BUILD A HEALTHY MEAL Diabetes-Friendly Desserts

Louisiana Healthcare Connections and the LSU AgCenter have teamed up to produce the video series ‘Build a Healthy Meal.’ In this series, we show you how to prepare easy, healthy and tasty dishes using low-cost ingredients that can be found at your local dollar store or grocery store. Also, we show you how to “build” healthy meals that are diabetes friendly that you and your family will enjoy!

In this segment, area nutrition agent, Natasha Johnson, demonstrates how to make quick and easy, diabetes friendly desserts. These desserts are a great way to add a little sweetness after any meal!

White Chocolate & Orange Pudding
2 boxes (4 servings each) sugar-free instant white chocolate pudding mix
3 cups cold skim milk
3 cups (1 tub) light whipped topping, thawed
1 ½ teaspoon grated orange peel

1. Add pudding mix to a large bowl, then add the milk slowly.
2. Beat with a wire whisk for 1 minute.
3. Gently fold in whipped topping and orange peel.
4. Spoon into mold or serving dish.
5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serves: 12
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Source: Dining with Diabetes

Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
3 cups mixed fruit, canned in own juices
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups fat-free plain yogurt
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup sucralose
½ cup low-fat granola

1. Combine the fruit and cinnamon in a bowl and gently mix.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt, vanilla, and sucralose.
3. Layer 3 tbsp fruit in each parfait glass. Top with 3 tbsp yogurt. Repeat layers and garnish each parfait with 1 tbsp granola.

Serves: 5
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Source: Dining with Diabetes

Oatmeal Cookies
Cooking spray
1 cup regular rolled oats
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup sucralose
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
⅛ cup hot water
¼ cup margarine, melted and cooled
½ teaspoon vanilla extract or flavoring

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray cookie sheet.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, sucralose, flour, and salt.
3. In a small bowl, combine baking soda, water, melted margarine, and vanilla. Stir into oat mixture.
4. Roll into walnut-size balls and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes before placing on cooling rack.

Makes: 15 cookies; 1 cookie per serving
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes

Source: Dining with Diabetes

DIABETES EDUCATION TIPS:
• These desserts can be part of a diabetes friendly meal plan.
• These desserts can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.

FOOD SAFETY TIPS:
• Store pudding and parfait leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Store leftover cookies on the counter or in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

COOKING TIPS:

For rolling the cookie dough:
• If you use your hands, spray your hands with cooking spray or flour your hands so the dough does not stick to you.
•If using tablespoons, spray the utensils with cooking spray so the dough does not stick to the utensils.
•To zest the orange
•Use a box grater or thinly slice the orange peel with a knife and mince.
•For best flavor, let the pudding sit in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.

Visit us at our website: www.LSUAgCenter.com/BuildAHealthyMeal

About Louisiana Healthcare Connections
Established to deliver quality healthcare through local, regional and community-based partners, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is a Healthy Louisiana Plan headquartered in Baton Rouge, La. Louisiana Healthcare Connections exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. Because Louisiana Healthcare Connections believes healthy is a way of life, its members benefit from programs and services designed for personal well-being. For more information, visit www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com.