Maggie David

January 30th, 2010 by Maggie

Today I would like to discuss a little about Diabetes.

My husband was diagnosed with diabetes some time ago and felt that he was hit from above with a ton of bricks.  His diabetes is controlled through diet and exercise, so he is very lucky.

When we went back into his family history, we found that diabetes was on his families side plus I knew it was already on my families side, so we made sure our grown up children were very aware of what is was and to have their blood sugar levels checked by the Doctors on a regular basis, plus also to stick to a very healthy diet and exercise regime which interesting enough our family has always done.

We have always shied away from Fast Food, junk food, food that is processed and are all “Home Cooked” junkies – so it is interesting that my husband developed this.  The only thing that I can think of is that he had a huge tree branch fall on his foot and it was a big mangled mess. They operated to mend broken bones and stitch torn flesh, and for 5 days he was on very strong and huge amounts of intravenous antibiotics. Then some weeks later when they tested his blood his sugars were very elevated and he had to undergo further tests, which showed type 2 Diabetes.  So… … who knows! However, I digress – what I do know is this - 

Diabetes is one of the most common silent killer diseases affecting a vast majority of the urban population. What’s more concerning is that more and more kids are now diagnosed with diabetes, which undoubtedly puts more pressure on the family and main person cooking the meals in the family.

Finding the right diabetes recipes to feed the diabetic member of the family is paramount, but also, recipes that the whole family can eat as well.

However, there is nothing to fret and fume about as there are plenty of scrumptious diabetes recipes, including desserts and main meals, which are bound to bring delight and cheer to everyone!

I have put together a couple of recipes you can cook on the Barb-B-Q  or in the kitchen followed by a delicious dessert cake - With these diabetes recipes up your sleeve, there is never a dull moment at the dining table! (These are great for the week-ends when everyone is hungry!)
Recipe #1:  Spicy Pork Patties – this simple one is a family favorite.
 
The ingredients needed are:

2 lb. extra lean ground pork,
1 can organic chick peas 
2 tsp. crushed dried sage,
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper,
1 tsp. garlic powder,
1/2 tsp. onion powder, (Or ½ FINELY diced onion)
1/2 tsp. ground mace,
1/4 tsp. ground allspice,
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Ground cloves.

All you need to do is drain and mash the chick peas, add the rest of the ingredients to the chick pea mash - mix all the ingredients thoroughly and then make into patties and brown until done.

Serve with freshly steamed veggies or a huge salad.

Recipe #2: BAR-B-Q MEATBALLS.

Again, one of the simplest of all diabetic recipes, this one is not only easy to make but you get quick results too. the ingredients needed include:

1 lb. ground chuck steak
1/2 cup liquid skimmed milk,
1 med. onion, chopped finely,
Salt & pepper to taste,
1/2 cup diet tomato sauce,
1 tbsp. minced green peppers,
1 tsp. prepared mustard,
1 tbsp. vinegar,
1 tbsp. minced onion,
1 1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 packs Sweet & Low or other diabetic sweetener

To make the BBQ Meat balls, first mix chuck, milk, onion, salt, and pepper. Then prepare them into balls. Broil for about 15minutes till they turn brown. To prepare the sauce, mix tomato sauce, green pepper, mustard, and vinegar. Then add the minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Sweet ‘N Low. Pour over meat balls. Cook the meat balls covered for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Serve with favorite veggies and a huge salad.
Recipe #3: Banana Bread – Whoever has told you that bananas are not part of diabetes recipes, show this recipe to him or her. This is really incredible.

The ingredients needed:

2 cup all purpose flour,
1 tsp. baking soda,
1 tsp. baking powder,
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice,
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
6 oz. can frozen or fresh diabetic orange juice,
2 eggs,
1 cup raisins
Nuts (which are optional)

Take all the ingredients that are dry and sift 3 times and put it aside. Then in a bowl take all the wet ingredients and mix them well with the mashed bananas. Add the nuts and raisins and dry ingredients.

Pour in the mixture pre-greased and floured loaf pan or a non-stick pan.

Bake the banana bread at 350 - 375 degrees F for 30 - 45 minutes or till toothpick comes out clean.

Cool cake or serve hot with Diabetic Ice Cream – (remembering portion control)

Love and Light

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