve, place the baked chicken on serving platter. Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the toasted almonds over all.

Yield: 4 servings
Per serving: Approximately 220 calories, 8 g carbs, 28 g protein, 6 g sugar
Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 4 lean meats

Note: File Photo

SAND TARTS

 As always when I post 'sweet' recipes, let me remind you that not all diabetics can handle such recipes. If you are one who cannot, please don't critize those who can. Remember quantity is key. Do not over-indulge!

1 cup butter, softened 

1/4 cup Splenda, granulated
2 cups white whole wheat flour*
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp Splenda, granulated
2 tsp cornstarch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Line cookie sheet/s with parchment paper; set aside.

Beat butter and 1/4 cup Splenda granulated at medium speed with electric mixer about 2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add flour, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in vanilla and pecans. Shape into 1-inch balls and place onto cookie sheets. Bake 20 minutes; remove from oven; when just cool enough to handle, roll in powdered sugar replacement and place on wire racks to cool.

To make a diabetic or "fake" powdered sugar from Splenda:Process 2 tablespoons cornstarch  and 3/4 cup Splenda granular in a blender or food processor until it is the texture of powdered sugar. Roll cookie balls in mixture. Swerve also has a powdered product you may want to try.

*You may want to use 1 cup white whole wheat flour and 1 cup of your favorite low/no carb flour alternative. Make whatever adjustments your alternative flour may call for.

Note: File Photo

APPLE-CHERRY COBBLER

This is an article I wrote ten years ago for an internet publication. I saw it in my archives and thought I would share it with you before deleting it. By the way, my husband now has admitted he never knows when he is eating a sugar-free dessert. He's decided they are as tasty as those full of sugar.The picture is a file photo as I haven't taken one of this recipe.

Have you ever made a mistake or am I the only one who does that? One evening I was working on a new recipe to add to my website and guess what--you got it, I goofed! I had an apple I needed to use and I had a really bad sweet tooth. The perfect combination for coming up with a new recipe for us diabetics.

I was tired and I was excited as I was figuring this all out. I melted butter in a casserole dish in the oven. I grabbed a mixing bowl and started measuring and adding ingredients. "Yum! This sounds good," I thought. The more I worked the better it sounded. So I got a little anxious to get this dessert in the oven, as I knew it would need to bake for about an hour. Glancing at the clock, I realized it would be after 9 pm before my wonderful creation would come out of the oven. And you know we diabetics aren't supposed to eat before going to bed. To bad, guess I'll stay up until midnight.

'

I'm sure you are getting the idea by now that I'm not really concentrating on what I'm doing. Ever been there? I go there often! Too often in fact! I finish up and slide my new creation into the oven, grab a glass of iced tea and head for my computer work area. After all, I do need to get this down on paper and onto my website before I forget exactly what I've done. You see, in addition to being scatter-brained, I am also forgetful. Don't tell anyone, okay? It'll be our secret!

I am sitting at the computer and my husband is in his recliner close by. Suddenly, as I'm listing the ingredients, I gasped. "What is the matter," my husband asks. "I wish you would quit doing that," he adds before allowing me to answer his question. "With you," he continues, "I never know what that's going to mean." To hear him, you'd think I do that fairly often! Silly man!

"I forgot to put the milk in my wonderful new cobbler," I explained, evidently with a worried look on my face.

"Is that all?" he had the nerve to ask. To which I repeated, "Is that ALL? Don't you see," I tried explaining. "You can't make this type of cobbler without milk."

"Then go add some milk," he calmly replies. HUH? My cobbler has been in the oven 10 or 15 minutes. I can't go add some milk! "You can always give it to Dustin" (our 18-year-old grandson)", he adds. "He'll eat anything you make. But you know I won't eat it; it's sugar-free." Isn't that just like a man? Trying to pass the culls off on the grandkids!

But guess what, folks. My cobbler actually turned out to taste pretty good. Even Dustin said so. You know, the grandson who will eat anything I make! So now I have two new recipes in one. Add the milk and you have a cobbler. Forget the milk and you have sort of a fruit crisp dessert. Especially if you hurry to the oven and sprinkle some finely chopped pecans over the top.

If you have a sweet tooth, an apple you need to use and a can of lite cherry pie filling in the pantry, give it a try. You'll be glad you did. By the way, if you don't have an apple you need to use or a can of lite cherry pie filling in the pantry, pick some up the next time you're at the grocery store. It's actually a pretty good dessert. Just ask Dustin, you know, the one who'll eat anything I make.

7 tbsp butter
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 cup Splenda granular
3 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 large apple, peeled and diced
1 can lite cherry pie filling (no sugar added)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put butter into a large oval or a square baking dish and place in oven to melt butter. In a medium mixing bowl, combine Splenda, flour, baking powder, vanilla and milk. Mix well. Remove dish from oven and add batter by pouring into the center of the butter; do not stir or mix. Add apple on top of batter and pie filling on top of apple. Do not stir or mix! Bake at 325 for 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and crispy around the edge.

Serving note: Serve warm with sugar-free vanilla frozen yogurt or whipped cream for a really yummy dessert. Just don't make this often. It is a dessert and must be treated as such One serving for you and the rest for family and/or friends. By the way, I had a serving one day and a serving the next. My blood sugar reading stayed fine both days. Dustin, the grandson took care of the rest of it for me..