QUICK AND EASY STRAWBERRY-RASPBERRY DESSERT

2 pkts sugar-free Hazelnut-flavored coffee creamer

1 cup thawed sugar-free nondairy whipped topping
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup raspberries

Mix the coffee creamer with the nondairy whipped topping; set aside.

In a large bowl, toss the strawberries and raspberries together.  Place berries into individual dessert dishes and top each with a dollop of the flavored whipped topping.

Option: For a light, refreshing patriotic red, white, and blue dessert replace 1 cup of the strawberries with 1 cup of blueberries.

Note: File Photo

WHOLE-WHEAT PASTRY

When you need pastry for a special occasion (should not be a regular part of a diabetic diet) this is better for you than regular pastry.

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp canola oil
4 tbsp cold water, divided

In a medium bowl combine the two flours and salt.  Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in the canola oil and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cold water over the mixture and toss with a fork. 

Push the moistened dough to the side of the bowl and repeat the process with the additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all the flour is moistened.  Shape the mixture into a ball.  Roll out dough as you would with any other pastry recipe.

Note: File Photo - mine are never this pretty!

HAM AND CHEESE GRITS CASSEROLE

If you have ever lived anywhere in the South you know grits are a kitchen staple. Here is a good breakfast casserole using grits. This recipe is from a lady here in the DFW Metroplex with a few of my variations. 

3 cups chicken stock
1 cup quick-cooking grits
1/2 cup Southwestern-style egg substitute
5-oz reduced-fat Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/4 cup low-fat milk
2 tbsp butter
1 1/4 cups cubed fully cooked ham
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 to 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bring the chicken stock to boiling in a large saucepan; slowly stir in the grits. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, about 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat.

In a small bowl, stir a small amount of the hot grits into the egg substitute; return to the pan, mixing well. Add the Velveeta, milk and butter, stirring until the cheese is melted. Stir in the ham, onions, and spices.

Transfer grits mixture to the prepared baking dish; sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.

Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Allow to stand around 10 minutes before cutting into 6 squares to serve.

Nutritional Information per serving: Calories 284, Fat 12 g (7 sat), Fiber 1 g, Carbs 26 g, Protein 20 g
Note: This carb to protein ratio in this dish is a good one for diabetics.

Note: File Photo

PUMPKIN PENNE

Pumpkin is a very healthy food and should not be put on the back shelf until Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Eat it year round.  This Pumpkin Baked Penne is a good way to enjoy pasta and get the benefits of pumpkin. 

1 pkg (14.5-oz) multigrain* penne (always use multi-grain or whole-grain pastas!)
1 tsp canola or olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (15-oz) pumpkin
1 can (28-oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cook the pasta according to package directions leaving out any salt or butter/oils; drain.

In a large saucepan or a Dutch oven, heat the olive or canola oil.  Add the onion and garlic, cooking and stirring for about 3 minutes to soften.  Add the ricotta cheese, chicken broth, pumpkin, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.  Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove from the heat and stir in the drained pasta.

Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.  Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. 

Bake pasta at 375 degrees for approximately a half hour until bubbly and the cheese is melted and turned a golden brown.

Serve as a side dish to a lean protein item.

*May substitute veggie pasta or your favorite low/no carb pasta.

Yield: 9 servings

Note: File Photo

DIETITIAN QUOTE

"The way a person with diabetes should eat is the model we'd like everybody to follow." By Rebecca Fliszar, RD.