Diabetic Friendly Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

The food craving for a diabetic and a non-diabetic person is the same. It is human nature to crave for the things, he needs to avoid. The scenario very well matches to that of a diabetic person. His desire for having desserts is doubled instead. I can well understand this coz my father has diabetes. This does not mean that low-sugar meals have to be tasteless. He has a sweet tooth. I am sure you loved my diabetic-friendly pecan ice-cream. 

Oats are significant source of dietary fiber. Oats have earned reputation as widely used healthy breakfast ingredient. There is nothing more fulfilling than to wake up and have a bowl full of steaming hot oats. So healthy and so tasty. Today we have different ways of using oats to give you a satisfactory yet tasty meal. If you have diabetes, you must know that a small square of dark chocolate is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Did you know that snacking on unprocessed dark chocolate will help in controlling obesity and diabetes? If no then surely try this recipe to quench your craving.

Ingredients:-

1/4 teaspoon salt,

1/4 cup nonfat milk,

2 teaspoons vanilla,

1/2 cup low-fat butter,

1/2 cup dried cherries,

1 teaspoon baking soda,

Cooking spray as required,

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour,

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger,

1/3 cup whipped egg whites,

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon,

2-1/4 cups uncooked quick oats,

1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate,

1 cup Diabetic friendly sweetner,

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce.

Preparation Method:-

1. Combine sweetner, butter, brown sugar, egg whites, applesauce, milk and vanilla in a bowl.

2. Mix with electric mixer until well blended. Stir in combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt.

3. Gradually mix in oats, cherries and chocolate until well combined.

4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto lightly sprayed baking sheets.

5. Bake in a preheated 350 D.F oven for 10 minutes, or until light golden in color.

6. Remove from baking sheet and cool. Serve!

Happy New Year!

Happy Diwali with Indian Rice Pudding

Here comes the biggest Indian festival, Diwali. This year Diwali is falling on October 23, 2014. Diwali is not only celebrated in India, but Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana,and Fiji. This festival symbolizes victory of good over evil. On Diwali, people lighten up their houses with earthen lamps and candles. Special prayer is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the giver of wealth and prosperity. Firework follows immediately after the evening prayer. Gifts are exchanged between the friends and family. And as I always say, any festival is incomplete without food, especially the yummy dessert recipes. So let's welcome Diwali with great pomp and show. I'm making kheer, the authentic Indian rice pudding. So jump with yummzz :P.

Ingredients:-

2 tablespoons Sugar,

1 1/2 cup Cooked Rice,

2 cups Full Cream Milk,

3 teaspoons Clarified butter,

1/2 tablespoon chopped Almonds,

1 Pinch teaspoon Nutmeg Powder,

1/2 tablespoon chopped Pistachios,

1/3 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk,

1/2 tablespoon chopped Cashew nuts.

Preparation Method:-

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of clarified butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Roast cashew nuts, pistachios and almonds until light brown for a minute. Transfer the nuts to a plate.

2. Place milk, condensed milk, sugar and cooked rice in the same pan. Stir continuously and cook until milk is absorbed. Mixture must be medium thick. It will take approximately 15 minutes on low flame.

3. Add in it nutmeg powder, 2 teaspoons of clarified butter and mix well. Transfer prepared kheer to a serving bowl. Garnish with roasted nuts. Serve hot or cold!

Happy Diwali!

Enjoy Foodies Festival with Authentic English Pudding

The Foodies Festival in UK calls for summer celebration involving lots of yummy food and drinks. Foodies enjoy this festival to the fullest by getting a chance to meet their favorite chefs and food experts. The great cooking shows are held in theaters and masterclasses. One can dine at the famous restaurants and also have good time in the private VIP areas. The afternoon tea time is certainly enjoyable accompanied by cakes cookies, cupcakes, rich biscuits and other snacks. 

Not only this, people can dance in the Vintage Tea Tent and have ultimate fun in the Real Ale and Cider Farm. A competition known as "chill competition" is also held on this special occasion. People enjoy family picnics on lush green grass and also listen to the live music and much more. But as you know that any festival is incomplete without dessert, I thought of sharing an English dessert recipe with you. Hope you liked my recipe "Roasted duck with pomegranateglaze, UK-style". So let's start with Authentic English Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Authentic English Sticky Toffee Pudding

For the Pudding:-

1 cup Sugar,

2 large Eggs,

1/2 teaspoon Sea salt,

1/4 cup unsalted Butter,

1 teaspoon Baking soda,

1 teaspoon Vanilla extract,

1 teaspoon Baking powder,

2 cups sifted All-purpose flour,

1 1/2 cups chopped pitted Dates.

For the Sauce:-

1 teaspoon Brandy,

1/2 cup Heavy cream,

1/4 cup unsalted Butter,

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract,

1 1/4 cups light Brown sugar,

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Preparation Method for the Sauce

1. Take a small heavy saucepan. Bring sugar, cream, and butter to a boil, over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes.

2. Remove from the heat; stir in brandy and vanilla. Warm gently before serving.

Preparation Method for the Pudding

1. Preheat the oven to 350 D. F. Bring dates and 11/4 cups water to a boil in a medium heavy saucepan with tall sides. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda. The mixture would be fluffy. Set aside and let it cool.

2. Whisk 11/2 cups flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Blend 1/4 cup butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. Now add 1 egg; blend well. Add half of flour mixture and half of date mixture; again beat to blend. Repeat with remaining 1 egg, flour mixture, and date mixture. Pour batter into the pan.

3. Bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted at center of cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Invert pudding onto rack. Cover and let it stand at room temperature. The pudding is ready. Add sauce over it. Serve warm!

Enjoy the Foodies Festival!