FROZEN PINEAPPLE AND FRUIT SALAD 1 package of cream cheese 2 tbsp. mayonnaise Pinch of salt 1/2 pt. heavy cream 1/4 lb. soft marshmallows 1 (#2) can sliced pineapple 1 (#2) can fruit cocktail 16 maraschino cherries Work in 2 tablespoons mayonnaise with 1 package cream cheese, adding a pinch of salt. Whip 1/2 pint heavy cream and add soft marshmallows; cut in small pieces. Combine and add pineapple; cut in small pieces fruit cocktail (all well drained). Add maraschino cherries. Put in ice cube tray and freeze until firm, overnight if possible.

Sol, I've found through Dad's doctor that anything can be a diabetic friendly food if it's factored into their daily allowance of sugars and carbs and if portion sizes are kept realistic. That said, a jar of homemade salsa and some homemade wheat or corn tortillas, baked, is much healthier as a snack than a sweet. Dad, however, loves his sugared up, highly sweetened and super-refined food and he's not going to give it up, no matter the health ramifications. So I make things like pecan halves, tossed with a beaten egg white, then sprinkled with a mix of a teaspoonful of cinnamon and artificial sweetener to equal half a cup. I think I used about 3 cups of pecan halves, last time. A handful is a relatively healthy snack, given some other choices. He also likes carrot cake, so I make carrot cake muffins with whole wheat flour and keep the raisins to a reasonable level, no frosting. Zucchini muffins or bread are another possibility because the zucchini and spices "hide" the whole wheat a bit and the sugar can be reduced without noticing it a lot. Now, if I could get him to eat those things without a bunch of butter.... anyway, here are a couple of recipes: CHIPPETY DO DAH! 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour 1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated) 6 tbsp. unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup canned pure pumpkin 1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters) 2 1/2 tbsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tbsp. brown sugar, not packed 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/8 tsp. salt Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients except for the chocolate chips (flour, Splenda, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt). Mix well. In a separate bowl, mix together all wet ingredients (applesauce, pumpkin, egg substitute, and vanilla extract). Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir until completely blended. Then, fold in the chocolate chips. Spray a large baking pan with nonstick spray, and spoon batter into 8 evenly spaced circles. Place pan in the oven for about 10 minutes (until cookies appear done and feel firm). Remove pan from the oven and allow cookies to cool slightly. For best results, enjoy while the cookies are still warm and the chips are still melty! MAKES 8 SERVINGS Serving Size: 1 medium-sized cookie (about 1.5 oz.) Calories: 88 Fat: 1.5g Sodium: 93mg Carbs: 17g Fiber: 2g Sugars: 6g Protein: 3g Succulent Zucchini Bread (makes 2 loaves, 10 servings each) butter-flavored cooking spray 3 large eggs or 3/4 cup egg substitute 1/3 cup canola oil 7 packets DiabetiSweet 1 tablespoon natural vanilla 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, packed in natural juice, well drained 2 cups grated zucchini 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon salt (optional) 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat two 8-inch loaf pans with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs; add the oil, DiabetiSweet, vanilla, pineapple, and zucchini. 3. In a second large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt (if using). If using, add the walnuts and toss. 4. Mix the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Spoon into the prepared loaf pans. 5. Bake for 40 minutes or until a tester inserted near the middle comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out and cool on wire racks. Note: This fantastic loaf freezes well. You can top it with frozen fat-free, sugar-free vanilla yogurt, if desired. Per serving (bread only): 118 calories (35% calories from fat), 3 g protein, 5 g total fat (0.6 g saturated fat), 16 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber, 32 mg cholesterol,149 mg sodium Diabetic exchanges: 1 carbohydrate (1 bread/starch), 1 fat Hmmm, where is RobinKate? We can all say whatever we want, but she LIVES with it. I'll bet she has some good recipes. Annie

Company is coming for a week, she is insulin type diabetic. When I look at the recipes I would normally serve guests what ingredients should I watch out for? What snacks or desserts are good have on hand? Any staples I should have available? Lunch ideas?

Here is a no fat - low sugar (no processed sugar) dessert Date Cake 0.5 lb Medjool dates 1.5 cups almonds 1. Pit 0.5 lb Medjool dates and mash into a paste. 2. Powder 1.5-2 cups of almonds in a blender and mix with the date paste (add until paste is relatively stiff) 3. Pack stiff paste into a small bowl or cake form, then turn out onto a plate and serve. Optional: Flavoring with strawberries and/or peppermint (dehydrate, powder in blender, and mix with the almond powder in step 2), also mix the almond powder with a small amount of honey for date cake icing. Final product is very rich and we like it best as a small slice served chilled with fresh blackberries, peppermint, and apple slices. The cake will store for 2+ months in a Ziplock in the fridge without loss of freshness. Stephen