Category: D-Stories

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Gingerbread Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

While training to become a pastry chef, Stacey “The Diabetic Pastry Chef” Harris diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Rather than hang up her apron, she decided to adapt her favorite recipes for her dietary needs and share them with the diabetes community. Enjoy!

Gingerbread Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

“These big soft, tender cookies are packed full of flavor. The texture is wonderful. The ginger cookies are easy to make with nice results.”

Ingredients

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar or 1/2 cup Splenda For Baking

1/2 cup molasses

3/4 cup melted butter or melted Smart Balance regular spread

1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground ginger

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup boiling water

Directions

Beat eggs. Blend in sugar or Splenda, molasses, and melted butter or spread. In separate bowl, sift together all dry ingredients. Alternate adding flour mixture with boiling water to batter, and beat until smooth.

Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square baking pan, or into greased square or round muffin tins. Bake 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut  gingerbread in pan into 18 slices. Serve warm or at room temperature topped with whipped cream.  Yield: 18 servings.

Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ Harris was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes while training to become a pastry chef. She thought her career–not to mention her lifetime love affair with desserts–was over.

Her devastation gave way to innovation, resulting in creating a vast array of desserts specifically designed to satisfy the sweet tooth without sacrificing flavor.

Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights. Harris shares the sweet secrets of her simple-to-use formula that will convert most any recipe into a lower-carb alternative without compromising taste or quality. Now diabetics can enjoy Chocolate Truffle Cookies, Blueberry Tartlets, Cream Cheese Cupcakes, Coffee Bread Pudding, and hundreds of others.

Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite on World Diabetes Day, Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 PM, EST.  Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Owner of DiabetesStrong.com Christel Oerum, Makeup Artist & Skincare Expert Suzanne Perez, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

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Sloppy Joes, Added Sugars & Healthy Eating Advice with Jill Weisenberger

One of our Divabetic community members, Deb L.., who is living with type 2 diabetes,  recently contacted us through Facebook with questions about added sugars. We contacted our good friend, a past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Best-Selling Author Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND for answers  and advice regarding Deb’s questions.

Q: Is the amount of sugar in packaged products and recipes increasing?

Jill Weisenberger (JW): I’m not aware that this is true. In fact, I think there’s been a big push in the last few years to reduce the amount of added sugar is packaged goods. And manufacturers are responding. My own observation is that manufacturers provide a variety of options for different consumer likes and dislikes, so some products are created simply for taste and others are developed health goals in mind as well as taste.

One new thing that’s confusing is that some food labels show the amount of added sugar and some show the amount of total sugar. That’s because not all manufacturers have yet adopted the newest guidelines to include a line to show how much sugar has been added to a product. I never worry about the amount of sugar naturally in foods like fruits, vegetables, milk and yogurt. It’s the added sugars that I pass close attention to.

Often people with diabetes focus too much on sugar when the total amount of carbohydrate is really what’s important. It’s not only the sugar portion that affects blood sugar. For example, a cup of milk has 12 grams of carbohydrate, and all 12 are sugar (lactose). A cup of brown rice has 1 gram of sugar, but 45 grams of carbohydrate. In this case, the cup of brown rice with a mere 1 gram of sugar will raise blood sugar levels far more than a cup of milk with 12 grams of sugar.

Q: I like to read recipes and I’m horrified by the amount of sugar in them. I’ve looked in vain for a Sloppy Joe recipe that isn’t sweet. All of the ones I’ve read and I’ve read plenty call for (too sweet) ketchup plus additional brown sugar. Even dessert recipes seem to be increasing the amounts of sugar in them.

Jill Weisenberger (JW): The good news when you’re preparing your own recipes is that you can tweak them to meet your needs. Often you can reduce sugar by 1/4 to 1/2. In some recipes, you can omit it or swap it for a non-nutritiive sweetener of choice. However, if you’re baking, you’re going to get very white cookies or cakes without having at least a little sugar. It’s needed for the browning.

Q: Can you provide a Sloppy Joe recipe and/or a low sugar alternative?

Jill Weisenberger (JW): You can point out that while lentils are a source of carbohydrate, they – like other legumes – are full of the type fiber that’s good for blood sugar control. While there is a tablespoon of brown sugar in the recipe, that amounts to about 1 gram of added sugar per sandwich. If she is concerned aobut the total amount of carbohydrate (40 g, but 7 are fiber), she can remove the top bun to save 60 calories and about 12 grams of carbohydrate.

Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe: A Healthy, Delicious take on an Old Favorite

Jill Weisenberger (JW): I usually eat this open faced to save about 60 calories. And for my friends and clients with diabetes, leaving half the bun trims 15 grams of carbohydrate. If the length of this ingredients list gives you pause, take the very, very easy route. Simply mix prepared lentils with a can of your favorite sloppy joe sauce. It won’t be the same, but it will allow you to try out this concept.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola or olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)

1 large carrot, chopped (about ⅓ cup)

1 orange bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)

2 garlic cloves, chopped or crushed

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 tablespoon tomato paste

3 cups vegetable broth

24.5-ounce box of strained tomatoes (or 24-ounces canned tomato sauce)

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 cup green lentils, rinsed and sorted

12 small whole-grain rolls, toasted (look for rolls about 120 calories)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder and tomato paste. Mix well.

Add the vegetable broth, strained tomatoes or tomato sauce, sriracha sauce, Dijon mustard and brown sugar. Mix well. Add the lentils.

Increase the heat to a boil. With the lid ajar, reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve in a toasted bun.

Notes

I use a lot of tomato paste in my recipes because I really like the full-bodied, meaty flavor it provides. Look for it in a tube, so it lasts a long time in your refrigerator after opening. Feel free to substitute any other color bell pepper for the orange or red pepper specified.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: rounded ½ cup, 1 roll Calories: 235 Fat: 3g Saturated fat: <1g Trans fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 40g Sodium: 470mg Fiber: 7g Protein: 11g Cholesterol: 0mg

Jill Weisenberger’s comprehensive guide, ‘Prediabetes: A Complete Guide’ will lead you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle “reset,” this book will allow you to choose your own path to wellness, help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost your confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes and avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. You’ll be feeling better than you have in years! Inside, you will learn to:

Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes

Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals

Identify and build on your motivation for a lifestyle reset

Create positive new habits

Change eating habits for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity

Choose wholesome foods in the supermarket and when away from home

Tweak your favorite recipes

Reduce sedentary time

Start or improve upon an exercise plan

Reduce emotional eating

Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book

Much more

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND is a great resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes. Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, her candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.

LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary podcast featuring music by Patti Austin. We’re talking about healthy strategies to help you deal with the FOOD POLICE with guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

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The Truth About Added Sugars & Your Health

It only takes is trying to read one food label for anyone to become extremely frustrated when trying to decipher exactly how much added sugar is contained in a specific food product.  Unfortunately for us many food marketers like ot use sexy-sounding health-claims, fancy buzzwords, and seemingly “good-for-you” taglines that make it downright difficult to know what types of foods actually contain added sugar in them, and which ones do not.

To tell if a processed food contains added sugars, you need to look at the list of ingredients and have a dictionary handy. Sugar has many other names. Besides those ending in “ose,” such as maltose or sucrose, other names for sugar include high fructose corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar, corn sweetener, raw sugar, syrup, honey or fruit juice concentrates. Learn more about reading food labels.

For the record, the American Heart Association’s recommended maximum amount of added sugars is much lower than the amount most Americans consume. For most American women, that’s no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar. For men, it’s 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons. he AHA recommendations focus on all added sugars, without singling out any particular types such as high-fructose corn syrup.  For more detailed information and guidance on sugar intake limits, see the scientific statement(link opens in new window) in the August 2009 issue of Circulation, Journal of the American Heart Association.

My food friend and mentor, health and wellness pioneer Kathie Dolgin aka ’High Voltage’ has a wonderful mantra ’no more than 24 grams in 24 hours’ that makes it easy to remember. 

Here’s why:

The phrase, “No Sugar Added” or “No Added Sugar” on packaged foods is our #1 pet peeve. For one, it’s everywhere lately (especially since it’ll be mandatory on labels by 2018). It’s also tricking you into thinking you’re purchasing something that it’s not (that is, a nutritious food for you and your family!).

According to the FDA, food manufacturers may use the term “no added sugar” if “no amount of sugars, or any other ingredient that contains sugars that functionally substitute for added sugars is added during processing or packaging.” The loophole? Juice, of course. It’s made up of the simplest sugars on the planet, allowing it to immediately enter your digestive tract and be absorbed by the cells of your bloodstream.

While the FDA states that “concentrated fruit juice” can’t be used as a sweetener in a product labeled “no sugar added,” you bet many food products can still use “fruit juice from concentrate” (water plus fruit concentrate) as a form of added sugar.

You’re better off eating the whole fruit, not just the juice that fruit contains — regardless of the processing technique, price point, packaging, or celebrity endorser.

Added sugars contribute zero nutrients but many added calories that can lead to extra pounds or even obesity, thereby reducing heart health.

Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’ talks about added sugar and shares an easy way to stay on track with your daily sugar consumption on October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Sade. LISTEN NOW

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Lillian Stamps Has Been Living with Type 1 Diabetes for 86 years

According to Dr. Kariampuhza, Lillian Stamps’ endocrinologist, she could be the longest living person with diabetes. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 3 in 1929.

Below is an excerpt from the Tyler Morning Telegraph article written by Melissa McTee:

“Lillian was diagnosed around a time when different medications were being discovered to help with diabetes,” said Dr. Kariampuhza. “She had been put on every medication to help treat it, she was diagnosed at age 3 and insulin was discovered in 1921.”

Ms. Stamps remembers her parents kept her insulin cool in the water well in the front yard because refrigerators were expensive.

READ MORE

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How Much Sugar is In Your Drink on October’s Diabetes Late Nite

Millions of Americans were glued to their screens watching the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring Christine Blasey Ford‘s testimony about her alleged sexual assault by Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

During the hearing Professor Ford kept a bottle of Coca-Cola close at hand, occasionally taking a drink as she answered questions. The marketing value to Coca-Cola was over $3 million in product placement according to some estimates. To be clear, how much Coca-Cola’s margins were affected is certainly not the main question anyone should take away from this truly harrowing event.

However this overt product placement caught our attention because we’re discussing about hidden sugars in popular food and drinks on October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with Sugar Savvy Solution Author Kathie Dolgin aid ‘High Voltage’ and Energy Up! organization board member, Stephanie MacKendree.

Americans consumption of sugar is reaching alarming statistics. Currently Americans eat about 20 teaspoons of sugar a day according to a report from the 2005–10 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) database. Average daily consumption for men: 335 calories, women: 230 calories, boys: 362 calories, girls: 282 calories. That translates into about 66 pounds of added sugar consumed each year, per person.

This is why the American Heart Association put together a maximum intake allowance for sugar. According to the American Heart Association, women should have no more than 6 teaspoons per day, which is 25 grams of sugar or 100 calories from sugar. As a man, you can have up to 9 teaspoons of sugar daily, or 38 grams of sugar, which is around 150 calories from sugar. No matter your gender, a single 12-ounce can of Coke goes over the maximum sugar allowance for the day.

Coke is incredibly rich in sugar and doesn’t offer you any vitamins, minerals or fiber. If you’re like me and you enjoy that fizzy feeling in your mouth then consider swapping out every other can of Coke for a soda water. As you adjust to the taste, eventually you might consider drinking soda water in place of Coke all the time according the LiveStrong website.

Of course if you need your caffeine kick, have yourself a glass of unsweetened iced tea, hot herbal tea or even black coffee. You’ll get your caffeine without all the added sugar.

TUNE IN to October’s Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Sade. We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP. Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from ‘The Essential Sade’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Gluten Free Pumpkin Crumble Cheesecake Recipe from The Happy Diabetic

Mr. Divabetic’s gluten free cheesecake is so terrible that it gets him into deep trouble (including MURDER!) in our 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Swan Wake’.

Luckily for our listeners Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy  Diabetic’ is willing to share this recipe for a delicious tasting gluten free pumpkin crumble cheesecake!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Crumble Cheesecake Recipe by Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic 

What’s in it?

Cake Ingredients:

3 – 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened 

1/3 cup SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend 

2 T. Splenda Naturals®

3 large eggs

1 t. almond extract

1 – 15 oz. can pumpkin

½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt 

2 T. almond flour 

1 ½ t. ground cinnamon 

½ t. ground ginger 

1 t. imitation maple flavoring 

2 t. vanilla extract 

Crumble Topping Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour

2 T. chilled butter

½ t. vanilla

4 T. SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend 

Let’s put it together:

Preheat oven to 350*. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch spring form pan with non-stick cooking spray. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend, and Splenda Naturals® until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in pumpkin, yogurt, almond flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, maple flavoring, and vanilla. Pour filling into prepared pan. Mix the topping ingredients by hand or in a food processor until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of cheesecake. Bake until firm, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove from oven and run a butter knife around the inner edge but do not remove the pan side. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Refrigerate.

Servings/Yield: 16 servings

*NUTRITION FACTS: Per Serving: Calories: 312, Total Fat: 21.68g,  Cholesterol: 77mg, Sodium: 336 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 17.71g, Dietary Fiber: 3.09g, Sugars: 4.20g, Protein: 8.13g

LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast “SWAN WAKE” starring Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Leonard Berstein’s recording of ‘Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20″ in celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music.

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Our 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast, ‘Swan Wake’ Coming in September

Join us for Divabetic’s fifth annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Swan Wake’ debuting on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

This year’s whodunnit tackles diabetes wellness issues related to  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), smoking, drugs and medication interactions and gluten-free foods.

Here’s a quick synopsis:  When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix up with his ‘Swan Lake’ tickets he’s faced with a even bigger problem – a murder. To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten free cheesecake, seems to be covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet and it’s members that have everyone walking around on tip toes. Could our happy healthcare host’s questionable culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime or even a possible side dish? Now Mr. Divabetic with the help of his team of whip smart Diabetes Educators, a Best-Selling Mystery writer and his own nosy Italian Mom must whip up his own crime-solving recipe, and fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.

Our Swan Wake cast features Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR , Mama Rose Marie and Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks. 

Throughout Divabetic’s fifth annual Diabetes Mystery podcast we will be featuring music from Leonard Berstein‘s recording of ‘Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20’ in celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music.

What is PCOS? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs. PCOS) is associated with a high-risk of development of Type 2 diabetes. Both conditions share insulin resistance as an important pathogenic factor.

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An Amputee Saves the Day in ‘Skyscraper’

With an amputee action hero as the main character, the film, ‘Skyscraper’ is a surprising source of inspiration to a growing sector of members in the Divabetic community.

Let’s be clear, Dwayne Johnson’s character’s amputation is not related to diabetes. The character, Will, was actually inspired by the thousands of disabled US veterans and war heroes. To prepare for this role, Johnson spent a considerable amount of time not only with the world’s top skyscraper architects, but also with US war veterans who have experienced an amputation.

That said, the film’s trailer makes it clear that Will was able to get through the challenges of “amputee life” by turning to his family for support which is a powerful message. 

Lower limb amputation related to diabetes poses challenges on many levels: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, financial and may temporarily one’s ability to think clearly and maintain their diabetes self-care management.

Over half of limb amputations (about 67 percent) in the United States are attributable to diabetes and related complications. The majority of limb amputations are performed on the lower extremities.

People with diabetes can have 4 different kinds of amputations of the lower limbs, or legs. Per 1,000 people, 2.6 have an amputation of the toe, and 0.8 have an amputation of the foot. 1.6 will have a below the knee amputation, and 0.8 will have an above the knee amputation.

How people respond to their amputation depends upon their previous life experiences, their support systems, and the meaning they give to their amputation which is why seeing Dwayne Johnson’s character on the big screen use it to his advantage is so inspiring. The movie strives to show everyone that what seems like a physical setback is not enough reason to sit back and watch the bad guys win.

Many people with diabetes have coped with amputation, finding ways to be active and to participate in life the way they wish to. You can too!

LISTEN NOW: Hear what happens when Mr. Divabetic puts all of his guests inlcuding The Betes Bros, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle and Mama Rose Marie in the HOT SEAT for Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary Podcast Special

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‘Don’t Hate My Plate’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

are you sure that it’s ok
to eat that Chinese food?
Yes, it is, and I can say
I think you’re being rude.
I do not want to be observed
With everything I eat.
The food that I prepared and served
Is savory, and sweet.
What you don’t see is how I count
My carbs, my fats, my fruit.
To,make sure that the right amount
Is what I did compute.
So please believe that I do know
Exactly what I’m doing
And even if it doesn’t show
I’m sure what I’m pursuing.
If you see some onion rings
Or maybe eggs and bacon
Trust that I’m aware of things
And that I’m not mistaken.
Sometimes I eat pasta too
And pizza topped with cheese.
I do not need advice from you
So do not give it, please.
We people who have diabetes
Eat all kinds of food.
From oatmeal, grits and even Wheaties
And chicken, barbequed.
It’s ok to ask a question
To better comprehend.
But remember it’s just your impression.
And I do not have to defend.
So you eat yours, And I’ll eat mine
And we’ll enjoy our dinners.
Just realize where to draw the line,
And we’ll all come out winners!
LISTEN: Poet Lorraine Brooks reads ‘Don’t Hate My Plate’ on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Patti Austin. We’re celebrating our 8th Year Podcasting Anniversary talking about ‘I Know What You ATE Last Summer’ with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

What words do you bring to the table? Fine Artist Susan McCaslin’s Plate Poetry Project will be on display at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, September 16, 2018 as part of Divabetic’s Collar Greens Wellness Day & Dog Parade outreach program.

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Sugar-Free Chocolate Rainbow Cupcakes by the Diabetic Pastry Chef 

Let your ‘TRUE COLORS’ shine during Pride Month without compromising your diabetes wellness.

Pride Month is when the world’s LGBT communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. The original organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which helped spark the modern gay rights movement.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops by the New York Pride March to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way.

Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ offers this fabulously colorful and sugar free recipe to help you celebrate PRIDE without compromising your diabetes health!

Stacey loves to bake! While she was attending cooking school she began creating  diabetic-friendly recipes for breads, cakes and other desserts by swapping out the sugar, blending the flour, eliminating trans fats and cutting the milk carbohydrates after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights. Here’s one of the Diabetic Pastry Chef’s most requested recipes:

Sugar-Free Chocolate Cupcakes by the Diabetic Pastry Chef 

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 cups dry sugar substitute (such as Whey Low D Granular or Splenda for Baking)

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup hot coffee

1 cup dairy or almond milk

2 large eggs

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

In large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients except for the sugar substitute. In bowl of mixer combine oil, coffee milk and sugar substitute and beat at medium speed with electric mixer for two minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat for an additional 2 minutes. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the mixing bowl and mix until well combined. Batter will be thin. Pour into paper lined muffin tin. Recipe should make 24 plus cupcakes. Bake in pre-heated oven at 325 degrees until toothpick inserted in middle of a cupcake comes out clean. Remove pan to cooling rack and cool completely. Frost.

Swerve Frosting

2 sticks, unsalted butter, room temperature

16 ounce cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/2 cups Swerve Confectioners

2 tsps pure vanilla extract

2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk

Beat together the butter and cream cheese with electric mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy for 2-3 minutes.

Reduce the speed to low and add the Swerve a cup at a time, then vanilla and cream or milk; continue mixing until smooth.

Beat for an additional 10 minutes until well combined.

The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s cookbooks are filled with information on the definition, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and include complete nutritional information (calories, fat, cholesterol, sugars, and protein) for each recipe. She uses Splendar and presents other sugar-free alternatives for pancakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, and pies. Stacey Harris shares the sweet secrets of her simple-to-use formula that will convert most any recipe into a lower-carb alternative without compromising taste or quality. Now ‘divabetics’ can enjoy Chocolate Truffle Cookies, Blueberry Tartlets, Cream Cheese Cupcakes, Coffee Bread Pudding, and hundreds of others. BUY NOW

“In The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris proves you can prepare and eat wonderful food and still stay well within the guidelines of food for a person with diabetes.”—Alan L. Rubin, M.D., author of Diabetes for Dummies and Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies

Instructions For Rainbow Frosting Swirl Technique for Cupcakes from My Cupcake Addiction 

If you do choose to use artificial sweeteners to help with diabetes, weight management and calorie control, do so in moderation and check ingredient lists — your intake of artificial sweeteners may be more substantial than you think.

Don’t miss Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary Diabetes Podcast on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. We’re talking about whether or not the ‘Food Police’ are helpful or harmful to our diabetes wellness.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

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