ROASTED GREEN BEANS WITH MUSHROOMS, BALSAMIC, AND PARMESAN

I got this recipe from a facebook friend's post several years ago.

8 oz. mushrooms, sliced in 1/2-inch slices (I used brown cremini mushrooms, but any mushrooms will work)
1 lb. fresh green beans, preferably thin French style beans
1 1/2 T olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
2 T finely grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450F/230C. Wash mushrooms and let drain (or spin dry in salad spinner, which is what I did.) While mushrooms are drying, trim ends of beans and cut beans in half so you have bite-sized pieces. (An easy way to trim them is to gather a small handful of beans, stand them up on cutting board, holding loosely so they will fall down and have ends aligned, then trim. Repeat with the other end.) Cut mushrooms into slices 1/2 inch thick Put cut beans and mushrooms into a Ziploc bag or plastic bowl. Whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar and pour over, then squeeze bag or stir so all the beans and mushrooms are lightly coated with the mixture. Arrange on large cookie sheet, spreading them out well so beans and mushrooms are not crowded. Roast 20-30 minutes, starting to check for doneness after 20 minutes. Cook until beans are tender-crisp, mushrooms are cooked, and all liquid on the pan from mushrooms has evaporated. Season beans to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper, then sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan. Serve hot.

EASY TIRAMISU BOWL

Dairy products (full fat) are good for diabetics, so refrain from using low-fat milk. Also, up to 1-ounce a day of dark chocolate is healthy for diabetics. When buying dark chocolate, look for 75% to 90% cacao/cocoa. Raspberries have the lowest glycemic index of the berries, so enjoy.

1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened

3 cups cold milk
2 pkgs (3.4 oz each) sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix
1 tub (8-oz) sugar-free frozen whipped topping, thawed
48 sugar-free vanilla wafers
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
2 squares unsweetened dark chocolate, grated
1 cup fresh raspberries

Extra whipped topping for garnish, if desired

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk and pudding mix. Stir in 2 cups whipped topping.

Line a 2 1/2-quart clear glass bowl with 1/2 the vanilla wafers and drizzle with half the coffee. Top with 1/2 the pudding mixture and 1/2 the grated chocolate. Repeat the process starting with the remaining vanilla wafers.

Garnish the top with the remaining whipped topping and the fresh raspberries.

 

PERINI RANCH STEAKHOUSE RUB

This is the house rub at the Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas. This is not only used on steaks but on lamb chops and ribs.

1 tbsp flour

1 tbsp coarsely ground sea salt

4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

1 tsp dried oregano

4 tsp granulated garlic

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp granulated beef stock base

Mix ingredients together; sprinkle or rub into meat.

Store in an airtight container

Yield: 1/2 cup 

Grilled Lamb Chops with this rub from Perini Ranch Steakhouse.

SALMON WITH SPRING VEGGIES

Quick and Easy, ready in about a half hour. And it's healthy, too.

8-oz baby carrots or regular carrots cut into thin strips

8-oz thin asparagus

4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces

4 (4-oz each) skinless salmon fillets

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lemon, thinly sliced

2 tbsp minced chives

Move oven rack to lowest position and heat to 400-degrees.

Line a rimmed baking pan with a sheet of parchment paper.

In a microwave-safe bowl, cover carrots and asparagus with water. Microwave until tender, 2 to 3 minutes and drain. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again.

Place scallions and vegetables on the parchment. Arrange salmon over the top. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper and crushed red pepper. Fold and crimp paper over salmon to seal. Bake until salmon flakes easily (press through the paper to test doneness} 20-25 minutes. Carefully open parchment and transfer to plates. Garnish with lemon slices and chives.

Yield: 4 servings  Per serving: 340 calories, 25g protein, 9g carbs, 260 mg sodium

recipe and photo Woman's World 2026

HOMEMADE HAWAIIAN PUNCH

 This is a good recipe to use when you need/want a low-sugar festive drink for children or diabetics. Snack should include a protein item such as a handful of nuts or a cheese stick.

2 cups light cranberry juice (I recommend Ocean Spray Lightstyle)

1 cup fresh orange juice1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice*

2 tbsp Splenda Stevia Granular (or 3 packets)

1 cup cold water

Fresh orange wedges to garnish glasses, if desired, or fresh orange slices to float in punch bowl.

Mix all the juices, Splenda, and water in a large pitcher or a punch bowl. Stir well to combine.

May be served in 8-oz glasses over ice or in punch cups for festive occasions. Garnish with oranges as described, if using.

Yield: 6 servings

Per serving: 45 calories, 11 g carbs, 1 g protein

Diabetic Exchange: 1 fruit

Weight Watchers Point: 1

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SWEET POTATO WONTONS

Remember these wontons are considered appetizers. Don't get carried away, only 1 or 2 at a time.

24 wonton wrappers

2 tbsp butter, melted

3 tbsp mango chutney

2 tbsp butter

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 tsp curry powder

1 tsp minced fresh garlic

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tbsp white whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups chopped cooked sweet potato

1/3 cup whipping cream

Carrots, cut into bite-size thin strips and sauteed (optional for garnish)

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. 

Brush wonton wrappers with the 2 tablespoons melted butter. Press wrappers, buttered sides down, onto twenty-four 1 3/4-inch muffin cups, pleating as necessary. Bake about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, cup up any large pieces of fruit in the chutney; set aside. In a heavy skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion, curry powder, ginger, and garlic; cook until onion is tender. Stir in the flour. Stir in cooked sweet potato, whipping cream, and chutney. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Cook, stirring 1 more minute.

Spoon sweet potato mixture into the wonton shells. If using, sprinkle with the carrots. Serve immediately.

Yield: 24  Per wonton: 75 calories, 3g (2 sat) fat, 1g protein, 10g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 83mg sodium

 

recipe and photo fresh food fast volume 2

PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

This is my diabetic version of a cake recipe I've had for years. This is not sugar free as the pineapple and juice have natural sugar. Here is my way to deal with that. Since dairy products are good for diabetics, drain the pineapple in the cake recipe while saving the juice. Measure the juice, discard. and replace the juice with same amount of whole milk

1 box (2-layer size) sugar-free yellow cake mix

4 eggs

1/2 cup olive 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: 21-24 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 diabetic-friendly unless you tell them. Perfect for large family meals and pitch-in meals at work, church, etc.

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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. This is an Equal recipe, so I have used their product. Feel free to use an equivalent of your favorite sweetener, but remember that may change the nutritional information shown below.

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 serving 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 dietary fiber, 10 g protein

Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1 1/2 starch, 2 fat 

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BISCUIT TOPPED TURKEY POT PIE

 Many of you will shudder at the idea of a biscuit. Fine, skip this recipe. This is a diabetic-friendly recipe as you will see in the nutritional information. This dish has a great carb to protein ratio and should be okay for diabetics whose blood sugar is controlled. If you have trouble controlling your blood sugar, feel free to skip the recipe as a biscuit is probably not a good idea for you. Please refrain from scolding those who can eat it!

Filling:

3 tsp olive or canola oil

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

2 celery stems, sliced

1 small onion, diced

2 tbsp white whole-wheat flour

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

1 cup cubed potatoes

1/2 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp salt

dash of freshly ground black pepper

2 cups cubed turkey breast (cooked)

1/3 cup frozen peas

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the bell peppers, onion, and celery; cook while stirring for 4 to 5 minutes to soften veggies.  Stir in the flour until blended then stir in the broth.  Add the potatoes, thyme, salt, pepper.  Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook on simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the turkey and the peas to the simmering mixture; cook another 5-7 minutes or until the potato is tender and peas are hot.  Pour the mixture into a very lightly greased 1-qt casserole dish.

Biscuits:

3/4 cup white whole-wheat flour (using whole-grain flour is important for the diabetic)

3/4 tsp baking powder

dash of salt

1/8 tsp baking soda

3 tbsp cold butter, cut-up

3 tbsp low-fat buttermilk

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until butter is pea-sized.  Stir in the buttermilk.  Place mixture on a lightly floured surface and knead lightly.  Pat dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness; use a biscuit cutter or a 2-inch glass to cut dough into 5 biscuits.  Reroll dough as needed.  Place biscuits on top of the filling and bake at 425 degrees 12-15 minutes until the topping is lightly browned.

Yield: 5 servings of 1 biscuit and 3/4 cup turkey/vegetable mixture = 250 calories, 30 g carbs, and 18 g protein per serving.

Dietary exchange: 2 starch, 2 meat, 1 fat per serving

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DIABETIC 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 overindulge!
Enjoy!

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HASH BROWN QUICHE

3 cups frozen loose-packed hash browns, thawed

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 cup diced fully cooked ham

1 cup (4-oz) shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Preheat oven to 425-degrees

Press hash browns between paper towel or remove excess moisture. Press into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Drizzle with the butter. Bake at 425-degrees for 25 minutes.

Combine the ham, cheese and bell pepper; spoon over the crust.

In a small bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper together. Spoon over the ham mixture. Reduce oven temperature to 350-degrees. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before cutting to serve.

Yield: 6 servings

Note: Hashbrown crust may be made and baked the night before to save time in the morning. Cooked bulk sausage may be substituted for the ham, if desired.

file photo for reference

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

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CHICKEN SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS

Nonstick olive oil cooking spray

4 medium-sized red, yellow, orange and/or green bell peppers, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 large, sweet onion, cut into thin wedges

2 cups grape tomatoes 

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 pkg (12-oz) Italian-flavor cooked chicken sausage, bias-sliced into thirds

1 tbsp snipped fresh oregano

Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Coat a 15x10-inch baking pan with the nonstick cooking spray.

In the prepared pan combine peppers, onion, and tomatoes. Drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and toss gently to coat. Roast in oven 30 minutes.

Push veggies to one side, exposing approximately 1/4 of the pan. Place sausage in the pan and roast another 10-15 minutes or until veggies are tender and sausage is heated through. Sprinkle with the oregano.

Yield: 4 servings Per serving of 1 1/3 cups: 249 calories, 11g fat (3 sat), 18g protein, 20g carbs, sodium 494g

recipe idea and photo Fresh Food Fast Vol 2

 

COOL RASPBERRY PIE

This cool, refreshing pie is a good dessert option for summertime family meals, picnics, pitch-ins, etc. Remember it is a dessert! One slice only per day.

2/3 cup boiling water

1 pkg (4-serving size) sugar-free raspberry gelatin

1/2 cup cold water

ice cubes to make above cold water = 1 cup

1 tub (8-oz) sugar-free frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 reduced-sugar graham cracker pie crust*

1/4 cup fresh raspberries for garnish, if desired

In a large bowl stir the boiling water into the raspberry gelatin at least 2 minutes to completely dissolve (gelatin must be completely dissolved). Add the ice water to the gelatin mixture, stirring until ice melts.

Using a wire whisk, stir in the whipped topping until mixture is smooth. Chill approximately 15-18 minutes until the mixture will mound up. Spoon into the prepared crust. Refrigerate at least 4 to 5 hours or overnight.

Before serving, garnish with the whole fresh raspberries, if desired.

*There is a recipe for this crust on my Diabetic Enjoying Food blog. Also, you could use a whole-wheat sugar-free regular pie crust.

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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 (or your favorite sweetener) 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

 File Photo of Similar Recipe

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

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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 breadcrumbs

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 breadcrumbs, 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

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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 or equivalent of your favorite low/no carb flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup Stevia granulated OR equivalent of your favorite sweetner
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
1 1/2 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 Stevia, 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. 

LIME-HERB HOLLANDAISE

4 egg yolks

2 tsp fresh lime juice

10 tbsp butter, melted

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, and/or chives

1/2 tsp kosher salt

pinch of cayenne pepper

Put a small glass of warm water by the stovetop. Whisk together egg yolks and lime juice in a medium glass or metal bowl until well combined and smooth. Set bowl over a small saucepan of simmering water but bowl should not touch the water. Whisk egg mixture constantly, occasionally moving bowl on and off saucepan, until thickened, light yellow and doubled in volume*. Remove bowl from heat. If mixture starts to thicken too much, whisk 1 tablespoon of the warm water in the glass, into the mixture. Remove saucepan from heat.

Set bowl over steaming water in the saucepan. Gradually drizzle melted butter into egg mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until all butter is incorporated. Note: if you add butter too quickly, the mixture will separate. Whisk in herbs, salt and cayenne. If sauce gets too thick or starts to separate, remove from heat and quickly whisk in warm water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency. Serve immediately over poached eggs, crab cakes, breakfast potatoes, salmon or flank steak.

Yield: 1 cup

* The sauce is ready when it reaches the ribbon stage. Dip whisk in and out of the sauce; the sauce should fall from the whisk in a continuous thick stream and visibly rest on the surface of the sauce for a few moments before reincorporating.

recipe and photo allrecipes.com 2025

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH SPLENDA

4 medium sweet potatoes

3/4 cup Splenda or Stevia Granulated

1/2 cup 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 (or your favorite no/low carb flour)

3 tbsp butter, melted

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

2 tbsp butter, melted

3 tbsp sugar-free maple-flavored 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.

Serve with a lean protein item.

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PENNE 'n' CHICKEN SALAD

12-oz whole wheat penne pasta (or your favorite no/low carb pasta)

3 tbsp olive oil

3/4 cup store-bought guacamole (or your homemade)

1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-in thick slices

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp cracked pepper

1 pkg (5-oz) baby salad greens

3/4 cup drained roasted jarred red peppers, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain well. Toss pasta with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse guacamole, 3/4 cup of the basil, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of the oil, until smooth. Reserve.

Toss chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/3 teaspoon of black pepper. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. In 2 batches, add chicken and cook, flipping, until browned and no longer pink in the centers, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a large serving bowl; stir in pasta, greens, roasted peppers, onion and remaining basil, salt and pepper, until combined. Serve with the remaining guacamole mixture.

Yield: 6 servings Per serving: 412 calories, 28g protein, 49g carbs

Woman's World 2026

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 venison 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.

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WARM SPINACH SALAD

2 pkgs (6-oz each) prewashed baby spinach leaves

1 small red onion, chopped

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/3 cup water

1 tbsp sugar (or Stevia/your favorite sweetener)

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

2 hard cooked eggs, chopped

In a large bowl, combine the spinach and onion. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir until the salt and sugar have completely dissolved. Set aside.

Heat the olive in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring frequently, 3 to 4 minutes, until browned. Add vinegar mixture and increase heat to high. Cook, stirring, until the mixture boils. Spoon the mixture over the spinach mixture. Toss about a minute to slightly wilt the spinach.

To serve, place servings on salad plates and top each with some chopped boiled eggs. Garnish with red onion slices, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings of about 2 cups each.

Variation: Try making with red leaf lettuce and top with diced tomatoes instead of eggs. 

recipe idea and photo Homestyle Cooking Made Healthy 1999

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.

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NACHO CHEESE BURGER TOPPING

Looking for some sauce/spread to top burgers to make them tasty? Try this topping for something different.

8-oz cubed processed cheese (ie Velveeta)

2 tbsp pico de gallo

2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapenos

2 tbsp sliced black olives

2 tbsp scallions

1 tsp chili powder

Microwave cheese until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients and use to top burgers, grilled chicken, etc.

food notwork magazine 2017

RED WINE VINEGAR MARINADE

1/3 cup red-wine vinegar

2 tbsp olive 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. 

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. I suggest diabetics make thin crust pizzas (this recipe would probably made 3 crusts), top with a no-sugar sauce and healthy toppings.

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.

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ALFREDO-SAUCED CHICKEN WITH FETTUCCINE

6-oz dried whole-grain or low carb fettuccine

Nonstick cooking spray

3 tsp butter

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken beat halves, cut into bite-size pieces

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth (may use white wine)

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

3 tbsp white whole wheat flour (or you favorite whole-grain flour)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp thinly sliced green onion

2 tbsp finely shredded Parmesan cheese

In a Dutch oven cook fettuccine according to package directions, except omit the salt. Drain well. Return to hot Dutch oven and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoon of the butter. Add chicken and cook about 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken, cover and keep warm.

Add remaining butter to the hot skillet. Add mushrooms, onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth (or wine) and the cooked chicken.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together half-and-half and flour until smooth. Whisk in sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir sour cream mixture into chicken mixture in skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat just until bubbly; cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Add tomatoes and the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.

Transfer fettuccine to a serving platter. Spoon chicken-Parmesan mixture over the fettuccine mixture. Sprinkle with the green onion and the 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 6 servings of 3/4 cup chicken mixture and 1/3 cup pasta mixture.

Per serving: 340 calories, 26g protein,34g carbs, 516mg sodium

file photo of this recipe