Christmas Recipes for Diabetics – Pudding and Pie

Diabetics no longer have to give up dessert during the holidays. Sugar is no longer considered the culprit for those who have diabetes according to recent research. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) now considers the biggest dietary risk factor for type 2 diabetics as being overweight due to overeating. When diabetics eat smaller portions and factor in the carbs, they can enjoy an occasional after meal treat.

In addition, recent advances in sugar substitutes such as Splenda, provides another way a diabetic can occasionally indulge in a holiday dessert. Whether diabetics choose to concentrate on carbohydrate substitution or they replace sugar using Splenda or another sugar replacement, they can enjoy eating desserts during the holidays. Here are two delicious treats to try this year.

Creamy Christmas Rice Pudding

For a surprise holiday dessert, try a creamy brown rice pudding everyone can enjoy. Ingredients include substitution of low fat milk, and addition of vanilla and eggs:

3 cups          low fat milk
1 ½ cups     brown rice
½ tsp            pure vanilla
½ tsp            salt
¼ tsp            ground cinnamon
¼ tsp            nutmeg
2 eggs           (beaten) or egg substitute in equivalent amount
½ cup           dried cherries

Step 1:  In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, rice, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until milk is absorbed. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2:  Gradually stir beaten eggs into the saucepan. Stir in the dried cherries. Place saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly for 5 minutes or until thickened. Serve warm. Top with a dab of low fat whipped topping, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Quick and Easy Fruit Pie

Pies are a particular favorite for the diabetic in our home. Here is a delicious diabetic-friendly dessert for all to enjoy. Ingredients are:

2 cans        favorite sugar-free pie filling such as cherry, apple or pumpkin
1 box        low fat pie crust, pre-made

Depending on whether you are making a fruit pie or pumpkin pie, open one plastic wrapped pie crust and place gently into a 9-inch pie plate. Gently poke several holes in the crust with a fork. Add fruit or pumpkin pie filling.

If making a fruit pie, open second pie crust and either place whole on top of filling, or cut into strips for a lattice top.

For the pumpkin pie, leave free of top crust.

Bake according to directions on side of fruit filling can. After pie cools slightly, top with favorite fat free or sugar free whipped topping.

Diabetics do not have to go dessert free during the holidays. Keep portions small and plan meals around dessert options for a tasty and guilt-free holiday season.