UB Cookin'

[Sandy]

Hi Rod,

Do you think ta small piece of Applesauce Flatcake would make a good dessert for someone who has type 2 diabetes? My dad and mom are staying over the week end with me and I would like to make them a "leaning toward" healthy treat. There isn't much sugar in this and I was wondering if topping it with perhaps a little real maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream and maybe a sprinkling of chopped walnuts just before serving would not cancel its health benefits?

Thanks for sharing this recipe.

hugs,
Sandy

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

Although still exploring, I'm not finding grains good for diabetes control.
Portion size has to be small; adding fruit, syrup, etc., increases the problem.

Web pages like these redirect to helpful (and tasty) alternatives
... and notice the limited use of grains in these recipes:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/18 ... st-recipes
"20 Delicious Low Carb Breakfast Recipes"

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/ ... reakfasts/
"60+ Satisfying Low-Carb Breakfast Recipes"

https://food.allwomenstalk.com/these-lo ... for-hours/
"These Low-Carb Breakfasts Will Keep You Full for Hours"

Rod

[Amigoo]

Sunny Ricotta

Versatile, mild-flavored cheese spread
with savory appeal and lite protein.
Complements fresh veggies!

Ingredients:

15oz container part-skim ricotta cheese
2-3 tbsp yellow mustard
1/2 tsp garlic granules
1 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Mix well, olive oil last,
then refrigerate.

Rod

[Amigoo]

3-Step Cornbread Casserole (mix, bake, eat;
brand mentioned for ingredients reference)

For any meal, even brunch (or breakfast)
Upscale with steamed spinach on the side.

Ingredients:

6oz pkg Morrison's Texas Style Cornbread Mix
1 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp garlic granules
2 xlg eggs + 1/4 cup egg whites, whipped
15oz can non-GMO corn + juice
1 lg sweet onion, chopped
2 tbsp virgin olive oil

Directions:

Lightly oil 8" x 8" baking dish;
pre-heat oven to 375F degrees.

Mix ingredients as listed,
stirring in olive oil last.
Spoon into baking dish
and bake 40-45 min.

Melt shredded cheddar on top
while oven is still hot (optional).

For wilted spinach, wash in salty water,
drain well, place on top of cornbread slice,
cover, and microwave 30-45 sec.

Rod

[Amigoo]

3oz Avocado Cups
New way to refrigerate mashed avocado:

Fill plastic or waxy paper 3oz cups, creating slightly rounded top,
then place upside down on flat surface like a tray.

Avocado that squeezes out indicates air-tight seal.
Refrigerate these 3oz servings.

Rod

[Sandy]

WOW! Thank you, Rod. With those URLs you have given me so many wonderful breakfast ideas for my parents. They are coming Sunday and staying overnight...So I will try one of the recipes for them on Monday morning.

Lots of good things for me too. I am having so much fun looking through these recipes.


Sandy


Sample the green banana snack
(these carbs are "resistant starch"):

Peel, then cut half of a mostly green banana
(not too green) into slices; sprinkle on cinnamon
and enjoy with fresh walnuts.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/arti ... ocess.html
"surprising science-backed food secrets that can slow the ageing process and help you look younger"

"(creates) mild form of cellular stress called ‘hormesis’, which triggers a chemical chain of reactions called ‘autophagy’ that cleverly speeds up the clearing-out of old cells and stimulates the production of new cells to boost resilience, energy levels, thinking power and vitality."

Gabriela has such youth on her side that a concern about aging seems more academic than experiential. Nevertheless, good tips about what to consume (less about what not to consume; the stuff that is counterproductive to good nutrition). However, if you're 80 and want to turn back the clock, start with a new digital that can be reset from your smartphone.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/hea ... 206040007/
"Is honey good for you? Learn about the buzz here."

"When it comes to sugar content, honey and table sugar are pretty close. While there are some studies that show it may have a smaller effect on blood sugar than table sugar, those with pre-diabetes, diabetes or unstable blood sugar will need to use it with caution and also make sure they balance it with some protein and fat."

Been there! Done that! Protein and fat are indeed dietary balance, but too much is too much! The body knows what carbs are consumed in excess and keeps responding the same disappointing way. Besides, protein and fat slow carb digestion - not reduce it. Thus, post meal blood sugar is better, but daily is not (unless sufficient insulin helps during the non-eating periods).

Incidentally, this is why a longer bedtime fast is healthier (no eating after supper):
The body has more time to digest/clear the carbs still producing glucose.
How not to eat after supper? Lock the cupboards and refrigerator.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Coconut Ricotta, pudding base

Add sweetener if desired
and/or preferred fruit 'n nuts.

Ingredients:

15oz container part-skim ricotta cheese
1/3 cup dried fine-shredded coconut
1/4 cup half & half
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt

Directions:

Mix well; keep refrigerated.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Tofu Twosday

Super quick two-ingredient veggie dish.

For one serving,
place 1/2 cup tofu mixture* in heat-proof bowl,
top with 1 1/3 cups frozen mixed veggies,
cover and microwave 3-4 min.

Drizzle on 2 tsp virgin olive oil,
sprinkle on S & P as desired.

* Prepare 15oz pkg extra firm organic tofu:
Use pastry cutter to coarse chop, then stir in
3 tsp rubbed sage, 1 tsp garlic granules, 1/2 tsp salt.
Keep refrigerated.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Mama Mía Almondía!

Some apple a day in an almondy way -
nutritional gold the ol' fashioned way.

Combine 2 med. red apples (chopped),
2 cups unsweetened natural applesauce,
2/3 cup raw almonds, 2 pkts True Lemon Powder.

Refrigerate overnight for almonds to hydrate,
then keep refrigerated between servings.
Try with a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/arti ... tchup.html
"Heinz launches WILD new product that will let sauce fans CUSTOMIZE their ketchup
... There is said to be over 200 potential sauce combinations."

While waiting for this to be sold, add plain tomato paste
to any preferred tomato-based sauce (add 2 cans cold water
to 6oz can tomato paste). The paste boosts the nutrition
and decreases salt and sugar in the commercial sauce
(per typical serving).


For Simple Tomato Juice, increase water,
add 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp garlic powder,
pinch of celery powder and/or thyme.


Tomato Saucy Spread, a condiment

Combine 6oz can tomato paste,
1 can cold water, 1/4 tsp garlic granules,
1 rounded tbsp dried cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt,
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
Keep refrigerated.


Rod

[Amigoo]

Tofu or Not Tofu

(some do - some don't)

Coarse chop 15oz container extra firm tofu (drained),
then stir in 3 tsp rubbed sage, 1 tsp garlic granules,
1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tbsp dried parsley. Refrigerate.

Use as desired (cold, hot, or Goldilocks -
solo, combined, or your guess is fine).
Or upscale tofu and drizzle EVOO.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.feastingathome.com/tofu-recipes/
"50+ Amazing Tofu Recipes"

Yum

Note: Tofu is made from soy beans, therefore a carb,
albeit a more nutritious carb with good protein.
Choose edamame if more fiber is important.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Blues on White

When a cold dessert becomes serious nutrition.
Add sweetener if desired but it's not "nutrition"
(raw walnuts and almonds are!).

Combine 15oz container part-skim ricotta cheese,
2/3 cup unsweetened, dried, finely shredded coconut,
and 1/2 cup half & half (mix with coconut first).

Serve 1/2 cup ricotta mixture,
topped with 1/2 cup frozen blueberries.

It's best to leave this unsweetened
since "fruit is nature's candy". Accompany
with a simple cookie for dessert appeal.

Whole raw almonds (skin has good fiber)
also complement these flavors! For versatility,
hydrate almonds in natural apple sauce
(refrigerate then use as desired).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/co ... a/hd2k28tl
"52 recipes that prove ricotta is the most versatile cheese"

Yum! Whipped Ricotta

Rod

[Amigoo]

Regarding low-carb snacks ...

Cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas) with a bit of salt
are acceptable substitute for cookies 'n crackers
(when serious about low-carb nutrition).

Try 1/4 cup with a handful of raw walnuts
and slice of fruit or fresh veggie.

Also try with a touch of sweetener
and/or sprinkle of cinnamon.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Bite Me Mustard (my)

Perky condiment to "decontaminate" your palette
after getting huge bite of raw alligator tail.
(or mini side dish with Spanish peanuts).

Ingredients:

12oz container coarse ground Dijon mustard
1/4 rounded cup sesame seeds (optional)
1 tsp turmeric extract powder
1/2 tsp garlic granules
3 tbsp dried chives
3 tbsp dried parsley
1 xlg sweet onion, diced
1 1/2 tbsp virgin olive oil
roasted Spanish peanuts

Directions:

Combine ingredients except peanuts,
then refrigerate in covered container;
stir briefly before serving.

Rod

[Sandy]

Hey Rod,

I am dying to try the Blues on White recipe. It sound wonderful...I need some Ricotta Cheese first. Thanks too for providing the URL for Ricotta recipes...YUM!...and I can't forget the Tofu recipes either...

You have given me so many good options. I find myself also searching the cabinets for Garbanzo beans.

You make trying to live a healthier lifestyle so much easier with your tried and true suggestions.
We so appreciate you!

xxSandy