Tag: comfort food

  • Double-Duty Banana Pancakes

    Double-Duty Banana Pancakes

    How to Make Double-Duty Banana Pancakes

    Double-Duty Banana Pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the hearty goodness of buckwheat pancake mix. This quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy mornings, yields fluffy pancakes with a hint of banana flavor in every bite. 

    With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s low in sodium and packed with potassium and fiber. Ideal for pancake lovers looking for a healthier option, these pancakes are sure to become a breakfast favorite!


    7 min prep time


    6 min cook time


    4servings


    2 pancakes

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Mash one half of the banana slices and place in a medium bowl with the pancake mix and the milk. Stir until just blended.

    2. Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. (To test, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If the water drops “dance” or jump in the pan, it’s hot enough.) Coat the skillet with nonstick cooking spray, add two scant 1/4 cup measures of batter, and cook the pancakes until puffed and dry around the edges, about 1 minute.

    3. Flip the pancakes and cook until golden on the bottom. Place on a plate and cover to keep warm.

    4. Recoat the skillet with nonstick cooking spray, add three scant 1/4 cup measures of batter, and cook as directed. Repeat with the remaining batter.

    5. Place 2 pancakes on each of 4 dinner plates, top with equal amounts of banana slices, and drizzle evenly with the syrup. If you like, place the dinner plates in a warm oven and add the pancakes as they are cooked.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 pancakes


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0.5g

      <1%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.1g

        <1%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        9g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      200mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    banana(s) (thinly sliced)
    2 med

    buckwheat pancake mix
    1 cup

    skim milk
    2 3/4 cup

    pancake syrup (light)
    4 tbsp

  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Ice Cream

    Dairy-Free Chocolate Ice Cream

    How to Make Dairy-Free Chocolate Ice Cream

    Bananas, avocado and coconut milk are the secret ingredients in this recipe. To make it a mousse, just refrigerate instead of freezing and serve with a dollop of light cool whip and fresh berries on top.


    5 min prep time


    8servings


    1/4 cup

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until completely smooth, stopping occasionally to scrap the sides of the food processor.
    2. If you have a homemade ice cream maker, blend the mixture in the ice cream maker for 10 minutes, then pack into a container and freeze. If you do not have an ice cream maker, just pack and freeze.
    3. To serve, bring the ice cream out of the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to slightly thaw so it’s easier to scoop.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      125

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.6g

        8%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      5mg

      <1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      19g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        10g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      370mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    ripe medium-size bananas
    2

    medium-size avocados (ripe)
    2

    lite coconut milk
    1/3 cup

    cocoa powder
    1/3 cup

    low calorie sugar substitute
    1/4 cup

  • Crunchy Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini

    Crunchy Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini

    How to Make Crunchy Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini

    This is a great way to add more grains to your diet and the quinoa gets a wonderful crunch when baked.


    10 min prep time


    1 hr cook time


    6servings


    1/2 zucchini

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F convection or 450°F traditional oven.
    2. Place quinoa in medium saucepan with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes until tender.
    3. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a paring knife, cut a V shape into each half and remove the center, creating a channel for the stuffing. Chop the zucchini that has been removed and save it for use in the stuffing.
    4. In the meantime, place the olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add pancetta, onion, garlic, and chopped zucchini. Sauté until pancetta is browned. Remove pan from heat and add tomatoes. Add cooked quinoa and mix well.
    5. Stuff each zucchini half with 1/2 cup quinoa mixture and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
    6. Bake 20–25 minutes until zucchini are fork tender. Stuffing will be nicely browned.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 zucchini


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      125

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.3g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      190mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      485mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
    1/2 cup

    zucchini (each weighing about 1/2 pound)
    3

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 tsp

    pancetta (chopped)
    2 oz

    onion(s) (chopped, about 1 medium)
    3/4 cup

    large garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    grape or cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered if large)
    3/4 cup

  • Creamy White Bean Soup with Basil and Olive Oil

    Creamy White Bean Soup with Basil and Olive Oil

    How to Make Creamy White Bean Soup with Basil and Olive Oil

    White bean soup is a Tuscan classic. White beans are a great source of fiber. Use jarred white beans if available—they are superior to canned.


    6servings


    1/6 recipe

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat oil in a large skillet saucepot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute, stirring often.
    2. Add the tomato, oregano and crushed chili flakes. Continue to sauté for another minute. Add the beans and broth. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook uncovered for 35 minutes until smooth and creamy.
    3. Add the basil and lemon juice, season to taste with salt.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/6 recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      115

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.4g

        2%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      200mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      18g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      425mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 tbsp

    medium onion (chopped)
    1/2

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    ripe tomato (chopped)
    1

    dried oregano (dried)
    2 tsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1 pinch

    cannellini beans (20-ounce jar, drained and rinsed)
    1

    low sodium vegetable broth (low-sodium)
    4 cup

    fresh basil leaves (minced)
    6

    Juice of 1 fresh lemon
    1

    Sea salt, to taste
    1

  • Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower

    Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower

    How to Make Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower

    Cauliflower like you’ve never had it before! This recipe makes a great Thanksgiving Day side dish. It’s better for you than those cheesy potatoes or traditional green bean casserole – with just as much flavor!


    25 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    16servings


    1/3 cup

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add 4 quarts of water to a 6-quart saucepan. Bring the water to a boil. Add the cauliflower, and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain. Set aside.
    2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes until soft, making sure the onions and garlic do not turn brown. Combine the flour and milk, and whisk until very smooth. Add to the onions and garlic, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the cheese, and fold in the cauliflower. Garnish with parsley.
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    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      90

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      80mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%

    • Protein
      6g

    Ingredients

    cauliflower florets (coarsely chopped, about 2 heads)
    10 cup

    butter
    2 tsp

    large onions (chopped)
    2

    garlic (minced)
    3 clove

    all-purpose flour
    1/2 cup

    1% milk
    3 1/2 cup

    salt and pepper to taste
    1

    Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
    3/4 cup

    parsley (finely minced)
    3 tbsp

  • Cream of Broccoli Soup

    Cream of Broccoli Soup

    How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup

    This soup is great for lunch with a salad and a slice of whole wheat baguette for dipping. To keep the sodium in the recipe low, choose low- or reduced-sodium chicken stock or make your own at home.


    8servings


    1/8 of recipe

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the tough outer layer from the broccoli stalks. Chop broccoli and set aside 1 cup of florets for garnish.
    2. Bring chicken stock to a simmer and add chopped broccoli. Cook for a few minutes or until broccoli is tender, making sure the color does not become dull.
    3. Puree cooked broccoli and 1 cup of chicken stock in a food processor. Set aside.
    4. Add olive oil and onions to a pot and gently cook. Sprinkle flour and stir to mix. On low heat, continue cooking, making sure flour is absorbed and slightly turns color. Slowly whisk hot chicken stock into flour mixture and bring to a simmer. Add broccoli puree and half & half; bring to a simmer, stirring to combine ingredients. Season with salt and peper and garnish with florets. Serve hot.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/8 of recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      350mg

      15%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      11g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      4g

    Ingredients

    whole wheat flour
    1/4 cup

    onions (small dice)
    1 cup

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    chicken stock
    6 cup

    broccoli (chopped)
    1 1/2 lbs

    fat free half-and-half
    1 cup

    salt
    1 tsp

    white pepper
    1 tsp

  • Country Stuffed Summer Squash

    Country Stuffed Summer Squash

    How to Make Country Stuffed Summer Squash

    Buy the 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook, 2nd edition, here.


    5 min prep time


    35 min cook time


    4servings


    1 squash half

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    2. Scoop out and coarsely chop the squash pulp.
    3. Place a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Coat the skillet with nonstick cooking spray and add the squash pulp and bell pepper. Cook 4 minutes or until the pepper is tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
    4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the water and margarine. Add the stuffing mix and stir gently with a fork. Spoon 1/2 cup stuffing into each squash half. Press down gently so the stuffing will adhere.
    5. Recoat the skillet with nonstick cooking spray, arrange the stuffed squash in the skillet, cover tightly, and bake 30 minutes or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 squash half


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      210mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      16g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      320mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    large summer squash (halved lengthwise (12 ounces total; use any variety, such as yellow, scallop, or zucchini))
    2

    red or green bell pepper (chopped)
    1 cup

    water
    1/2 cup

    no-trans-fat margarine ((35% vegetable oil))
    2 tbsp

    cornbread stuffing mix (dry)
    1 cup

  • Cool Weather Cobbler

    Cool Weather Cobbler

    How to Make Cool Weather Cobbler

    “This is my take on a classic apple crumble,” says cookbook author and nutrition expert, Katie Cavuto. “But I wanted to pay homage to the natural sweetness of the fruit instead of lobbing on the sugar. Arrowroot powder thickens this whole-fruit filling and fresh ginger, cinnamon, and orange zest lend robust flavors to this treat. And the topping adds more than just crunch; with oats, whole-wheat flour, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and maple syrup, it’s a tasty way to get your nutrients.”


    20 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    18servings


    3/4 cup

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    2. To make the filling, toss together all the fruit, the arrowroot powder, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Spread the filling in the bottom of an 8 x 12-inch baking dish.
    3. To make the topping, stir together the almond flour, oats, flour, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in another medium bowl. Drizzle in the canola oil, olive oil, and maple syrup and mix until evenly combined.
    4. Crumble the topping over the filling and bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is brown and the fruit is bubbling. Remove cobbler from the oven and set aside to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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    Nutrition facts

    18 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      190

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.1g

        11%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      35mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      26g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        10g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      220mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    apple and/or pears (peeled, cored, and sliced)
    6 med

    cranberries and/or pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
    1 cup

    arrowroot powder
    1 tbsp

    ground cinnamon
    1 tsp

    fresh ginger (grated)
    1 tsp

    orange zest (freshly grated)
    1 tsp

    almond flour
    1 cup

    old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free)
    2 cup

    whole wheat flour
    1/2 cup

    pumpkin seeds (unsalted, toasted)
    1/4 cup

    almonds (raw, sliced)
    1/4 cup

    ground cinnamon
    1 tsp

    fine sea salt
    1/4 tsp

    canola oil
    2 tbsp

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 tbsp

    pure maple syrup (preferably grade B)
    1/3 cup

  • Classic Meatloaf

    Classic Meatloaf

    How to Make Classic Meatloaf

    Author Robyn Webb:”Ask anyone about childhood food memories and meatloaf is usually mentioned. We owned a collection of loaf pans when I was growing up, but my mom used them more for baking bread than forming meatloaves. She was the one who taught me to form a meatloaf into an oblong shape on a baking sheet, which let the air circulate all the way around the loaf to produce those crusty edges.”

    This recipe from The Perfect Diabetes Comfort Food Collection, by Robyn S. Webb. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.


    20 min prep time


    55 min cook time


    6servings


    3 ounces (approx. 1 1/2 inches thick)

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
    2. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes. Add in the green pepper and mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes. Add in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and sauté for 1 minute.
    3. Add the onion mixture to a bowl, and let cool for 2 minutes. Add in the beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke, if using. Mix gently, do not over handle the meat.
    4. Place the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and form into an oblong loaf. Combine the ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar and pour over the meatloaf.
    5. Bake the meatloaf for 40-45 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest 5-7 minutes prior to slicing.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 ounces (approx. 1 1/2 inches thick)


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      210

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.4g

        12%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      75mg

      25%

    • Sodium
      440mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      21g

    • Potassium
      480mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    small onion (minced)
    1

    green or red bell pepper (finely minced)
    1/3 cup

    white (button) mushrooms (chopped)
    4 oz

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    Italian seasoning
    1 tsp

    sea salt
    1/4 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    ground beef (95% lean)
    1 lbs

    eggs (beaten)
    1

    whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
    1 cup

    milk (fat-free)
    1 cup

    Worcestershire sauce
    2 tsp

    liquid smoke (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    ketchup (sugar-free, such as Walden Farms)
    1/3 cup

    Dijon Mustard
    1 1/2 tbsp

    brown sugar
    1 tsp

  • Classic Beef Stew

    Classic Beef Stew

    How to Make Classic Beef Stew

    You don’t need cold weather to enjoy a great beef stew. There are so many new renditions of beef stew, but if you can make this classic version really well, that’s all you’ll need. Although button mushrooms can be used, try and seek out cremini mushrooms as the stew will taste more full-bodied.


    20 min prep time


    2 hr cook time


    10servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the all-purpose flour with the Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Dredge the beef cubes lightly in the flour mixture and add the beef, in batches to keep the beef in one layer, until well browned on each side.
    2. Remove the beef from the pan and deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup chicken broth. Add in the mushrooms and sauté for about 4 minutes until well browned. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and deglaze with another 1/4 cup of the broth. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for 4 minutes. Return the beef to the pot, add the remaining chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Partially cover, lower the heat to simmer, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    3. Peel and cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch pieces. Cut the carrots into 1/2-inch pieces. Add the potatoes and carrots to the stew and continue to cook for another 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add in the reserved mushrooms, peas, and thyme. Season with red wine vinegar and black pepper.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      250

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      45mg

      15%

    • Sodium
      290mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      24g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      980mg

      21%

    Ingredients

    all-purpose flour or whole-wheat pastry flour
    2 tbsp

    Italian seasoning
    1 tbsp

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    top round (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
    2 lbs

    cremini (baby bella) mushrooms (cleaned, stemmed, and quartered)
    1 1/2 lbs

    low sodium chicken broth (reduced-sodium, low-fat, divided use)
    4 cup

    large onion (coarsely chopped)
    1

    garlic (minced)
    3 clove

    large russet potatoes
    2

    medium carrots (peeled)
    3

    frozen peas
    1 cup

    fresh thyme (minced)
    1 tbsp

    red wine vinegar
    1 tbsp

    freshly ground black pepper (1/4-1/2 tsp)
    1/2 tsp