Food like can be difficult for a Diabetic. I am a Type 2 Diabetic and my husband is not. He can eat whatever he wants and never gain an ounce. In fact he has a difficult time keeping weight on. So in this house it is a fine dance between making sure he gets what he needs to eat and keeping me in line with what I should or shouldn't eat.
As you know, I do bake him lots of treats and try not to overly deprive him without overly tempting myself. It is very difficult at times and I admit, I do taste far more than I should sometimes, but thankfully my blood sugars stay within the guidlines most of the time. I can tell when I have gone overboard because my vision gets blurry and that's when I start drinking lots of water. Thankfully it doesn't happen very often.
There are some very good sugar and syrup substitutes out there that are sugar free and not too bad tasting. Sukrin make some very good sugars (brown and white and icing) and I found a company here in the UK that makes wonderful calorie free and sugar free syrups.
Of course whole wheat bread is very diabetic friendly because it is low GI and so long as you keep your amounts down, you can enjoy that as well on occasion. (Eating foods that have a low score on the glycaemic index can keep blood sugar levels steady and can even help your body metabolise fat more efficiently)
I ordered a few different syrups from the Skinny Food Co a few weeks back. Some Ketchup, some Maple Syrup, and Vanilla Syrup. Unfortunately sugar subs like this tend to be very expensive and never really come up to the satisfaction level of the real thing. But at least they make it possible for you to be able to enjoy a treat every now and then. which is a heck of a lot better than not at all!
With the addition of fresh berries this was really good and made for a lovely quick breakfast that I totally enjoyed. You simply mix everything together, pour it into a mug and then quick cook in the microwave, stirring it halfway through the cook time.
It wasn't even rubbery like some of these microwave goodies can be. (Most microwave cakes are kind of rubbery, I find . . . but maybe I am just too picky.)
The original recipe called for egg substitute instead of an egg, but I don't think an egg every now and then will hurt. We don't have egg substitute over here in the UK, at least not that I have ever seen.
Yield: 1Author: Marie Rayner
Berry French Toast in a Mug
prep time: 1 minscook time: 2 minstotal time: 3 mins
Quick, easy, delicious and Diabetic friendly. You can also easily adapt this for non-diabetics by using regular maple syrup and ordinay white bread. I cut the crusts off, but I expect you don't really need to.
ingredients:
1 large free range egg, beaten
2 TBS skim milk
2 tsp sugar free syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
2 slices whole wheat bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 fresh strawberries, chopped
1 TBS fresh blueberries
To serve (Optional)
sugar free syrup
fresh berriesinstructions:
Spray a large mug with some non-stick low fat cooking spray.
Combine the egg, milk, syrup, vanilla and cinnamon together in a bowl.
Add the bread cubes and the fruit. Toss to coat evenly. Pour into the
prepped mug.
Combine the egg, milk, syrup, vanilla and cinnamon together in a bowl.
Add the bread cubes and the fruit. Toss to coat evenly. Pour into the
prepped mug.
Stir gently and microwave for about 30 seconds longer, or until the
bread is set in the centre. Top with some extra berries if desired and a
bit of extra syrup.
Created using The Recipes Generator
Craving indulged, I can feel good that I am sticking to my Diabetic guidelines, which is really important this time of year when we are surrounded by tons of goodies that we can't have! I got some pancake mix from the company also, which I hope to enjoy one day. You would just die if you saw how much I got and how much it cost. I was not impressed, and actually a bit disappointed when I saw it, to be honest, so I am saving it for a really special occasion!
In any case this is quick, easy and delicious! Bon Appetit!
I had wanted to share this recipe prior to Thanksgiving, but time got away from me. I can't not show it to you however as it was really a lovely pie and we both really enjoyed it very much.
I confess when I was growing up I didn't really like pumpkin pie very much. It wasn't until I became an adult that I found myself able to fully appreciate its virtues.
I think of all the pumpkin pies I have made through the years I enjoyed this one most of all. It was a bit different than the usual pumpkin pie. I found the recipe on the Land O Lakes website and adapted it from there to British measurements, etc.
I'm afraid I also took the liberties of cutting the recipe in half as there are only two of us in our home and we were not expecting any company.
I cooked the half recipe in an 8 inch square baking tin, which worked perfectly.
It cooked in the same amount of time as the full one would have done, probably because it was a bit deeper.
It had a beautiful velvety texture and the flavour was rich and full. Making it with cream probably added to the richness and creaminess of the end result.
The pastry cut outs on top were a really nice touch. The pie looked really pretty wit them!
Do make the caramel cream to serve with it. Its really lovely.
Of course it will be lovely even with plain whipped cream.
Funny thing, since moving over here I no longer feel the need to sweeten my whipped cream. The British never do and let the cream speak for itself. I think that's because the milk and cream is so beautiful over here.
Yield: 24Author: Marie Rayner
Sheet Pan Pumpkin Pie
prep time: 20 minscook time: 1 hourtotal time: 1 hours and 20 mins
Pie enough for all your guests, plus seconds, served with a luscious caramel whipped cream.
ingredients:
Pastry:
560g plain flour (4 cups)
1/2 tsp salt
305g cold butter, cut into chunks (1 1/3 cup)
300ml cold water, plus extra if needed (1 1/4 cups)
For the filling:
4 large free range eggs
400g soft light brown sugar (2 cups, packed)
240 ml heavy cream (1 cup, heavy whipping cream)
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 (425g) tins of pumpkin puree (not pie filling) (29 ounces)
For the whipped cream:
310ml heavy cream (1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream)
60ml caramel topping (1/4 cup)
2 TBS icing sugarinstructions:
Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7. Line a (9 by 15 inch) baking sheet (with sides) with parchment paper. Set aside.
Whisk
together the flour and salt for the pastry together in a bowl. Drop in
the butter and then cut in with a pastry blender or fork until the
mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cold water gradually with
a fork, just until the flour is moistened. Divide the dough into two
portions, one 3/4 of the dough, and the other 1/4 of the dough. Shape
each into a ball and flatten. Wrap the larger disc in cling film and
refrigerate
together the flour and salt for the pastry together in a bowl. Drop in
the butter and then cut in with a pastry blender or fork until the
mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cold water gradually with
a fork, just until the flour is moistened. Divide the dough into two
portions, one 3/4 of the dough, and the other 1/4 of the dough. Shape
each into a ball and flatten. Wrap the larger disc in cling film and
refrigerate
Roll out the smaller part of the
dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using shaped
cookie cutters, cut into about 40 pieces. Place 12 to 18 on a baking
tray and refrigerate the remaining ones. Sprinkle with a bit of sugar
if you wish. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside
to cool completely.
dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using shaped
cookie cutters, cut into about 40 pieces. Place 12 to 18 on a baking
tray and refrigerate the remaining ones. Sprinkle with a bit of sugar
if you wish. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside
to cool completely.
Roll the remaining disc of
dough out to a rectangle large enough to line the prepared baking sheet,
1/4 inch thick. Fold into quarters and place into the baking pan.
Unfold and press firmly against the bottom and sides. Flute or crimp
the edges.
dough out to a rectangle large enough to line the prepared baking sheet,
1/4 inch thick. Fold into quarters and place into the baking pan.
Unfold and press firmly against the bottom and sides. Flute or crimp
the edges.
Whisk together all of the
ingredients for the filling together. Pour into the crust. Decorate
the top with the remaining unbaked pastry shapes. Bake in the oven for
10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark
4.. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the centre
of the pie comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.
ingredients for the filling together. Pour into the crust. Decorate
the top with the remaining unbaked pastry shapes. Bake in the oven for
10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark
4.. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the centre
of the pie comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.
To
make the cream beat the whipping cream, caramel sauce and sugar in a
chilled bowl, at low speed, until the caramel sauce has dissolved.
Increase speed to high and beat until soft peaks form.
make the cream beat the whipping cream, caramel sauce and sugar in a
chilled bowl, at low speed, until the caramel sauce has dissolved.
Increase speed to high and beat until soft peaks form.
Created using The Recipes Generator
I know Thanksgiving is over and everyone is probably pumpkin-pied out, but do bookmark this lovely pie for next year, or why not give your family an additional treat of another pie during the holidays. I am sure they will love it. If you do it in a sheet pan it is perfect for taking to any buffets or pot lucks you might be invited to during the holidays! Bon Appetit!
I confess that I am a Pizza lover. Aficionado. Pizza hog. Treasurer . . . . maybe even obsessed. If its Pizza, I am there.
I have been carrying on a great love affair with it for most of my early teen years and adult life. I can't help myself. I just adore the stuff.
My first run in with pizza was when I was a teenager. My boyfriend at the time brought over a pizza mix and we made one together. It was simple. It was delicious. I fell in love.
Since then I have been enjoying pizzas from one coast to another and across the sea. RJ's pizza in Winnipeg was really good, but then again, I have never really met a pizza I didn't like.
I could eat pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And all on the same day. Yep, I love, LOVE pizza.
Crisp crust. Thin crust. Thick crust. Crust you can fold. Any way. Any how.
Yesterday I tried out making a New York Pizza. With foldable crisp slices, a delicious sauce and lotsa lotsa cheese.
I've never been to New York, never tried the pizza, but I have read about it. Dreamt about it. wished for it.
Have I ever told you my cousin owns/runs a Pizza place back home? Yep, he does.
The Pizza Factory on Main Street in Middleton, Nova Scotia . . . and it produces some of the best pizza in the Valley.
It is not a chain run conglomerate, but a small individual mom and pop style of business. There is only one of them and they make great pizza.
The crust is a family secret recipe that only he and his sister know, and it is an amazing crust. One of the best ever.
It is one of the first things I need to treat myself to every time I go home. If you are ever in the area, be sure to check it out. You won't be sorry.
He started working there when he was a teenager and when the owner decided to retire, he offered Hal the opportunity to buy the business. Hal did and has never looked back We are all immensely proud of him and his pizza!
And how back to my pizza. Its not Hal's crust, but its a pretty darn good crust.
Lovely flavour and texture and just sturdy enough to stand up to the toppings, and yet at the same time light and airy.
What characterises a New York Pizza? I have never been to New York or tasted one in person, but I have drooled over many a slice on the telly.
Latest one being on an episode of Somebody Feed Phil. I reckon New York City must have some of the tastiest food in the world.
According to The Spruce Eats:
New York style pizza has slices that are large and wide with a thin crust that is foldable yet crispy. It is traditionally topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, with any extra toppings placed on top of the cheese. Pizza without additional toppings is called “plain,” “regular,” or “cheese.
This fits the bill on all of those counts. It has a thin, airy crust that is crisp and yet foldable . . .
It is covered with a delicious tomato sauce . . . my own recipe, honed after many years of eating pizza, knowing what tastes good and what I like and adaptation until I perfected it.
I am mighty proud of my sauce.
And of course plenty of mozzarella cheese, plus some Parmesan . . . because to me a Pizza needs Parmesan cheese too.
I am not a pizza expert by any stretch, but I have eaten plenty of pizza in my life, from the make at home mixes to pizza in Calgary, best ever coming from a Greek restaurant no less.
Winnipeg, Halifax, etc. I think I know good pizza.
The best in my opinion is Hal's but this one runs a good second. Ok, I am a bit biased. I admit it. But it is my blog after all. You will just have to try it and make up your own mind.
Yield: makes 2 pizzasAuthor: Marie Rayner
New York Pizza
prep time: 20 minscook time: 2 hourtotal time: 2 hours and 20 mins
Light and airy with lots of cheese. If you don't want to make two pizzas, you can divide the dough in half and freeze one portion, well wrapped and you can also free half the sauce for another time. Plan ahead as this can take some time.
ingredients:
For the crusts:
945g strong bread flour (3 3/4 cups)
1 1/4 tsp sugar
1 envelope of active dry yeast
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 TBS +2 tsp olive oil
360ml warm water (1 1/2 cups)
For the sauce:
2 cups of tomato passata (seived tomatoes)
1/4 cup tomato paste (sundried tomato paste is nice sometimes for a change)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp chinese five spice powder
seasalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup tomato paste (sundried tomato paste is nice sometimes for a change)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp chinese five spice powder
seasalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
You will also need:
230g fresh mozzarella, grated and then frozen (2 cups)
4 TBS coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional:
Toppings as desired
(chopped onion, olives, bacon, peppers, pepperoni, etc.)instructions:
Combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast and salt in the
bowl of your stand mixer. Combine to mix. Add the water and 2 TBS of the
oil. Beat using the dough hook until the dough forms a ball around the
hook. If you think the dough is too sticky, you can add additional
flour 1 TBS at a time. If you think the dough is too dry, you can add
water, 1 TBS at a time. Tip out onto a lightly floured surface and
gently knead until you have a smooth, firm ball. Oil a large bowl with
the remaining olive oil. Add the ball of dough, turning to coat it in
oil. Cover with plastic cling film and set in a warm area to rise until
it doubles in size, about an hour and a half.
bowl of your stand mixer. Combine to mix. Add the water and 2 TBS of the
oil. Beat using the dough hook until the dough forms a ball around the
hook. If you think the dough is too sticky, you can add additional
flour 1 TBS at a time. If you think the dough is too dry, you can add
water, 1 TBS at a time. Tip out onto a lightly floured surface and
gently knead until you have a smooth, firm ball. Oil a large bowl with
the remaining olive oil. Add the ball of dough, turning to coat it in
oil. Cover with plastic cling film and set in a warm area to rise until
it doubles in size, about an hour and a half.
While the dough is rising, make the sauce and let it cool.
To make the sauce, put
all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cover
with a lid, slightly ajar and simmer on very low for about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Turn
the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in 2 equal pieces. If
you are not using both, wrap one tightly in cling film and place into a
zip lock bag. Flatten and place in the freezer for another time.
the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in 2 equal pieces. If
you are not using both, wrap one tightly in cling film and place into a
zip lock bag. Flatten and place in the freezer for another time.
Let the dough you are using rest for 10 minutes, then press and roll out to a 12 inch circle on a sheet of baking paper.
Preheat
the oven to 230*C/425*F/ gas mark 7. Put a pizza stone if you have one
in the oven to heat. If not, place a pizza pan in the oven.
the oven to 230*C/425*F/ gas mark 7. Put a pizza stone if you have one
in the oven to heat. If not, place a pizza pan in the oven.
your crust with as much sauce as you require, and then freeze the rest
in individual portions for later use. Add your desired toppings and
cheese. Slide the pizza onto the heated pizza stone or pan and return to
the oven to bake for 10 to 13 minutes, until the crust is golden and
crisp and your cheese has melted and bubbling. Cut into slices to
serve.
Created using The Recipes Generator
What are you favourite toppings on a pizza? Sometimes I like pepperoni and sausage, but most of the time I go simple and like just onions and olives, and yes . . . bacon every now and then. Bon Appetit!
This content (written and photography) is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at mariealicejoan at aol dot com.
The way to my husband's heart is surely through a big plate of "Bangers and Mash." He is a true meat and potatoes kind of a guy, and this kind of meal is surely one of his favourite ways to have both of his loves all on one plate.
More often than not he likes things to be quite simple . . . pan fried sausage and ordinary mash, all topped with Bisto onion gravy granules.
I don't do gravy granules. Sorry Todd. It was not something that I was brought up with. My mother always made her own gravy, from scratch, and we never had it with sausages. At best my father would ask for a jar of mayonnaise to be on the table so that he could dip his sausages in that.
I have to confess that I was never very fond of sausages for supper when I was a child. I think the first sausages I really enjoyed was at my SIL's in Toronto one weekend. She had bought some lovely British "Bangers" at a local butcher's. That is when I learnt that sausages could actually taste really nice, although I am willing to concede that it is really all purely a matter of taste. One man's meat is truly another man's poison.
I happen to love British Bangers, so long as they are not the cheap nasty ones filled with who knows what and lots of fat. You need some fat of course, but you don't need all those other fillers. I buy the best sausage my money can buy and am happy with that . . . and I favour Cumberland over all others. There are as many types of sausage here in the UK as there are counties and locales. They really take their sausage seriously!!
Every once in a while I like to shake up the mash as well and do something quite different and a tad bit out of the ordinary with it.
Today I borrowed a leaf from Nigel Slater's, The Kitchen Diaries, and made his Cream & Mustard Mash from on page 325. It sounded rich, and deliciously indulgent.
And it was . . . with lovely single cream, two kinds of mustard and a nice knob of butter.
I didn't fancy plain fried sausages, nor did I fancy any gravy. I wanted my sausage to speak for itself.
And so I glazed them with a lovely mix of orange marmalade, soy sauce, mustard, balsamic vinegar and rosemary . . . the mixture thickens into a sticky, finger licking bit of deliciousness . . . coating those lovely bangers and gilding them all over with sweet/sour/salty tastiness.
Of course I added another knob of butter to the top o the potatoes when I served them . . . so that the heat of the potatoes would cause it to melt . . .
melting into golden buttery rivulets, each flowing down the sides of the mash, sinking into the crevices, gilding them and creating even more tastiness! What more could you ask for?
Yield: 4Author: Marie Rayner
Sticky Sausages with Cream & Mustard Mash
prep time: 10 minscook time: 25 minstotal time: 35 mins
A fabulous weeknight supper with sticky glazed sausages and a rich well flavoured indulgent mash. All you need is a green vegetable on the side.
ingredients:
For the sausages:
1 tsp oil
8 thick pork butchers sausages
(I like Cumberland Sausage)
2 TBS Balsamic Vinegar
2 TBS orange marmalade
2 TBS soy sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
spring rosemary
For the mash:
4 large floury potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
3 TBS butter
a handful fresh parsley chopped
1 TBS each Dijon and Grainy Mustard
300ml single cream, gently warmed (1 1/2 cups)
warm Milk if needed
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)instructions:
Put the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with lightly salted water. Bring to the boil and cook until fork tender.
While
the potatoes are boiling, heat the oil in a skillet and add the
sausages. Cook the sausages, turning them frequently, until golden brown
on all sides and almost cooked through (about 12 minutes). Drain any
fat from the pan. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, orange marmalade
soy sauce and mustard in a small bowl. Warm together in the microwave
until the marmalade melts, whisking all together well. Pour this over
the sausages in the skillet and add the sprig of rosemary. Simmer gently
for several minutes, until well glazed and cooked through. Keep warm.
the potatoes are boiling, heat the oil in a skillet and add the
sausages. Cook the sausages, turning them frequently, until golden brown
on all sides and almost cooked through (about 12 minutes). Drain any
fat from the pan. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, orange marmalade
soy sauce and mustard in a small bowl. Warm together in the microwave
until the marmalade melts, whisking all together well. Pour this over
the sausages in the skillet and add the sprig of rosemary. Simmer gently
for several minutes, until well glazed and cooked through. Keep warm.
Drain
the potatoes well and return them to the saucepan. Place on the
residual heat of the burner to dry out a bit adding the butter and
letting it melt. Whisk both mustard's into the warm cream and pour over
the potatoes in the saucepan. Mash well together until smooth, adding
warm milk if need be to get to the consistency you desire. Stir through
the parsley.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if need be.
the potatoes well and return them to the saucepan. Place on the
residual heat of the burner to dry out a bit adding the butter and
letting it melt. Whisk both mustard's into the warm cream and pour over
the potatoes in the saucepan. Mash well together until smooth, adding
warm milk if need be to get to the consistency you desire. Stir through
the parsley.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if need be.
Created using The Recipes Generator
This makes a lovely midweek meal, with very little work required. Just buy the best sausage your money can buy and let them do their magic. Bon Appetit!
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