Sugar free dessert recipes: February 2013

Everybody loves blender smoothies, young and old alike. But people with diabetes would need to be careful in the type and amount of food they have an intake of ... and smoothies are definitely part of the foods that they should watch out for.

My grandmother - she has type 2 diabetes mellitus, a disease where the body cannot regulate glucose in the blood - loves smoothies so much, even before she was diagnosed. Her diet is now controlled with weight loss programs, exercises and oral medications in tow. But she would never give up her beloved smoothies. But instead of regular, classic smoothies (with just fruit and some milk), she was advised to include yogurt in the drink.

\"sugar Free\"

Apparently, clinical studies on yogurt and mice showed that engineered microbes and probiotics (the good bacteria) have shown much promise in Mickey's diabetic relatives. While the studies aren't conclusive yet, some diabetics have decided to have a go at it, my grandma included.

How to - A Fruit Smoothie For Diabetics

Here are some recipes that she already tried without any damaging effect on her newfound lifestyle:

- Strawberry lovers can try this with a smile on their lips: Blend 8 ounces of plain nonfat yogurt, one-fourth cup of skim milk, and 3 packets of Equal sweetener (or 1 teaspoon of Equal). With blender on, open the top lid and gradually add 3 cups of frozen strawberries. Blend until smooth. Add ice cubes and blend and process until smooth. (Nutritional value: 76 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 mg of cholesterol, 54 mg of sodium, 0 grams of saturated fat, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 14 grams of sugar, 4 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbohydrates.)

- Grandma is a coffee lover and gives herself a once-a-week treat by making this smoothie: Blend 3 cups fat-free milk (not low-fat, mind you), a cup of water, half a cup of sugar-free chocolate flavored syrup, 2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 1 quart of vanilla sugar-free and fat-free ice cream in the blender. Blend until creamy. Note: most blenders are a bit small for this recipe, so you can pour half of the coffee mix in a bowl and put in half of the ice cream. Blend until creamy; pour in a pitcher. Combine remaining chocolate mix and ice cream and repeat process. (Nutritional value: 124 calories, 2 grams of fat, 7.2 grams of protein, 25.1 grams of carbohydrates, 1 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of dietary fiber, 2 mg of cholesterol, 125 mg of sodium.)

Diabetics are no different from non-diabetics - they still need the basic food groups, much like what other people need. So it gives them the right to enjoy what others enjoy too. Drinks up!

How to - A Fruit Smoothie For Diabetics

Low fat smoothie. Click on the link for more info.

Our friend Judy is revising an "Old Family Recipe" book she put together in 1998 and gave to members of her family to showcase some of their favorite recipes, so she shared the following flour-free, quick and easy dessert recipes with us:

Banana Split Cake

\"Sugar Free Dessert \"

(No baking required)

Some Quick and Easy Flour-Free Dessert Recipes

Ingredients

5-7 bananas

3 sticks butter

1 large container of whipped topping

1 bottle of red maraschino cherries

half-cup of crushed pecans

2 cups crushed graham crackers

1 medium can crushed pineapple in its own juice

2 cups powdered sugar

2 eggs

Directions

o Beat eggs, 2 sticks of butter, and powered sugar for 15 minutes. Set aside.

o Mix 1 stick butter and graham cracker crumbs. Pat into 13- x 9-inch pan.

o Spread first mixture over crust, and then cover with sliced bananas.

o Spread well-drained pineapple over the bananas and cover with whipped topping.

o Sprinkle pecans over top, placing a cherry in each section of about the size you plan to serve.

o Refrigerate several hours and serve.

Chocolate Éclair Cake

(No baking required; easy as 1, 2, 3, 4)

1. Butter a 13- x 9-inch dish, and then line it with whole graham crackers.

2. Mix one 6-ounce package of instant French vanilla pudding with 3 cups of whole milk and blend for 2 minutes.

3. Fold in one 9-ounce container of whipped topping. Pour a good layer of the mixture over the crackers, then add another layer of crackers, then more pudding mixture.

4. Top with graham crackers. Frost with fudge icing made as follows:

o Combine ¾ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of honey, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1/3 cup cocoa, ¼ cup of milk.

o Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.

o Remove from heat.

o Add ¼ cup butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring.

o Cool, then beat until it's smooth and thick enough to spread over the top of the crackers.

o Refrigerate for 24 hours, then serve.

Icebox Fruit Cake

(No baking required)

Ingredients

1 box graham crackers, crushed

1 stick melted butter

1 can evaporated milk

1 bag coconut

1 cup sugar(alternatively, minus 1 tablespoon, then add 1 tablespoon of honey)

2 cans sweetened condensed milk

1 bag of small marshmallows

1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans

Candied cherries, if desired

Directions

Melt marshmallows and mix all ingredients in a large pan.

Pour into individual containers for storage in refrigerator at least 24 hours before serving.

Ritz Cracker Pie

(Light baking required; but quick stir-up)

Beat whites of 3 eggs till they are stiff.

Beat in 1 cup of sugar

Fold in 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 25 crushed Ritz crackers.

Pour into greased pie pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Chill then cover. Serve when your guests are ready.

From Scratch Chocolate Pudding

(Minimal baking required)

Ingredients

2 cups of sugar

2 large or 3 small eggs

4 tablespoons cocoa

4 tablespoons cornstarch

a tad of vanilla flavoring

Directions

Mix sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch until smooth. Add milk and beaten egg yolks. Cook in skillet (preferably cast iron) until thick. Add vanilla. Pour into baking dish and top with beaten egg whites and put in 350-degree oven till egg whites turn lightly brown.

Alternatively, add pecans or coconut. Substitute 3 tablespoons corn meal for the cocoa. Pour in a greased pie plate and bake for a crustless pie.

We haven't tested all of these recipes, yet, but Judy and her family highly endorse them. We encourage you do use them as the basis of some creative cooking. We see opportunity to add other flavorings and spices, substitute honey for some of the recommended granulated sugar, and in general just have some fun.

Involve the children and make notes so you can start your own New Family Recipes book with your favorites.

Some Quick and Easy Flour-Free Dessert Recipes

Please Reply at:

[http://i-shoptheworld.com/2009/01/31/some-flour-free-quick-and-easy-dessert-recipes/]

and let us know if you try and how you and your family like any of Judy's recipes herein, ok?

and ...

Please Share Your Favorite Flour-Free Quick and Easy Dessert Recipes with All of Your Friends from all over the world to also Enjoy!

Michael S. DeVries is the Founder of I-ShopTheWorld.com ([http://www.I-ShopTheWorld.com] ) - where You may Save Money on Unique Native Products Direct to You from All over the World!