Over the past year we have shared healthy recipes, style and entertaining suggestions and diabetes care tips to help you embrace holiday celebrations without compromising your diabetes self-care.
We know many people in our Divabetic community don’t like to celebrate the holidays including Christmas Eve and Christmas because they feel they may disrupt their diabetes care. But with a little pre-planning and guidance from your healthcare entourage you can still enjoy the festivities without failing your diabetes.
Our good friend, Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ offers this Sugar-Free Lemon and Blueberry Tartlet recipe to add to your menu for ‘Blue Christmas’ Day celebration.
Long after singer Fats Domino found his thrill on Blueberry Hill, researchers have found some thrilling news about blueberries. These tiny berries may play a big role in helping manage diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), berries are a diabetes superfood because they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber — plus, they’re low-GI. Three quarters of a cup of fresh blueberries has 62 calories and 16 grams (g) of carbohydrates. When you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar within a healthy range, thereby lowering your risk of certain diabetes complications, including diabetic retinopathy, or nerve damage; kidney disease; eyesight issues like glaucoma or cataracts; and serious life-threatening illnesses like heart disease and stroke.
Whisk the eggs and Whey Low® Type D Granular until smooth in the top of a double boiler filled with water.Add the remaining ingredients except for the blueberries and cook over medium heat while whisking continuously.When the mixture resembles slightly whipped cream, remove from heat. Cover and stir frequently while it cools.Once cool, stir in the blueberries and refrigerate.
Note:Alternatively, after cooling, the curd can be mixed with an equal part of whipped cream before adding blueberries and refrigerating.
Pastry Ingredients:
3 tbsp raw sugar or Whey Low® Type D Granular, sifted
1 1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup white whole wheat flour
¼ tsp salt
2/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp. ice water
Directions:
Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.Cut in butter with pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly like coarse meal.Add lemon juice and water and mix until a small ball can be formed.Gather mixture into a ball and flatten into a disk.Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on floured board.Cut into 12 5-inch rounds.Line 12 large muffin cups with the dough, prick the bottoms and sides of the dough with the tines of a fork.Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes or until golden. Cool in pan and carefully remove.Fill each cup with the lemon-blueberry mixture and garnish each with a blueberry.Yield:12 servings
Confused about Carbs? Our friend, registered dietitian, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND shares her ‘7 Tips to Tricks to Carb Count Like a Pro’ on her blog. One of the tips we learned was that the total amount of carbohydrate matters so much more than the source of carbohydrate or the type of carbohydrate. READ MORE
When Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef 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. By using blended flours and a combination of sugar and sugar substitutes, reducing milk carbohydrates, and eliminating trans fats, Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights
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
On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I feel is most closely associated with diabetes and more importantly, it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for the mental health issues related to diabetes. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Rachel Zinman, Dr. Mandy Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.
According to the Calorie Control Council, the Average American may consume up to 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving day. That being said, after a Thanksgiving Day feast, the last thing you want is a super sweet calorie bomb of a dessert.
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. By using blended flours and a combination of sugar and sugar substitutes, reducing milk carbohydrates, and eliminating trans fats, Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights.
Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie Recipe by the Diabetic Pastry Chef
1 3/4 cup pure canned pumpkin
1 3/4 cup milk
3 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
2/3 cup Whey Low D Granular or other dry sugar substitute to equal
1 Tbsp molasses
Directions: Combine all ingredients in mixer or blender until well blended. Pour into 9″ pie pan fitted with bottom pie crust. Leaf shaped cookie cutters can be used to adorn the edges and top of pie ( see below, will need to make a double pie crust for this). Bake at 400F degrees until pie no longer shakes in middle and inserted knife comes out clean. This will yield 1-9″ pie.
To make the pie as shown you will need 2 double pie crusts. This will make 2- 9″ pies. Roll out 2 single pie crusts and fit into 2 pie pans. Use the above pumpkin pie filling recipe to fill 2 pie shells instead of 1. The depth of the pie fillings will be lower. Use the additional pie dough to cut leaves with leaf cookie cutters and arrange as shown in photo. Garnish with coated cranberries.
Coated Cranberries
1/4 cup Whey Low D Granular or equivalent dry sugar substitute
1/4 cup water
6-ounces fresh cranberries
Additional Whey Low or equivalent dry sugar substitute for second coating
Directions: Combine water and Whey Low or other sweetener in saucepan over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add cranberries and stir to coat. Use slotted spoon to remove cranberries to wire rack; dry for 1 hour. Remove cranberries from rack and roll in additional Whey Low D or equivalent sugar substitute, and let dry for an additional hour. Garnish top of baked pie.
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
My friend and colleague Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ shares a Halloween-inspired dessert recipe to help you celebrate this spooky holiday without jeopardizing your diabetes health.
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. By using blended flours and a combination of sugar and sugar substitutes, reducing milk carbohydrates, and eliminating trans fats, Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights.
Please read carefully: This cake recipe uses 2 separate batters, a number of bowls, and must be baked in a large 12-cup bundt pan to prevent overflowing. A little difficult but well worth the effort! Splenda For Baking can be substituted for the Whey Low D Granular, see the instructions for this in the note at the end of the recipe.
3 sticks butter, softened
2 1/2 cups Whey Low D Granular sweetener
6 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups pure canned pumpkin
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 tsp baking powder, divided
1 tsp salt, divided
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup buttermilk
Directions:
In medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla. Add Whey Low and continue whisking until pretty well dissolved. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter until fluffy. Slowly add the egg mixture a little at a time beating well after each addition. Remove half the mixture from the mixing bowl and place in another bowl; set aside.
Pumpkin Batter: Add the following to the mixture still in the mixing bowl: 1 3/4 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and all of the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Finally add the canned pumpkin and beat on low speed just until combined.
Chocolate Batter: In another separate clean bowl, mix together the remaining 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; add the cocoa powder. Add this mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the remaining butter mixture that was set aside.
Add half of the pumpkin mixture to a greased and floured 12-cup bundt pan. By spoonfuls drop half of the chocolate batter on top of the pumpkin batter in the bundt pan, being careful to let the pumpkin mixture peak through in spaces. Repeat to spoon the remaining pumpkin and chocolate batters. Carefully run a butter knife a couple times around the rim of the batters in the pan and then draw the knife across the width of the pan in 10 to 12 spaces to swirl the batters. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for about 10 minutes before inverting the pan to remove the cake. Cool completely.
Special Note: Splenda For Baking can be used instead of Whey Low Granular D in this recipe. To use Splenda For Baking beat the butter, add the Splenda and continue beating until fluffy. Next add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, and then add the vanilla. Continue the recipe as written.
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
Healthy Halloween Tip: Take the focus off of candy by encouraging arts and crafts projects, pumpkin carving/painting contests, watching a Halloween movie, visiting a haunted house, or going on a hayride. This is a great way to create memories that don’t involve food.
I blame MaryAnn, who whipped up endless coconut cream pies for Gilligan on TV, and the chorus of Rupert Holmes’ hit song, Escape (The Pina Colada song) for why I associate ‘coconuts’ with ‘beaches’. That’s probably why I reached out to my friend and colleague Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’for a dessert recipe featuring coconuts to help celebrate the debut of our 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’. After all, the setting of this year’s mystery is the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, NY!!
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. By using blended flours and a combination of sugar and sugar substitutes, reducing milk carbohydrates, and eliminating trans fats, Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights.
Here’s Stacey Harris’ fabulous Coney Island caper inspired recipe for you and your family to enjoy!
2 c. milk, scalded 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1/2 c. SPLENDA® Naturals 2 tsp. coconut extract dash nutmeg
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In large bowl, beat eggs, add SPLENDA® Naturals, coconut extract and nutmeg; blend in hot milk.
Pour into small casserole dish and bake for 1 hour.
Garnish:
Serve with whipped cream sprinkled with a little toasted coconut, a fresh orange slice or garnish of your choice and 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
“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
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth, Mr. Divabetic in the seaside adventure, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabeticfinally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But this nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found sleeping with the fishes.
What it an accident or foul play?
Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling a sequined Real Estate Agent, ex-lifeguard Lothario and avoluptuous Dance Instructor, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends and a kooky crudite-obsessed fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers Summertime diabetes self-care tips.
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW
For the past twelve years at our Divabeticlive events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice, recipes and games with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays like the Fourth of July in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Typical July weather is hot, hot, hot! If you’re living with diabetes make sure you stay hydrated. Dehydration, or the loss of body fluids, can happen on these very hot summer days whether you have diabetes or not. If you have diabetes, dehydration also can occur when blood glucose is not under control. When blood glucose is elevated, this can lead to an increase in the body’s excretion of urine.
“People with chronic diseases like diabetes as well as people taking certain medications, including heart disease medications and diuretics, which are often used to treat complications of diabetes, are at increased risk of experiencing difficulties in the heat, even though they may not be aware of it,” says Catherine Carver, M.S., A.N.P., C.D.E, Director of Educational Services at Joslin Clinic.
How do you know if you are properly hydrated?
Try this skin test. First, use two fingers to grab a roll of skin on the back of your hand (between where your watch sits and where your fingers start), advises Higgins. …
Check your urine. If you’re well-hydrated your urine will be mostly clear with a tinge of yellow, Higgins explains.
Tart with strawberries and whipped cream decorated with mint leaves
1 cup Swerve sugar-free confectioner’s sugar or other equivalent
Strawberry Topping
1/2 cup Marzetti sugar-free strawberry glaze
2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
mint leaves for decoration
whipped cream, optional
Beat together the cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar substitute. Spread in bottom of baked pie shell.
Gently combine the strawberry glaze with the fresh strawberries, and arrange on top of the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until set approximately one hour. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ loves to bake! While she was attending cooking school she began creatingdiabetic-friendly recipes for breads, cakes and other desserts by swapping out the sugar, blending the flour and cutting the milk carbohydrates after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes READ MORE
DIVABETIC TIP: If you have diabetes, the key to maintaining your blood sugar is to use portion control. Thanks to the low-carbohydrate density of strawberries, you can safely enjoy a 1¼-cup serving. The diabetic exchange for blueberries is 3/4 cup.
When it comes to reducing your risk for diabetes, knowledge is key. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about type 2 diabetes! (Answer at bottom of post)
DIVABETIC TIP:Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion, especially if you are working or exercising outdoors. People with diabetes and other chronic diseases like heart disease are more susceptible to overheating. Symptoms include: feeling dizzy or fainting; sweating excessively; muscle cramps; skin that is cold or clammy; headaches; rapid heartbeat and/or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, move to a cooler environment, drink fluids like water, juice or sports drinks (based on your healthcare provider’s instructions) and seek medical attention.
HOT TOPIC:The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is troubled by the proposed changes to Medicaid and the negative impact of these changes on low-income Americans, who are disproportionately affected by diabetes. In states that expanded their Medicaid programs, more individuals are being screened for diabetes than non-expansion states. Cuts to Medicaid would leave the most vulnerable individuals with or at risk for diabetes without the health coverage they need to be diagnosed and treated for the disease as early as possible.
As currently drafted, the Association cannot support this legislation. It falls far short of the minimum standards for replacing the important safeguards and coverage provided by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which the Association has outlined. We urge all Senators to vote no on this bill and to work toward meaningful legislation that will protect access to affordable and adequate health care coverage for people with diabetes. READ MORE
ANSWER:Men are more likely than women to have undiagnosed diabetes. One of the big reasons is that men are less likely to go to their doctor regularly. One out of every four people with diabetes doesn’t know it, and a simple blood test can determine if you’re at risk for the disease or already have it. READ MORE
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, Mama Rose Marie, he heads for Coney Island, NY for the 35th Annual Mermaid Parade to cater his first partyaboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
One of the dilemmas our team faces in Coney Island is what to do with all the unused vegetables from the party, especially the zucchini!
Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes Recipe by ‘The Happy Diabetic’
What’s in it!
1-1/4 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup grated zucchini
1 cup grated carrots
Let’s Put It Together
1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with yogurt, beating well after each addition. Fold in zucchini and carrots.
2. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cupcakes with a chocolate frosting
Growing up in Los Angeles offered Chef Robert a culinary experience he will always cherish. Family cooks and guests in my home were experts in preparing Jewish, Mexican, Middle and Far Eastern, and traditional dishes, which gave him a love for food and the creative outlet it provided.
After graduating from the Prestigios Culinary Institute of America in 1976. In 1998 he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Thus began his motivation to create great tasting dishes that are easy to prepare.
In 1998 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Much of what I heard in those early day was about the foods that were prohibited. I suspected that my days of good eating were over, yet as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.
Chef Robert is a nationally recognized author, public speaker and spokesperson for all people affected with diabetes. He travels the country speaking on the benefits of healthy eating not only for people affected with diabetes, but also for anyone who would like to eat and live a healthy lifestyle.
Enjoy our third annual Mister Divabetic Mystery Podcast: ‘Suspect Boulevard’revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Our cast includes Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.
TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Maxwell. We’re talking about diabetic macular edema with musical inspiration from Maxwell on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6 PM, EST. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.
Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.
I know many people in our Divabetic community don’t like to celebrate the holidays because they feel they may disrupt their diabetes care. But with a little pre-planning and guidance from your healthcare entourage you can still enjoy the festivities without failing your diabetes.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
One of my favorite memories of our diva-style outreach came the day after I presented our ‘Divabetic- Makeover Your Diabetes’ outreach event in Washington, DC. I took my parents to see Arlington National Cemetery. My father, who is a veteran of the Korean War, enjoyed seeing the Changing Of the Guard Ritual. The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are “Known But to God.”
Did you know Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.
Having friends and family over for a get-together over the long weekend can be stressful of anyone, especially when you’re living with diabetes. Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pastry’ Chefshares a sugar free dessert recipe to make your Memorial Day memorable.
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t stop Stacey Harris. From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, This pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be as well as … sugar free!
Berry tartlets with blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, strawberries, almond flakes in icing sugar
Sugar- Free Fruit Tartlets by The Diabetic Pastry Chef
Cookie Crust (Ingredients):
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup Whey Low D Granular, or equivalent dry sugar substitute
2 large eggs
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
Directions: In the bowl of a mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth. Add the sugar substitute and mix until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time beating until combined after each. Add the flour all at once and mix on low just until incorporated.Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Roll out and use fluted 3″ cookie cutter to cut and place in 24 mini muffin cups. Bake in 350 degree preheated oven until golden brown approximately 10 minutes.
Custard:
1/3 cup Whey Low D Granular, or equivalent dry sugar substitute
3 Tbsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
2 cups milk
2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions: In medium saucepan, combine the dry ingredients. Gradually stir in the milk, and cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens while stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.In small bowl, blend approximately 1/3 of the hot mixture into the egg yolks. Return the yolk mixture to the hot mixture and blend well. Cook the mixture until it bubbles, stirring constantly.Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla. Cool. Fill each muffin cup about half way with the cooled custard and add topping. Fruits can be brushed with a little heated currant jelly if you would like them to appear glossy. Refrigerate until serving time.
Topping:Various fruits and berries such as: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, sliced almonds, confectioners sugar or substitute for dusting and/or mint leaves for garnishing
Divabetic Fact: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that nearly one in four men and women (24 percent) who served their country have diabetes.
Set the table for a whole season of festive cookouts by giving it a new summer coat. The wooden slats of a classic picnic table provide a ready-made outline for stripes. Red and white are very versatile — with blue napkins and flag “bouquets,” the table’s ready for patriotic gatherings; adorned with bright red, orange, or yellow tableware, it would have “casual barbecue” painted all over it. READ MORE
Divabetic Playlist: “Soldier Boy” is a song written by Luther Dixon and Florence Greenberg. The song was released as a single by The Shirelles in 1962 and met with great success, topping the USBillboard Hot 100. The song’s lyrics are a profession of the singer’s love for the titular soldier boy in which she promises to remain true to him while he’s away.
How to enjoy Memorial Day foods without packing on pounds
Plenty of us will be heading to Memorial Day picnics and barbecues this weekend, but is it possible to enjoy the food without ruining your diet? NBC health and nutrition editor Madelyn Fernstrom is here to help you make smart food choices with a game she calls “Pick It or Nix It?” with Hoda and Kathie Lee. WATCH NOW
The first step to a successful ‘DIVABETIC’ manicure and pedicure is to know where to go. Inexpensive salons often have unlicensed technicians who are not educated about proper hygiene and cleanliness. Inspect the spa before you make an appointment. Ask about their cleaning and sterilization procedures. READ MORE
Break out the red, white and blue nail polish, ladies, because Memorial Day weekend is here! As with most holidays (read: every holiday ever), nail art should pay tribute to what’s being celebrated, and what better what to celebrate Memorial day than with some patriotic nail art to match your flag-inspired bathing suit?
Do you ever feel ‘guilty’ about living with diabetes?
Unfortunately a heavy dose of guilt is a frequent companion to diabetes.
“I spend a lot of time talking to my clients about guilty feelings. Usually related to not being compliant,” said Dr. Gary McClain, a therapist specializing in helping clients with the emotional impact of chronic illness, catted with members of the diabetes community about coping with diabetes guilt for Diabetes Connect’s website.
“Actions aren’t the only cause of guilt. My clients tell me they also feel guilty when they think of ways to avoid being compliant. I have had clients tell me that just thinking about a Hershey bar can make them feel guilty in anticipation of cheating. Interaction with the doctor is a big source of guilt. Clients often talk about not being quite honest with their doctors. Some of my clients are so focused that just a minor slip-up on their diet will result in lots of guilty feelings and self-criticism,” he added. READ MORE
Divabetic Fact: Veterans who develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their diabetes and service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation. READ MORE
Join us when we celebrate Service Dogs at Mosaic Central Farm Markets in Fairfax, VA on Sunday, June 4, 2017, PM.With their superior sense of smell, diabetes alert dogs have the ability to sniff out low blood glucose levels. Dog Expert Debby Kay and Kathy Gold RN, CDE help me host the Red Tomato Carpet at our first-ever Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show. READ MORE
Don’t miss June’s episode of Diabetes Late Nite with music by Maxwellon Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) which is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.
Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.
‘Caught Bread Handed: A Bakeshop Mystery’by author Ellie Alexander is what I like to call a ‘one day’ book because you’re able to read it in one day or more accurately a lazy afternoon. It’s quick and fun.
Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the oven is heating up as high as the body count…
Jules Capshaw is still chewing over her husband Carlos’s return to Ashland, Oregon. Could there be too many cooks in the kitchen? Whatever is stirring between those two will have to wait. Despite the Oregon Shakespeare Festival being dark for the winter, the bakeshop is bustling, the dough is rolling, and there’s no rest for the weary…especially when murder is thrown into the mix. READ MORE
My only complaint is that the the nuisances of baking outweigh the mystery behind the murder in this story. Chapter after chapter, I kept wondering when the main character, Juliet ‘Jules’ Capshaw, was going to take off her apron and get down to the business of investigating. However, you will find yourself falling love with Ashland, Oregon and the crazy characters that inhabit it.
The author also does a great job of giving you a slice of ‘cake without the frosting’ when it comes to describing the daily grind of owning and operating a bakery/restaurant. The rhapsody of creating a new recipe is liberally sprinkled over the nonstop, never ending cycle of early mornings, financial worries and physical exhaustion. I don’t think there’s enough coffee for me to put on a chef’s hat! Now, that I’m eating ‘gluten free’ I appreciated her gluten free baking tip too.
The gay character, Lance hooked me. He’s smart, witty, sarcastic busybody; a bit like Paul Lynne. And right before you think he’s going to be a total stereotype of a ‘theater queen’ the author reveals another, truthful side to the character by hinting at his issues with intimacy.
I read this book for inspiration. Currently I’m working on rewrites for this year’s ‘Mister Divabetic Mystery: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’as well as researching and outlining my next ‘Mister Divabetic Mystery: One Murder Tutu Many’podcast script. The purpose of our annual diabetes mystery podcasts is to educate you about diabetes self-care in an entertaining way. I also want to encourage you to become a diabetes detective and investigate the reasons behind why you may be experiencing unexpected high’s and low’s with your healthcare team.
‘Mister Divabetic Mystery: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ takes place at the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, New York. The happy healthcare host’s first foray into healthy catering gets off to a soggy start when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes! Tune in to Diabetes Late Nite for all the action and laughs sprinkled with diabetes information in September.
My ‘Mister Divabetic Mystery: One Murder Tutu Many’ is set in the word of ballet. My character, Mr. Divabetic’s gluten-free cheesecake gives his team of amateur sleuths goosebumps when it’s found covering the face of a dead body. I’ve been busy consulting with Author and diabetes advocate, Zippora Karz, Janis Roszler MSFT, RD, CDE, LD/N, Cookbook author, Holly Clegg, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PHd, CDE and Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ Harris on the various themes and recipes related to the story.
Wondering what life’s like for a ballerina living with type 1 diabetes?
Check out the ‘The Sugarless Plum’ by Zippora Karz. For dancer Zippora Karz, a rising young star with the famed New York City Ballet, being diagnosed with diabetes could easily have ended all her dreams. She was just twenty-one when she was plucked from the corps de ballet to dance solo roles like the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker. It was near the end of a grueling season when she became exhausted, dizzy, and excessively thirsty. READ MORE
Four years ago I met USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes at BookCon in New York, NYC. Our chance meeting has lead me to researching, writing and producing a yearly diabetes mystery podcast with my Diabetes Late Nite cast for our Divabetic community. Tonya’s been a great support throughout my painful and joyful writing process.
One day soon I hope to turn one or more of my scripts featuring diabetes self-care tips and information and healthy recipes into a book (!) or not. In the meantime I’m going to keep on reading and writing!
By the way, my Mister Divabetic Mysteries (Pink Panther, Phantom of the Okra, Suspect Boulevard and Gypsies, Tramps & Peas) are available for free at blogtalkradio, i-Tunes and divabetic.org
Can’t wait until September? Check out May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring the music of Della Reese on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 6 PM, EST. It’s not an mystery podcast but it’s filled with great advice on how to overcome the sudden shock of being diagnosed with diabetes, and advice on navigating your local farmers market and the best ways to go gray.
In 2000, Della was officially diagnosed with diabetes after collapsing on the set of the hit TV show “Touched By An Angel”. Since then, she’s battled with her health to fight against wheelchair confinement. Her rep claims she’s still able to walk and refuses to be confined. At this point, let’s just hope she continues to fight like we know she can! Guests include Diabetes Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author from Chilbrook Kennels, Debby Kay, Central Farm Markets Co-Founder, Debra Moser, Master Hairstylist Karline Ricketts, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie
For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Our Cinco de Mayo Day Fiesta Celebration embraces the colorful fun of a fiesta to encourage you to entertain like a diva!
We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! Add a splash of color!
Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.
Decorate your fiesta with these festive tissue-paper streamers, bowl bands, and flags. Tissue paper flowers made great decorations. We put them in flower pots, use them as streamers, and wear them as accessories. READ MORE
While the basics of Mexican restaurant entrees — rice, corn, beans, tomatoes, and chiles — are packed with nutrients, beware of entrees loaded with fatty cheeses, refried beans, and sour cream. Follow these tips to enjoy flavorful Mexican food without derailing your ‘divabetic’ diet:
Platter-size entrees with all the fixings can total 1,500 calories. Take half home or order a la carte to get only what you want. Cheese and sour cream top many entrees. Ask for reduced-fat sour cream (or skip it altogether) and lower-fat sauces, such as a red sauce rather than cream sauce. Crispy entrees usually mean the dish has been deep-fried. Opt for corn or whole wheat tortillas instead.
Sure, the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Cinco de Mayo to try a new recipe?
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease muffin tin or use paper liners.
Combine dry ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer mixing at low speed just until combined. Add butter and mix until the butter coats the flour.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Turn on the mixer and add the egg mixture to the dry mixture in 3 parts until combined. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly among the muffin tins. filling each 1/2 full. This should make about 16 cupcakes. Let sit 10 minutes before baking. Bake about 17 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool completely.
Hollow out the center of the cupcakes. Fill with lime curd, pipe frosting, and garnish with lime slices, mint and lime zest.
Lime Curd Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup Whey Low D Granular or equivalent dry sugar substitute
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp lime zest
Beat together the eggs and sugar substitute in the top of a double boiler. Stir in juice, butter and zest. Cook over simmering water 15 minutes or until thickened. Cool.
Whipped Cream Frosting Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Add ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until soft peaks form. Pipe onto cupcakes. This whipped cream recipe is not stabilized, so frost and garnish right before serving.
Did you know that ‘Mexico’s soda tax will save 18,900 lives and more than $983 million over 10 years?
Mexico’s soda tax has continued to help reduce Mexico’s consumption of unhealthy beverages reported by Reuters. Purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages were down nearly 10 percent in the second year of the tax, a new study shows.
Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force described the new study as “encouraging for many cities and countries around the world which are exploring ways to shift the rising tide of diabetes.”
Similar taxes have been levied in countries around the globe – from Colombia to France and South Africa, and in American cities, from Berkeley, California, to Philadelphia. READ MORE
The LA Times reports that if Mexicans sustain this pattern of consuming fewer sweetened beverages, the model developed by researchers predicts that over 10 years, the 10% excise tax could prevent 189,300 new cases of Type 2 diabetes, 20,400 strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults 35 to 94 years old.
From 2013 to 2022, the reductions in diabetes alone could yield savings in projected healthcare costs of $983 million dollars, the researchers concluded.
Margaritas may be a tasty accompaniment to your tacos or enchiladas, but these are among the highest-calorie alcoholic beverages you can choose. Laced with sugar and sweet liqueur, just one margarita may contain as many calories as your meal. The actual count will vary by recipe, and you can create a much lighter version with some key ingredient substitutions.
Eight ounces of a standard margarita on the rocks will set you back about 455 calories, while a 12-ounce margarita has about 680 calories. You can lighten up your drink by limiting the Cointreau — or triple-sec, which is sometimes used instead — and by using fresh lime juice instead of a sweetened version. Omit sweet-and-sour syrup and sugar, and use just one ounce of tequila to further reduce calories. If your drink seems too small, add come zero-calorie soda water.
Or why not treat yourself to a alcohol-free sparkler, made fast with a tangy blend of frozen juice concentrates?
1 can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1 can (6 oz) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 cups crushed ice
2 cups club soda, chilled
Mocktail Margarita Directions
Rub rims of glasses with lime wedges; dip in salt to coat.
In blender, place lemonade and limeade concentrates, powdered sugar and ice. Cover; blend until slushy. Add club soda; stir gently. Pour mixture carefully into glasses. Garnish with lime wedges.
Four years ago,Actress and Diabetes Advocate, Salma Hayek launched Nuance, an expansive collection of lipsticks, blushes, bronzers, face serums, shampoos, and conditioners inspired by her grandmother. These days, it’s safe to say that she’s got the art of looking good down to a science.
“This is embarrassing to say but I wear makeup a lot,” says Selma. “Not every day, I try to let my skin rest, but when I do, I shade my face to give it more depth and to slim my jaw. People think you contour only to get cheekbones, but if you study your face and realize that dark colors will diminish features and lighter colors will bring out features, you can design the face you want.”
Salma Hayek developed diabetes while she was pregnant. “I got gestational diabetes, which I didn’t realize at first. It occurs in women who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy,” says Salma. “I didn’t know whether I was feeling bad because I was pregnant or whether something was seriously wrong. I was nauseated for nine months, which can be one of the symptoms.”
All pregnant women are at some level of risk for gestational diabetes. Since it affects as many as 18% of all pregnant women, it is one of the most common conditions associated with pregnancy. Learn more about gestational diabetes
Our Divabetic ‘Cinco de Mayo Fiesta’ Playlist contains a fabulous mix of Selena’s greatest hits. Selena was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, model, actress, and fashion designer. Called the Queen of Tejano music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century
https://youtu.be/SQqehP4YaRQ
LISTEN NOW: Drinking & Diabetes? on Diabetes Late Nite podcast with inspiration from Kathie Lee and Hoda. Find out how alcohol effects your blood sugars. While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels. If you are in doubt about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor.
SAVE THE DATE: Don’t miss our first-ever Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show on Sunday, June 4, 2017, 11 AM – 1 PM at Mosaic Central Farm Markets in Mosaic, VA. Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author Debby Kay from Chilbrook Kennels, and certified diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE will on hand to answer your questions.
We’re taking a look back at last year’s Mr. Divabetic Mystery podcast: “Suspect Boulevard” as we prepare for this year’s brand new Mr. Divabetic Mystery: “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas” debuting in September.
There’s a glamorous Hollywood book launch party for Best-Selling Author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze’s newest novel, “Fires of Desire” in one scene of “Suspect Boulevard”. You’ll have to tune in to find out who gets burned by Marjorie’s scorching Best-Seller. When you do, make sure to listen to our podcast while you’re enjoying Stacey Harris ‘s delicious “Fires of Desire” Mini Victoria Cakes recipe.
‘Fires Of Desire’ Mini Victoria Cakes
Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup Whey Low D Granular
3 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup King Arthur Cake Flour Blend
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
sugar- free or no sugar added strawberry or raspberry jam
whipped cream
Whey Low Powder or confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Fresh raspberries for garnish
Directions:
With mixer beat together the butter and Whey Low for 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla and beat for an additional 2 or 3 minutes. Sift the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl. Gently fold with spoon just until combined and smooth. Spoon mixture int 12 greased muffin tins. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Remove from pan. Split each cake in half. Spread with jam, top with a little whipped cream. Sandwich the cakes and sift powdered Whey Low or confectioner’s sugar on top. Top each with a raspberry or small strawberry.
Let Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef show you how to entertain like a ‘diva’ without jepordising your diabetes health! Stacey published “The Diabetic Pastry Chef” (Pelican, $24.95), a collection of more than 200 recipes that fit within the nutritional limits of the diabetic diet.
TUNE IN: Mister Divabetic Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard and involves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. Our cast includes Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
Don’t miss our next Mister Divabetic Mystery: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ debuting in September. Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic’s finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical-themed soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Recipes included.
Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.
