My FABULOUS sister-in-law is coming Monday and I need help

[Rowdyboy]

She's mildly diabetic, but very willing to break rules. I don't want to make it hard for her but I want to feed her well. What do you think of my menu and/or what would you suggest (want to keep it simple)...

Hors d'oeuvres: thinking about artichoke/parmesan hot dip with crackers but not certain

Soup: Fresh cream of asparagus...We have a small patch and have just enough to make a KILLER soup

Entree: Cajun roast beef sandwich on hoagie buns

Dessert: Totally open. I have LOTS of pecans, she loves chocolate...Any ideas?

Really appreciate any imput...She deserves the very best-she's an elementary school principal.

[cally]

1. It's best for diabetics to be low carbs

The food sounds great but ditch the crackers and hoagie buns.

[grasswire]

2. how about....

...fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate? Or if you have a fondue pot you could do a fresh-fruit fondue.

And about the pecans....how about making some spicy pan-toasted pecans for an hors doeurve? There are lots of recipes for savory spiced nuts on the Internet.

[Rowdyboy]

9. I love strawberries dipped in chocolate...

That will definitely work...

[NMDemDist2]

3. here is a good site

http://www.recipe-source.com/special-diets/diabetic/

edit= PS can't believe i'm on a "radical left" website exchanging recipes

[Political_Junkie]

5. LOL

That does seem a bit strange, doesn't it?

[NMDemDist2]

7. welcome to your newest addiction Politcal_Junkie

:hi:

[Rowdyboy]

10. Thanks! We're political but we're also a family...

[Political_Junkie]

4. cally's right on that one...

and as long as she's only mildly diabetic the chocolate should be offset with the protein in the pecans. Sounds good to me!

[southerngirlwriter]

6. RUN to the store

and get a pint of the Atkins Chocolate-Peanut-Butter Swirl ice cream. It's very low in carbs and sugar -- terrific treat for those of us who have to keep our carbs low!!!! She will love you forever for it!! That stuff is the best ice cream I've ever eaten, and a pint is only 12 carbs. :D

[Rowdyboy]

13. If I can find it, I'll get it for her...Vonda would love that

She and my brother both are very diet conscious but they also LOVE rich food

[AlCzervik]

8. Sounds like

Atkins. Menu looks fine, in fact pretty yummy, what time is dinner?:) :) :)

[Rowdyboy]

14. See you Monday around 2pm...

Bring friends....

[Rowdyboy]

11. So basic low carb, Atkins type food would be appropriate?

[southerngirlwriter]

12. Yes.

Every diabetic I know who's gone on Sugar Busters, Atkins, or any of the other no-sugar, low-carb diets has had a terrific improvement in their blood sugar management and general health. You can't go wrong.

Get the Atkins ice cream!! Hell, get it for yourself, too. It's great. :-)

[cally]

15. Yes

Low carb helps maintain blood sugars. If you were diabetic I could really lecture you. In this instance, think low carbs. Have fun. You are a wonderful brother-in-law. :bounce:

[Rowdyboy]

16. I had a very awkward younger brother who never fit in

At 36 (he was a Presbyterian minister) he met his other half. She turned his very unhappy life around. He's left the ministry, become an elementary school teacher, and now is one of the happiest people I've ever known, sure of himself and confident...

I rocked him to sleep so the change in him is astounding. How do you value the love of a good woman?

[cally]

17. Seriously,

send her this post. You are wonderful. :hug:

[TreasonousBastard]

18. If she's Type II...

and doesn't have any huge problems, just lighten up on the carbs. Don't sneak any in like flour or cornstarch in the sauces. Hidden carbs really sneak up on you.

Sandwiches are usually OK, but I'd eliminate the bread if there's a chance she'll pig out with everyone else.

You can make your own chocoloate goodies, you know. It can get tricky, but baker's chocolate and cocoa powder have no carbs to speak of. Just replace the sugar in the recipes with Splenda.

Chocolate is tricky to work with-- the temperature is critical and you melt the squares over a warm, not hot, double boiler. Should you go for the simple strawberry chocolate fondue thing, still use the Splenda and not a presweetened chocotae.

Stevia should work, too, but the taste isn't the same. Some like it better with chocolate, but some would be shocked.

[Rowdyboy]

19. I'm good with a double boiler

I love the idea of chocolate covered strawberries...

Thanks!

[TreasonousBastard]

21. Then try this one....

if you're good with the double boiler:

Easy truffles (not exactly heart-friendly, but low-carb):

2TBSP unsalted butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
12 oz bittersweet chocolate (or unsweetened and Splenda or Stevia)
1 cup cocoa powder (or however much is needed)

Chop up the chocolate and get the double boiler working.

Heat the cream and butter over medium heat until almost at a boil.

When the cream mixture is ready, put the chopped chocolate into the double boiler top add the cream mixture.

Wisk lightly until it the whole mess is melted thoroughly and smooth.

Refrigerate resulting glop for 2 hours or so and then roll into 1/2" balls.

Pour the coca powder on wax paper, parchment, or something, and roll the balls around in it until fully coated.

Refrigeration of the resulting confection may be needed if they are going to be around for a day or more-- which they probably won't be.

It's really easy, and even if you screw it up a little, they'll still be wolfed down. I screwed it up once, and everyone just kind of dug into the resulting mess with spoons-- vanilla flavored whipped cream came in handy then. Leftovers were not a problem.

Of course, they don't have to be balls-- molds, rolls,... all sorts of possible shapes. Just more work that way, and not appreciated any more.

Adding maple, raspberry, vanilla, almond, bourbon... flavors or the real thing can be a noble experiment.

Or peanut butter for the kids of all ages.

[Rowdyboy]

20. kick

Thanks for your suggestions!