Rhubarb Cake in a Snap

• 1  2 layer package  white cake mix
• 2 cups diced rhubarb
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour a 9×13 inch pan and set aside. Prepare white cake mix according to directions and then pour into pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rhubarb and sugar and then spoon the fruit mixture over the cake batter.
3. Set timer for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before turning it out onto a serving dish.
4. Serve with dollops of whipping cream

Did I ever tell you just how easy it is to grow your own rhubarb??

Giving it Up For 2008

If you had to cross one food item off your list for 2008, which would it be. I’m talking high calories here. The first thing that came to mind for me was brussel sprouts, but I did say high calorie though didn’t I. I guess potato chips could be something I REALLY don’t need. But darn, they sure do taste good! I have Pickled Onion flavored corn and wheat snacks that I brought home from England in October in front of me…  but I just read the calorie count and they are coming in at 67 calories a bag. I guess I can keep that variety. Yeah….

Now if I could only find chocolate cake with tons of frosting that would come in that low… I would be very contented right now lol…

*Smoothies Anyone?

It’s hot where I’m vacationing at the moment and I’m craving smoothies. Actually, I had a great one yesterday at the mall. It was a combination of cranberry, banana and strawberry.  While I don’t know the recipe for that one, I did find this one buried in my recipes to try file. It should take about 10 seconds to put it together! My kind of recipe!

Ingredients
1  8-ounce cartons plain fat-free yogurt
1  ripe small bananas
1  cup frozen unsweetened berries

Did you notice that there is no added sugar in there at all!

A Diabetic’s Worst Nightmare

Why is it that I can have a good couple of weeks without thinking about sugar once and now, that’s all that’s on my mind. Not a good thing when you are a diabetic.  Going to have to concentrate harder I guess! And just this morning I was reading about how Aspartime isn’t good for you afterall. If I don’t have that… life is going to get tough!

*The Fun Bit

When was the last time you made peanut butter cookies. When I was a kid, nothing tasted better than a glass of ice cold milk and two peanut butter cookies. Today, I want you to whip up a batch and while they are still warm… indulge.

About Comfort Food

Don’t avoid those comfort foods that you grew up with. They are a part of you. Just consider portion size and maybe some tweaks to the recipe. My mom for example made the most amazing rice pudding. I have reduced the fat content and the amount of sugar and it is still amazing. See if there is a dish that you grew up with that you can introduce to your family.

Cravings…

Give in once in a while. You might be surprised at how little it takes to satisfy that craving. For me it’s corn chips. As long as I take a small handful, I’m good for the rest of the day. The trick is to pamper yourself every once in a while. It’s when you don’t do it, that you run into problems.

So, what’s your cravings these days??

Decorating Cookies With Kids… Brings Back Memories! ;)

Every once in a while I actually go into the kitchen. I really don’t lie to cook, but I do to bake. It was especially fun when the kids were little. We would spend many an afternoon whipping up batches of cookies and then decorating them. Those days are long gone, but  I thought that I would pass along this little tip just in case you can use it. Lets say that you don’t have a piping bag handy?? You REALLY don’t need one if you are in a pinch. Ziplock bags do a great job. Simply snip a hole in the corner and then fill with frosting. And then turn the kids loose. And don’t forget the sprinkles! Kids  love sprinkles!!

And don’t worry about the state of the kitchen. The memorie that you will make will be more than worth it.