Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • Lamb, Kale, and Pomegranate Salad

    Lamb, Kale, and Pomegranate Salad

    How to Make Lamb, Kale, and Pomegranate Salad

    This colorful salad looks as good as it tastes. The addition of lamb lends a “special occasion” feel to this otherwise straightforward dish, while the pomegranate amps up the flavor.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     

     


    15 min prep time


    35 min cook time


    8servings


    3 oz lamb with 1 1/2 cups salad

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the pomegranate juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add lamb and place in refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
    2. Remove lamb from marinade, pat dry, and set on tray. On gas grill, turn all burners to high, close lid, and heat until hot, about 15 minutes. Scrape grates clean and brush with oil.
    3. Grill lamb, fat-side down, over medium-high heat for 25–35 minutes total depending on desired doneness, turning halfway through cooking. Aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium. Remove from grill and loosely cover with foil. Let rest about 15 minutes, then thinly slice. While resting, prepare salad.
    4. In large bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper (if desired). Add kale, fennel, pomegranate seeds or grapes, and toss to coat. Arrange dressed salad on platter and top with sliced lamb, green beans, gorgonzola cheese, and toasted walnuts.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 oz lamb with 1 1/2 cups salad


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      380

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      21g

      27%

      • Saturated Fat
        5.1g

        26%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      95mg

      32%

    • Sodium
      240mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      16g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      32g

    • Potassium
      830mg

      18%

    Ingredients

    pomegranate seeds or sliced red grapes
    1/2 cup

    fennel bulb (thinly sliced)
    2

    baby kale
    5 cup

    olive oil
    1/4 cup

    pomegranate balsamic vinegar
    2 tbsp

    Dijon Mustard
    2 tsp

    leg of lamb (deboned, butterflied, and trimmed of visible fat)
    1 (about 4-lb)

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    salt
    1 tsp

    ground cinnamon
    1 tbsp

    ground ginger
    1 tbsp

    garlic (chopped)
    3 clove

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    pomegranate juice
    1 1/2 cup

    fresh green beans (blanched)
    4 cup

    Gorgonzola cheese
    2 tbsp

    walnut halves (toasted)
    1/4 cup

  • White Bean, Lemon, and Herbed Feta Dip

    White Bean, Lemon, and Herbed Feta Dip

    How to Make White Bean, Lemon, and Herbed Feta Dip

     

    Even though it can be made in a flash, this zesty dip combines all the bright flavors of Greece in one easy-to-make dish. If you are a Mediterranean food fan, this dip will make a great addition to hummus in your repertoire. Note that when storing this dip in the refrigerator, it tends to firm up. Before serving, simply stir in water a tablespoon at a time until it becomes the desired consistency.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    15 min prep time


    8servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine cannellini beans, feta, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, mint, and oregano in a food processor. Pulsing on and off, purée until smooth.
    2. Taste and season with salt (if desired) and pepper.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      120

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      80mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      160mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    canned or cooked cannellini beans
    1 1/2 cup

    Greek feta cheese (cut into small pieces or crumbled)
    1/2 cup

    juice and zest of 1 lemon
    1

    extra-virgin olive oil
    1/4 cup

    fresh mint (plus extra for garnish)
    1/4 cup

    fresh oregano (plus extra for garnish)
    1/4 cup

    freshly ground black pepper
    to taste

  • Date, Almond, and Sesame Balls

    Date, Almond, and Sesame Balls

    How to Make Date, Almond, and Sesame Balls

    Although they look like elegant truffles, these sweet treats are packed with tons of healthy nutrients. Dates have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. This recipe can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.


    15 min prep time


    36servings


    1 ball

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the dates, butter, water, almonds, vanilla, cardamom, and cinnamon in a food processor. Pulse to form a smooth paste. Shape the dough into date-size balls.
    2. Spread the sesame seeds and flaxseed on a baking sheet. Roll the date balls in the seeds to coat. Arrange on a serving platter.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    36 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 ball


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      10mg

      <1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        8g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      150mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    pitted dates
    1 lbs

    butter (at room temperature)
    1/4 cup

    water
    1/4 cup

    blanched almonds
    1/2 lbs

    vanilla extract
    1 tsp

    ground cardamom
    1 tsp

    ground cinnamon
    1/2 tsp

    sesame seeds (toasted)
    1 cup

    ground flax seed
    2 tbsp

  • Roasted Beet, Tahini, and Greek Yogurt Dip

    Roasted Beet, Tahini, and Greek Yogurt Dip

    How to Make Roasted Beet, Tahini, and Greek Yogurt Dip

    Beautiful, fresh beets of any color take center stage in this unique vegetarian dish. To prepare raw beets, peel them, cut them into quarters, and boil or roast them until fork-tender. You can prepare large batches of beets at one time to use for this recipe, in salads, or to eat by themselves, drizzled with a little bit of olive oil and sprinkled with salt.

    Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.

     


    5 min prep time


    16servings


    2 tbsp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the beets in a food processor. Add the tahini, olive oil, salt, and yogurt to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
    2. Add water, tablespoon by tablespoon, to get an extra-creamy consistency (you should need less than 1/4 cup).
    3. Scrape down the sides of the food processor, then puree for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the dip is extremely creamy.
    4. Spoon onto a small, round dish, and serve immediately. (If desired, use the back of the spoon to create a smooth top on the dip and make dents in the top, filling them with olive oil.) Store in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tbsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      40

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      85mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      2g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      55mg

      1%

    Ingredients

    cooked beets
    1 cup

    tahini
    1/3 cup

    extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tsp

    sea salt
    1/2 tsp

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt
    1/4 cup

    water
    1 tbsp to 1/4 cup as needed

  • Cinnamon Flan

    Cinnamon Flan

    How to Make Cinnamon Flan

    You might be asking yourself, “How can it be possible to have a flan in a diabetes-friendly cookbook?” I have to tell you that this happens to be one of my favorite desserts in this book. The magic trick was not using condensed milk and using fat-free evaporated milk instead. Of course, a flan is not a flan without caramel. And for caramel you need real sugar. I used just enough caramel to make this dessert delicious but still guilt-free.


    10 min prep time


    5 hr cook time


    8servings


    1 wedge with 1/3 cup raspberries

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
    2. Combine the sugar and water in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the caramel is lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Immediately pour the caramel into a 2-quart round baking dish, tilting the dish to evenly coat. Set aside until the caramel is cool and hardened, about 10 minutes.
    3. Meanwhile, combine the milk, evaporated milk, sugar substitute, cinnamon powder, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and let stand 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks.
    4. Beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk into the milk mixture until well blended. Pour into the baking dish.
    5. Place the baking dish with the flan mixture into a 9 × 13-inch roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with enough hot water to come one-third of the way up the sides of the baking dish. Bake until the custard is set but jiggles slightly in the center, 50–55 minutes.
    6. Transfer the pan to a rack; let cool 1 hour. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 3 hours or overnight. To unmold, run the tip of a small knife around the edge of the flan. Place a large flat plate on top of the flan and flip it over. Cut the flan into wedges and serve each wedge with 1/3 cup raspberries.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 wedge with 1/3 cup raspberries


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.1g

        6%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      120mg

      40%

    • Sodium
      125mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        19g

    • Protein
      10g

    • Potassium
      360mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    sugar
    1/3 cup

    water
    1/4 cup

    skim milk
    2 cups

    evaporated skim milk
    1 (12 oz) can

    low-calorie sugar substitute
    3 tbsp

    ground cinnamon
    1/4 tsp

    cinnamon sticks (broken in half)
    2

    vanilla extract
    2 tsp

    raspberries
    2 2/3 cups

    large eggs
    5

  • Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions

    Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions

    How to Make Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions

    This recipe comes together quickly, with the perfect combination of sweet and savory ingredients. It’s sure to please!


    10 min prep time


    30 min cook time


    6servings


    2 slices (about 4 oz) pork and 3 tbsp apple/onion mixture

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
    2. In a small bowl, combine sage, garlic, salt, pepper, 1 tsp olive oil, and pecans. Mix well. Pat pork tenderloin dry and brush with 2 tbsp olive oil. Top with a layer of pecan mixture and set aside.
    3. Heat remaining 2 tsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add onion and apples and saute for 5 minutes. Move apples and onions to the sides of the pan, and place the pork tenderloin in the center. Move the pan to the preheated oven, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
    4. To serve, cut pork into 12 equal slices and top with apple and onion mixture.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 slices (about 4 oz) pork and 3 tbsp apple/onion mixture


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      210

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.8g

        9%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      6g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      23g

    • Potassium
      430mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    fresh sage (minced)
    1 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    fresh ground black pepper
    to taste

    olive oil (divided use)
    5 tsp

    chopped pecans
    1/4 cup

    pork tenderloin
    1 1/2 lbs

    medium onion (sliced)
    1

    Braeburn apple (sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices)
    1

  • Bruschetta-Stuffed Mushrooms

    Bruschetta-Stuffed Mushrooms

    How to Make Bruschetta-Stuffed Mushrooms

    Bruschetta is a colorful and delicious appetizer for any gathering. For a lower carb option, try this simple bruschetta stuffed in mushrooms instead of serving it on the traditional baguette.

    This recipe can be found in The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner.  

     


    10 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    7servings


    2 mushroom caps

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut tomatoes into quarters and set aside.
    2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic. Saute garlic for about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and continue to saute for about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil and both cheeses.
    3. Remove stems from mushrooms and fill with tomato mixture. Bake in oven for 15 minutes.
    4. Let cool slightly, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve warm.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    7 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 mushroom caps


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      50

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      3mg

      1%

    • Sodium
      55mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      270mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    grape tomatoes
    1 pints

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    garlic
    2 clove

    dried basil
    2 tsp

    2% mozzarella cheese
    1/3 cup

    freshly grated parmesan cheese
    2 tbsp

    large “stuffer” mushrooms
    14 oz (about 14 mushrooms)

    balsamic vinegar
    1 tbsp

  • Brazilian Guacamole

    Brazilian Guacamole

    How to Make Brazilian Guacamole

    With so many colors and flavors dancing together, this guacamole is a party on your tongue! Use this as a dip for fresh vegetables or tortilla chips, or add it to sandwiches and wraps. It tastes delicious the day you make it, and it gets even better the day after, when all the flavors blend. The result is refreshing and so very satisfying.


    15 min prep time


    13servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours so that flavors can develop but remove from the fridge at least 20 minutes before serving.
      Chef’s Tip: Cut the other half of the bell peppers and cucumber into sticks to serve with the guacamole for dipping
    2. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits and scoop the flesh out of their shells. Dice or mash the avocado and add it to the vegetables. Slowly add the olive oil and fold everything together.
    3. Combine the garlic, scallions, red onion, bell peppers, cucumber and tomato and toss well. Season with the soy sauce, salt and pepper, parsley and clinatro and fold well.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    13 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      135mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      5g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      220mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1/2 cup

    ripe Hass avocados
    2

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    fresh parsley (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    lower sodium soy sauce
    1 tbsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    plum tomato (seeded and finely diced)
    1

    English cucumber (peeled, seeded, and finely diced)
    1/2

    yellow bell pepper (finely diced)
    1/2

    red bell pepper (finely diced)
    1/2

    green onion (scallion) (chopped)
    1

    garlic (finely minced)
    1 clove

  • Onion, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip

    Onion, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip

    How to Make Onion, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip

    Enjoy this dip with fresh cut vegetables such as baby carrots, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, or mini bell peppers. It’s a simple way to incorporate more vegetables (and therefore, more nutrients) into your next party spread!

    Find this recipe and more in The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here


    15 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    20servings


    2 tbsp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add artichokes and thyme and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until veggies begin to brown. Add spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted. Remove skillet from heat.
    3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine light mayonnaise, cheese wedges, and 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds to soften, then mix well. If needed, heat mixture in 15-second increments until cheeses are softened and easily mixed with mayonnaise.
    4. Add cheese mixture and lemon juice to sauteed vegetables and mix well. Spread dip into a small baking dish, top with remaining 1 tbsp of Parmesan cheese, and bake in the oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    20 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tbsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      35

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      2mg

      <1%

    • Sodium
      115mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      110mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tsp

    onion(s) (finely diced)
    1

    artichoke hearts (drained and rinsed)
    1 (15-oz) can

    dried thyme
    1/2 tsp

    spinach (coarsely chopped)
    6 oz

    light mayonnaise
    1/4 cup

    light spreadable cheese wedges (such as laughing cow)
    4 wedges

    freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)
    2 tbsp

    lemon (juiced)
    1

  • Lemony Pesto Hummus

    Lemony Pesto Hummus

    How to Make Lemony Pesto Hummus

    Enjoy this hummus as a dip for snacking with nonstarchy vegetables, whole-wheat pita, or whole-grain crackers.

    Find this recipe and more in The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here

     


    5 min prep time


    5servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    5 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.4g

        2%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      150mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    chickpeas (garbanzo beans) (drained and rinsed)
    1 (14.5 oz) can

    jarred pesto sauce
    2 tbsp

    lemon (juiced)
    1

    fresh ground black pepper
    1/2 tsp