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

CONFETTI BEAN SALAD

Beans are an important part of a diabetic diet. Yes, they may be high in carbs but it is the 'good' carbs that are helpful in maintaining blood sugar. This recipe makes a colorful salad to be eaten with a lean protein. Rinse and drain all beans before adding.

1 can (16-oz) kidney beans
1 can (15-oz) garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1 can (14 1/2-oz) Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1/2 cup chopped onion (I like using red onion)
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
3 tbsp red wine vinegar OR cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive or canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

In a large bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, peas, corn, onion, and bell pepper.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, oil, garlic, salt and pepper until blended. Pour dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.

Cover salad and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Note: This makes a great make-ahead dish for parties, pitch-ins, etc as it can be made the night before.

Yield: 10 servings
Per serving of 3/4 cup: 176 calories, 4 g fat (only a trace saturated), 0 cholesterol, 358 mg sodium (with salt), 30 g carbs (8 g fiber), 7 g protein
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat

Note: File Photo

SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS

1 can (20-oz) unsweetened (in their own juice) pineapple chunks
1 large egg
1 cup soft whole-grain bread crumbs
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (or turkey)
2 tsp olive or canola oil
1 large green bell pepper
1 large red bell pepper (or another green one)
1 cup low-fat chicken broth
1/2 cup Splenda granulated
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup cider vinegar
3 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
6 cups hot cooked brown rice for serving

Drain the pineapple and save 1/2 cup of the juice; set both aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, garlic, salt and black pepper. Crumble the meat over the mixture and mix together well. Shape into approximately 40 meatballs.

In a nonstick skillet, heat the oil, add meatballs and brown on all sides; drain.

Cut bell peppers into chunks; add the broth, peppers, and the pineapple to the meatballs. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 7 minutes.

While the meatball mixture cooks, combine the Splenda and cornstarch in a bowl. Stir in the vinegar, soy sauce and the saved pineapple juice until smooth. Add to the meatball mixture. Bring to a boil; cook while stirring for a couple of minutes or until thickened.

Serve over the hot cooked rice.

Per serving of 3/4 cup meatball mixture over 3/4 cup rice = Approximately 456 calories, 66 g carbs, 2 g fiber, and 23 g protein
Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 1/2 starch, 1 1/2 vegetable, 1 fat

Note: This is a file photo showing white rice. Diabetics should use brown (whole-grain) rice.

THREE BEAN TURKEY SOUP

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup chopped onion
1 medium bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (16-oz) red kidney beans, drained
1 can (16-oz) Great Northern beans, drained
1 can (16-oz) black beans, drained
3 cups water
2 cans, whole tomatoes, undrained, chopped
1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp chicken-flavored bouillon granules
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

In a large skillet, cook turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until turkey is no longer pink. Drain off any fat.
Transfer mixture to  a crock pot/slow cooker. Add the beans, water, tomatoes, tomato sauce, carrots, spices and bouillon. Place lid on cooker and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 5 hours.

Before serving, mash beans slightly to make a thicker soup. Garnish, if desired.

Yield: 10 servings

CREAMY CHICKEN AND PASTA WITH SPINACH

Sometimes we diabetics just crave a creamy homestyle meal. If you like chicken (I don't), give this recipe a try.

6-oz uncooked whole-wheat or low/no carb egg noodles
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 pkg (10-oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3/4 lb), cooked and cubed
1 can (4-oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 carton (8-oz) fat-free sour cream
3/4 cup fat-free evaporated milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare noodles according to package directions; set aside.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; cook and stir 2 minutes or until the onion is tender. Add the spinach, chicken, mushrooms, and the noodles; stir to combine.

Combine the cheese, sour cream, milk, eggs and salt in a medium bowl, stirring to blend well. Add mixture to the chicken mixture; stir to combine well.

Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; Transfer mixture to the prepared dish and bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Yield: 8 servings

file photo

HONEY BUN CAKE

1 box sugar-free yellow cake mix (2-layer size)
1/2 cup olive or canola oil

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
4 large eggs
1 carton (8-oz) fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup Slenda Brown Sugar Blend
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 cups "fake" powdered sugar*
4 tbsp low-fat milk
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a mixing bowl beat the cake mix, oil, applesauce, eggs, and sour cream by hand for 50 strokes. Pour half the batter into the baking pan.

In a small bowl, combine the Splenda and cinnamon; spread over the batter in the pan. Pour remaining half of the batter over the sugar/cinnamon layer. Using a knife, make swirls in the cake.

Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 40 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

In a bowl combine the "fake" powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Spread over the warm cake.

*Recipe available on this blog site. There are also 'fake' powdered sugars on the market now.

IRON SKILLET CORNBREAD

Cornbread is one of my favorite foods. Since my diabetes diagnosis I have really had to cut back on cornbread in my diet. I finally found a way to enjoy my cornbread without a big surge in blood sugar readings. The secret is using white whole-wheat flour. Here is a good recipe and it is delicious made in an iron skillet. Do not over indulge and always have a piece of cornbread with a protein item!

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup white whole-wheat flour
3 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup fat-free milk
1 large egg
olive or coconut oil to grease the skillet

Preheat oven to 375.
Grease the skillet and heat in oven until hot.

In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and egg until well combined. Pour the mixture into the hot skillet and bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until browned.

Note: Add a tablespoon of chopped jalapeno peppers if desired.

BEAN SALAD

1 can (15-16 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (16-oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (3-oz) sliced black olives, drained
1 large tomato, chopped
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

Combine all the above ingredients in a large bowl.

Dressing:
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp Splenda Granulated
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar

Place alll dressing ingredients in a jar and tighten lid to seal. Shake jar well to combine all ingredients. Pour immediately over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat.

Refrigerate several hours before serving. Stir occasionally during this time.

Note: This is a file photo