Sugar-Free Derby Whip Brownie Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

The Kentucky Derby is officially back. After much uncertainty and the delay of last year’s horse race due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 Kentucky Derby is returning to its traditional date on the first Saturday in May. Our friends and colleagues, Harlem’s Heaven Hat Designer Evetta Petty and Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry, share two great ways to GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS without compromising your diabetes wellness.

When Stacey Harris was studying to become a pastry chef, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Rather than give up her chosen profession, she began creating more diabetic-friendly desserts. Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights using blended flours, a combination of sugar and sugar substitutes, reducing milk carbohydrates, and eliminating trans fats.

FUN FACT: The Kentucky Derby is also called ‘The Run for the Roses’ because the winner is awarded a blanket sewn with over 400 roses post-race. This blanket weighs about 40 lbs.

Stacey Harris went outside the box to create a unique sugar-free dessert recipe to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. If you look closely at the photo, there is a drink at the bottom of each wine glass, and desserts are on the top in ramekins. The drinks are up to one’s discretion. Ice can be added. The desserts are made of sugar-free brownies crumbled into whipped topping or whipped cream and stirred until combined. Cherry is a garnish.

Sugar-Free Derby Whip Brownie Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and hot

1 Tbsp cooking oil

1 1/8 cup dry sugar substitute, such as erythritol

2 large eggs

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 Tbsp. dark rum, optional

1/2 cup all-purpose or white whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably dark chocolate

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 to 1 cup walnuts or pecans, optional

Derby Whip Ingredients

8-oz container of whipped topping or whipped cream

cherries with stems

Directions

Turn oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8-inch square baking pan; set aside.

Mix the hot butter, oil, and sugar substitute in a medium-sized mixing bowl with a whisk for approximately 1 minute. Add the eggs, vanilla, and rum if using. Beat for an additional minute.

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add nuts if using. Gently fold the batter just until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour batter into greased pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the center is set. Remove and let cool to room temperature.

Once the brownies are cool, remove the desired portion and crumble into a bit of whipped topping or whipped cream; fold just until combined. This is your Derby Whip. Scoop into ramekins and top with a cherry. The remaining brownies are for you to enjoy as brownies.

The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Note: “I used wine glasses and ramekins to make this dessert. The wine glasses can be filled with your choice of beverage, and ice can be added if desired. A Mint Julep would be great with some mint to garnish the Derby Whip. The round ramekins should be of the size to fit nicely into the top of the wine glasses. They should be first filled with your Derby Whip and garnished with a cherry. Here I used thin ribbons to disguise where the wine glasses and ramekins meet. Enjoy!”

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

Derby Hats Fit For A Diva-betic!

The Kentucky Derby is just as much about fashion as the race itself. Every spring since 1875 Churchill Downs floods with society’s most fashionable spectators to watch the Run for the Roses Did you know that wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck?

For over 20 years, our friend, Evetta Petty has designed hats in her uptown New York studio, Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop. Her hats have captured worldwide attention and have been worn to the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot in England. Recently, she’s put her design skills to work making fabulous, functional face masks.

The tradition of the Kentucky Derby hat began at the race’s inception; the founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., wanted to ensure a good crowd at his event. At the time, the race track had a reputation as immoral and dangerous, so Clark used good ole fashion word of mouth advertising to promote the race. According to the Kentucky Derby Museum, “He loaded up a wagon full of high society women, and they went door-to-door telling their friends, ‘We’re going to have a picnic at the racetrack,’.” And it worked! The wealthy class poured into the stadium in their finest, as a place to see and be seen.

Generally speaking, women wear wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” inspired Kentucky Derby hats.

Evetta offers a wide selection of fun, colorful hats and face masks for ladies and gentlemen. She uses the same high-quality textiles for her masks that she uses for her hats which makes them very special. You’ll find beautiful brocades In rich jewel tones and fancy rhinestone embellishments in her sparkling couture mask collection.

FUN FACT: Did you know that the Kentucky Derby was started by Lewis Clark Jr. —grandson of William Clark, half of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clark? The idea came to him after he saw England’s Epsom Downs racecourse.

FUN FACT: Did you know that in 2019, for the first time in the Kentucky Derby’s history, the horse that crossed the finish line first didn’t win? The horse that ran the track fastest, Maximum Security, was disqualified for impeding another horse, resulting in the second-place finisher, Country House, being moved up to the winner’s circle.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop is located at 2538 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. @W.147) New York, NY 10039. Phone: 212-491-7706. Store hours: 12 PM to 6 PM. Closed Sunday & Monday. Appointments available after hours

FUN FACT: The traditional drink of the Derby is the mint julep, and over 120,000 are said to be consumed at the race each year. While moderate amounts of alcohol may cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels, especially for people with type 1 diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

Singer, songwriter, and record producer Evelyn “Champagne” King who is best known for her hit disco single “Shame” offers this musical selection to complete Divabetic’s Derby celebration. Evelyn “Champagne” King lit up dancefloors with the release of her single, High Horse in the 80’s.

07/21/2023

Sugar-Free Baked Rice Pudding by the Diabetic Pastry Chef

Enjoy this delicious sugar-free recipe from the Diabetic Pastry Chef.

Shortly after attending culinary school to become a pastry chef, Stacey Harris, known professionally as the Diabetic Pastry Chef, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She was devastated since she loved to bake and loved to eat sweets.

After many experiments with several sugar-free substitutes, Stacey developed a formula that consistently turned out delicious confections that even non-diabetics love. One of her tips is to use a combination of different sugar-free substitutes in your recipe rather than just one.

Sugar-Free Baked Rice Pudding by the Diabetic Pastry Chef

Ingredients

3/4 cup cooked Brown Rice

2 cups Whole Milk

3 Eggs, beaten

1 cup dry Sugar Substitute of choice

3 Tbsp. Butter, melted

1 tsp pure Vanilla Extract

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/3 cup Raisins

Nutmeg for garnishing

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Garnish the top with a light sprinkle of grated nutmeg. Bake until the pudding is firm in the center, about 40 minutes. Serve warm or cold with cream or whipped cream.

Note: The pudding mixture can be baked in small greased ramekins or mini casserole dishes instead of a large one.

Mr. Divabetic hosts this podcast on tips, advice, and strategies for turning around a Prediabetes or a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis. Guests include Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, and gospel music recording artist, Pat Lacy.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the American Stroke Foundation, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

01/28/202101/28/2021

Chocolate Tofu Pudding Pies Recipe

Why not pack some protein into your next chocolate dessert?

Tofu is a plant-based protein that’s high in dietary fiber. Researchers have reported that tofu can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

Tofu is a soft, cheese-like food made from soymilk. An average serving of tofu is low in calories and sodium and is protein rich and provides iron, calcium, and certain B vitamins. (About 3 ounces of firm tofu has 70 calories, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrate, and 7 grams of protein). Tofu can be used in place of meat or dairy products in recipes.

Chocolate Tofu Pudding Pies Recipe

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) package silken tofu

1 cup granulated Splenda

1 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp agave nectar

1 tsp vanilla extract

6 (4 oz each) mini graham cracker crust pie shells

*optional: fresh berries as a garnish

Directions

Puree tofu, Splenda, cocoa, agave nectar, and vanilla in blender until the mixture is smooth and thick. Spoon pudding into pie shells and refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries and/or blackberries).

By the way, tofu is amazing in smoothies, and can even be used in baking as a substitute for dairy. For example, tofu is a great vegan substitute for cream cheese in cheesecake because of its airy texture.

Recipe adapted from the soy foods council, courtesy of Elizabeth Karmel. Reprinted with sugar substitutes from Costco Connection.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support program with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes empowerment presentation features a Hat & Face Mask Fashion Show presented by Harlem Heaven’s Hats and a Diabetes Educational Group Activity and Discussion on Thursday, February 4, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW

12/19/202012/19/2020

Lighter New York Style Cheesecake Recipe

Enjoy a decadent dessert recipe for under 200 calories from the Cleveland Clinic!

According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes can have their cake and eat it too(!) as long as it’s part of a healthful meal plan (limited saturated fat. contain moderate amounts of salt and sugar). Go ahead, enjoy!

Lighter New York Style Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

For the crust:
9 whole graham crackers (5 ounces), broken into rough pieces and processed in a food processor to fine crumbs (about 1 ¼ cups)
4 tablespoons Smart Balance spread, melted
½ tablespoon Splenda Blend sugar substitute

For the filling:
1 pound 1% cottage cheese
1 pound light cream cheese, at room temperature
*8 ounces yogurt cheese (See directions below if you want to make your own) or 1 pint non-fat or low-fat plain yogurt
¼ teaspoon table salt
¾-1 cup Splenda blend sugar substitute
½-1 teaspoon lemon zest (could use orange zest)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, at room temperature
Vegetable cooking spray

SEE FULL RECIPE

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’ on Divabetic’s newest Mystery podcast: Kill Me Madam.

Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dan Houdeshell, Pendulum Glucose Control’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie guest on Divabetic’s December Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

12/11/2020

Gingerbread Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.

“I started experimenting by using almond milk or whole milk mixed with water to cut down on carbs, then tried different flours, incorporating white whole wheat flour, soy flour, oat flour, black bean flour, and other alternatives into my brownies, cakes, and cookies,” she said in an How 2 Type 2 article.

She adds,”To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”

Below is The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Gingerbread Cake Squares recipe, enjoy!

Gingerbread Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

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.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef in 2021 on Zoom.

During our virtual Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef will prepare a Sugar Free Holiday Dessert recipe and share expert baking tips for using sugar substitutes in your favorite recipes.

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION

The Diabetic Pastry Chef shares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with type 2 diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. She also started her own online bakery that ships homemade treats all across the country. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”