250 Essential Diabetes Recipes

Edited by Sharon Zeiler, BSc, MBA, RD
Robert Rose Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780778802709
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (5/11)

With diabetes on the rise more people are looking for ways to create a tasty meal yet keep the disease in check.  The recipes in “250 Essential Diabetes Recipes,” when followed precisely, indicate the nutrients per serving as well as exchanges.  (America’s Exchanges, Canada’s Choices.)

For the purpose of the review we are asked to test three recipes.  As a former Albertan I was intrigued with “Calgary Pot Roast” and wanted to try it out.  I used chuck, rubbed with mustard and salt, topped with onion, tomato sauce, white wine, thyme and pepper.  Baked in a slow oven for about 3 hours the meat was tender, the sauce sharp and concentrated, and the end result was very tasty. Served with a salad the pot roast was a hit.  And, the second day it was even better.

The second recipe I tested was “Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins.”  Using a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour the muffins were dense.  The grated zest of one large lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice gave the muffins a distinct lemony taste.  This is a small recipe with the muffins turning out undersized.  Yet, according to the chart each has 133 calories and 17 grams of carbohydrates.  Tasty, but overall I was disappointed in the final result.

The third recipe I tested was “Tuna Salad.” Using a 6-ounce can of water-packed chunk tuna along with cottage cheese, celery, onion, parsley, lemon zest, tarragon and dressing, the salad was nice.  I’ve never used cottage cheese before in this type of salad and was pleased with the filler.  The recipe says it makes 4 servings, 6 tablespoons each, and chalks up 70 calories.  I felt for a salad it was too small of a serving; although the exchange is 2 lean meats.   I liked the combination of tarragon and lemon zest.  This salad would make a great filling for sandwiches as well.

As I browsed the remainder of the recipes, many looked interesting.  The ingredients are simple; found in any pantry, fridge, or local grocery story.  I believe “250 Essential Diabetes Recipes” would be a good book to add to the cook’s library. Recommended.

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