BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

3-4 large bananas, ripe and mashed

3/4 cup Splenda or Stevia granular*
1/4 cup egg substitute or 1 egg
1 1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt, optional
1/3 cup butter, melted (or coconut oil)
1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, blend together bananas, sugar and egg or egg substitute. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Blend well. Stir in the butter and chocolate chips. Fill paper-lined muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

* For those who prefer sugar, Splenda measures the same as sugar so use the amount listed.

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CRUSTLESS PUMPKIN PIE

1 can (15-oz) pumpkin

1/3 cup Splenda* Granulated
1 tbsp honey, optional
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup fat-free evaporated milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease an 8-inch springform pan; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl combine the pumpkin, Splenda, honey, and pumpkin pie spice. Add the eggs and vanilla extract; beat lightly just until combined. Gradually stir in the milk.

Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until the center appears set when gently shaken.  Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours but up to 24 hours before cutting to serve.

To serve, loosen from sides of pan by running a thin metal spatula or knife around the edge; remove sides of pan.

Cut pie into 8 wedges to serve. Top each wedge with a dollop of sugar-free frozen whipped topping, thawed and sprinkled with cinnamon, if desired.

* Splenda measures the same as Stevia or even sugar, if you prefer those.

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APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE FOR DIABETICS

2 tbsp butter

1/2 cup sugar-free maple-flavored syrup
2 large baking apples
1/4 cup raisins, optional
1/2 cup sifted cake flour
1 cup white whole-wheat flour
3 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup no-sugar added applesauce
1/3 cup Splenda* granulated (Or Splenda Baking Blend if you can have some sugar)
1 tbsp milk
2 large eggs, well beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt the butter in a 9-inch round cake pan, swirling to coat sides; add the maple-flavored syrup stirring to blend. Allow to cool while you peel, core, and slice the apples. Layer the apples over the maple-butter mixture in the cake pan. Sprinkle the raisins over the apples, if using. Set aside.

Combine the flours, baking soda, and salt in sifter and sift into a small bowl.

In medium mixing bowl or large mixer bowl, cream together the applesauce, Splenda, and milk. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture in small increments alternately with the 2/3 cup of water, beating after each addition. Gently pour the batter over the apples and raisins in the pan. Gently spread batter to even and level. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Turn out onto serving platter immediately after removing from oven.

* Splenda measures the same as Stevia or even sugar, if you prefer those.

NOTE: I do not use raisins. I substitute chopped pecans for the raisins as that is actually better for a diabetic. Also, I can't stand raisins!

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SPIRAL HAM WITH A DIABETIC ORANGE GLAZE

1 fully cooked spiral sliced ham (approx 8-9 lbs)

2 cups water
1/2 to 3/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1/4 cup no-sugar-added orange juice
1 cup Splenda sweetened orange marmalade
1/4 cup Dijon mustard

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place the ham, cut side down, on a rack in a large roasting pan.  Pour the water into the pan; cover the ham with an aluminum foil tent.  Bake1 and 1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Splenda, orange juice, marmalade, and Dijon mustard.  Set mixture aside.

Remove the ham from oven and remove the foil tent.  Liberally brush the glaze mixture over the surface of the ham using 3/4 cup.  Leave the foil off and return ham to the oven for another half hour or until internal temperature is 140 degrees on a meat thermometer.

Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.  Place quartered oranges around ham to garnish, if desired.

Serves around 25

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ITALIAN CHICKEN ARTICHOKE SOUP

1 tbsp canola oil

1 cup chopped onion
1 tsp dried oregano
4 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth*
1 can (14-oz) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, do not drain
2 cups water
6 tbsp minute brown rice
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups diced cooked boneless skinless chicken breast meat
1 pkg (9-oz) frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and chopped
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
Fresh ground black pepper, optional
4 tsp grated Parmesan cheese

Heat canola oil in soup pot over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the onion and oregano; stir and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until onion starts to soften and turn translucent. Stir in the broth, water, tomatoes, rice and salt. Reduce heat to simmer and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.

Add the chicken and the artichoke hearts to the soup. Simmer another 3 to 4 minutes, just until heated through. Stir in the chopped parsley. Season to taste with fresh ground black pepper, if desired. Divide into 4 soup bowls ad sprinkle a teaspoon of the grated Parmesan over each bowl.

*May substitute vegetable broth, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Per serving: 322 calories, 30 g protein, 33 g carbs, 7 g (1 sat) fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 527 mg sodium Bonus: 380 mg omega-3s!

BREAKFAST PANINI

4 slices whole-grain bread (or low-carb bread) of your choice

1/4 cup chopped bell pepper

1 thinly sliced green onion

1/3 cup cooked ham, chopped

2 eggs or 1/2 cup egg substitute

freshly ground black pepper to suit taste

2 slices reduced-fat cheese of your choice

nonstick cooking spray

Spray a small skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and onion; cooking while stirring until veggies begin to soften. Stir in the ham.

In a small bowl beat the eggs with the black pepper and pour over the ham mixture in skillet. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring often, until the eggs are almost set.

Heat grill pan (or a medium skillet). Spray 1 side of each bread slice with the nonstick cooking spray (I like to use the butter flavored spray.) On the unsprayed side of two of the slices, place a slice of the cheese topped with half the egg mixture. Place the unsprayed side of the remaining bread slices over the egg mixture.

Grill the sandwiches approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, using a spatula to press down lightly, until light brown.

To serve, cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while still hot.

Yield: 2 sandwiches 1 sandwich per serving.

Per sandwich: Approximately 270 calories, 24 g protein, 30 g carbs. Perfect carb to protein ratio for us diabetics. Nutritional info based on whole-grain bread.

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SPLENDID BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS

CRUST:

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs*
1/4 cup Splenda Granular
1/3 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, Splenda granular and butter; mix together well. Firmly press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

FILLING:
12-oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup Splenda Granular
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup fresh blueberries

TOPPING:
1/4 cup sugar-free apricot preserves
1 tbsp water

With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the Splenda, beating until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the sour cream and vanilla, beating just until blended. Gently stir in the blueberries. Pour the mixture over the crust in the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until firm. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Combine the preserves with the water in a small saucepan. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the preserves melt. Spread over the filling. Cut into twenty bars before serving.

*If you are worried about the sugar in the graham crackers, substitute some sugar-free butter cookies, crumbled fine.

For this dessert to be healthier, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream. This will not hurt the recipe.

This is a Splenda recipe so we use their product in the recipe. However, if you do not use Splenda, you can use an equal amount of Stevia or even Sugar (if your body can handle it).

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HEALTHY BRAN MUFFINS

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup egg substitute (or 1 egg)
1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
3 tbsp canola or olive oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
dash of salt
1/4 cup instant low-fat milk powder
3/4 cup Splenda (or Stevia) Granulated*
1 cup wheat bran, divided
1 1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour**
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp flaxseeds
2 tbsp raisins, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line 12 muffin cups with paper baking liners.

In a large mixing bowl blend the applesauce, egg substitute, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, salt, milk, and Splenda together using a wire whisk.

Reserve 2 tablespoons of the wheat bran and set aside.  Add remaining wheat bran, flours, baking soda, and cinnamon to the applesauce mixture; stir well to blend.  Mix in the flaxseeds and raisins, if using.

Fill each of the muffin cups 2/3s full of batter.  Sprinkle the reserved wheat bran over the tops of the muffin batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. 

* May use an equal amount of sugar, if you can use sugar.

**May use all-purpose flour although I recommend diabetics always use whole grains instead of refined ones.

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PANKO CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN

2 cups low-fat buttermilk
2 tbsp hot pepper sauce
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 1/2 lbs (8) thin-sliced chicken breast cutlets
2 cups panko breadcrumbs*
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 quarts canola or olive oil for frying**

In a large glass bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, Dijon mustard, egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of the oregano. Add the chicken cutlets to the marinade and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.

In a shallow dish toss together the panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and remaining oregano; set aside.

In a deep pot to avoid hot splatters, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degree or until crumbs sizzle when dropped into the oil. One at a time remove chicken cutlets from the marinade, shaking off the excess. Coat each cutlet with the bread crumb mixture. Discard marinade--do not reuse.

Add two to three cutlets to the hot oil, depending on size of cutlets. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined platter or cookie sheet; keep warm. Let oil reheat then proceed to fry the remaining cutlets.

*You may substitute low carb breadcrumbs, if you desire.

**You may eliminate the oil by using an air fryer

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MANGO-COCONUT COFFEE CAKE

1 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp white whole-wheat flour, sifted, divided
1/2 cup Splenda Baking Blend (Use Splenda or Stevia Granulated if your sugar is hard to control!)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 beaten egg
2/3 cup plain fat-free yogurt
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 medium mango, peeled, seeded, finely chopped (should be around 1 cup)
2 tbsp unsweetened flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan; set aside.

Stir the 1 cup of flour, Splenda, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg together in a large bowl.  Make a well in the center of the mixture and set aside. 

In a small mixing bowl, stir the egg, yogurt, oil, and vanilla together until blended.  Add the egg mixture to the well in the flour mixture.  Stir together just until moistened - the batter will be lumpy.  Toss the mango with the remaining tablespoon of the white whole-wheat flour and stir into the batter.  Spread cake batter into the prepared cake pan.  Sprinkle the coconut over the top of the batter.

Bake cake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cake is best served slightly warm.

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DIABETIC BLUEBERRY CORN MUFFINS

This recipe for Blueberry Corn Muffins is great for anyone but especially so for the diabetic who loves bread. As long as we diabetics eat these in moderation, we can satisfy our bread craving from time to time. Make these in mini muffin pans and use for taking to pitch-ins, when you have guests, or freeze in freezer bags to pull out and have one to three at a time.

1 3/4 cups white whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup Splenda or Stevia granular*
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup egg substitute
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 18-24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or line cups with mini paper liners; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sweetener. In a large mixing bowl, blend the butter until light and fluffy. Slowly add the egg substitute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue to mix until the butter forms small lumps. Add the vanilla and buttermilk to the butter mixture; mix well. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three separate batches, mixing well and scraping down bowl after each addition. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each almost to the top. Bake in the preheated 350-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes or until done.

*3/4 cup granulated sugar may be used for non-diabetics. 

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BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE

This Blueberry Smoothie is recommended for diabetics who are trying to lose belly fat!

1 cup fat-free milk*
6-oz nonfat plain yogurt
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 tbsp flaxseed oil

Put the milk, yogurt, and frozen blueberries into a blender container. Blend for 1 minute. Pour the mixture into a glass and stir in the flax seed oil.

Note: *Soy milk may be substituted for the fat-free milk.

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PORK, SWEET POTATO, AND APPLE STEW

3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces, patted dry with paper towels

1 tbsp fennel seeds, crushed

salt and pepper, to your taste

1/4 cup olive oil

10 cups chicken stock

5 thyme sprigs, plus thyme leaves for serving optional

1 bay leaf

2 lbs sweet potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces

2 med. fennel bulbs, chopped

1 medium Gala or Honeycrisp apple, seeded cored chopped

3 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp cornstarch

Season pork with fennel seeds, salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Brown pork in two batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over, 10-14 minutes. Discard fat and return pork to Dutch oven.

Add stock, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a strong simmer. Cook, loosely covered, until pork is very tender and falling apart, about an hour. Skim and discard any fat.

Add sweet potatoes, fennel and apple. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer. Cook, loosely covered, until pork is very tender and vegetables are almost tender, 15-18 minutes.

Whisk together mustard and cornstarch in a small bowl. Transfer 1/4 cup broth to mustard mixture and whisk until smooth. Add to the pot and cook, stirring, until broth is slightly thickened and vegetables are fork-tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with thyme leaves, if desired.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

recipe basics and photo -Country Living 2025

PUMPKIN OATMEAL RAISIN NUT COOKIES

2 cups white whole wheat flour

1 1/3 cups quick oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup Splenda Granular
1/2 cup packed Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1 cup canned pumpkin or cooked pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
3/4 cup raisins, optional (I omit)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.

In a large mixer bowl beat butter, Splenda both white and brown, until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract mixing well. Add the flour mixture and mix in well. Stir in the nuts and raisins. Drop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.

Bake at 350 degrees for 14 to 16 minutes until cookie are lightly browned and set in the centers. Allow to cool on baking sheets for a couple of minutes then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 4 dozen cookies
Diabetics should be limited to 2 cookies a day!

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PICADILLO PITA WEDGES

1 lb lean ground beef or chicken

1 (16-oz) jar salsa

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed olives

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

Toasted slivered almonds

Toasted whole wheat pita wedges

In a large skillet, cook meat until browned. Drain off any fat and place meat in a 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker. Add the salsa, onion, raisins, olives, vinegar, garlic, cinnamon and cumin.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or on high 3 to 4 hours. Stir in the 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds. Sprinkle with the additional toasted slivered almonds and serve with the toasted pita wedges.

Serving size of 1/4 cup with 4 pita wedges = 127 calories, 5 g fat (1 sat), 257 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 9 g protein.

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EASY HEALTHY PIZZA DOUGH

1 cup white whole-wheat self-rising flour

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Mix together in a bowl until a ball forms.  Remove to a lightly floured surface and knead about 5 minutes or so until elastic.  Shape onto a pizza pan, add toppings and bake at 425 degrees until browned.

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FENNEL ASPARAGUS QUICHE

1 sugar-free pie crust, unbaked

1 lb fresh asparagus, cut into pieces approx. 1-inch long
1 medium-sized fennel bulb
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
3/4 cup fat-free milk
2 tbsp flour
3 eggs
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp salt
dash of fresh ground black pepper
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Line a 9-inch pie plate or quiche pan with the pie crust. Crimp edges as desired. Using a fork, prick the crust on bottom and sides. Line crust with a double thickness of regular aluminum foil or one thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 425 degrees for 8 minutes. Remove foil and back another 4 minutes or until dry and set. Remove crust from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees.

Trim top off the fennel and save a few leaves for garnish. Thinly slice bulb. In a medium covered saucepan, cook the fennel, asparagus, and onion in enough boiling water to cover for about 5 minutes, just until tender.

In a medium bowl, using a wire whisk, combine the milk and flour until smooth. Add eggs, basil, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine.

Spoon the vegetable mixture into the crust. Sprinkle the cheese over the vegetables then slowly and gently pour the egg mixture overall. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately a half hour or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Chop the reserved fennel leaves to garnish top.

Note: If crust should start to become too brown, cover edge with a strip of aluminum foil.

Yield: 6 servings
Per serving: 290 calories, 15 g (6 sat) fat, 122 mg cholesterol, 524 mg sodium, 28 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 12 g protein.
Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 starch, 1 meat, 1 1/2 fat. Carb choices: 2

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APPLE-WALNUT CAKE

Remember this is a dessert and should be treated as such. Make this and share it with family, friends, co-workers, etc. No more than 1 piece a day for the diabetics.

3/4 cup white whole-wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
3/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples
3 tbsp packed Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
3/4 cup Splenda Granulated
4 1/2 tbsp butter, melted
3/4 cup fat-free milk
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

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

In a small bowl combine the flours, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt; set aside.

Place the apples in the prepared baking pan. In a medium bowl beat the Splenda Brown sugar blend, Splenda granulated, and butter in a medium bowl with a wire whisk until well blended. Whisk in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour mixture until smooth. Pour the batter over the apples. Sprinkle walnuts over the batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the apples are tender. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before cutting to serve. Serve while warm and should there be any leftovers, refrigerate them.

Yield: 9 servings.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of sugar-free frozen yogurt. 

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VEGGIE CHOPPED SALAD

3 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli

3 cups finely chopped cauliflower

3 cups finely chopped celery

2 cups frozen peas, thawed

6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

1 1/3 cups olive oil mayonnaise 

1/4 cup granular Splenda or Stevia

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp cider vinegar

1/4 tsp salt, optional - I omit

3/4 cup unsalted peanuts 

In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweetener, cheese, vinegar and salt, if using, until well blended. Add to the salad mixture, toss to coat. Just before serving, stir in the peanuts.

Yield: 12 servings

I got the initial idea for this salad from a 10-year-old magazine.

I redid it to be diabetic friendly.