Looking for a unique food gift for a diabetic? Check out these ideas. Great for holiday gifts, birthday gifts, housewarmings, hostess gifts, etc. Enhance for the occasion by the type of jar, basket, ribbon, etc you choose. Trust me, your diabetic friend will be surprised and thrilled.
SPICED CITRUS TEA MIX FOR DIABETICS
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp sugar-free orange-flavored drink mix
1/4 cup sugar-free lemonade-flavored drink mix
3/4 cup sugar-free iced-tea mix
1 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Combine all ingredients, stirring until well blended. Put mixture into a pretty jar or other airtight container. Tie a colorful ribbon, that fits the occasion of the gift, around the jar or container. On a small card, write the following directions: To make 1 serving, place 1 teaspoon of the mix in a cup. Add 1 cup of hot water and stir well.
This tea mix is a perfect gift by itself. However, if you want to add to the gift, include a mug or teacup.
SPICED PECANS
1/2 tbsp low-fat buttery spread
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 tbsp sugar-free maple-flavored pancake syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
In a medium skillet, melt the buttery spread over medium heat. Stir in the pie spice. Add the pecans and cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the nuts are sauteed and the flavors are blended. Remove from the heat. Add syrup and vanilla; stir well to combine. Transfer to a plate or flat surface, spreading the nuts out. Allow to cool. Put into a cellaphane bag and seal tightly. Attach a pretty ribbon to fit the occasian of the gift. Or put into a pretty food-gift tin that expresses the occasion. Attach a note or tell the receipient to store in the refrigerator. Will keep for several weeks if refrigerated.
Note: This is a recipe I found in an Oct 2007 issue of DIABETES FORECAST magazine.
Serving size of 7 pecans: 73 calories, 1 g carbs, 1g protein, 0 g sugar
VANILLA BEAN PANCAKE GIFT SET
Combine the following items and put in a special jar or zip-lock type bag:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Splenda
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
If using a jar, cut a round piece of parchment paper or a round piece of pretty fabric and put over the jar seal before adding ring. Tie a pretty ribbon around the ring. Attach a vanilla bean to the bow. If using a zip bag, place vanilla bean inside the top of the bag before zipping.
Attach the following recipe on a cute recipe card or note card:
To make pancakes, place the dry ingredients from the jar (or bag) into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the ingredients. Split vanilla bean and scrape seeds into a small mixing bowl. Whisk in 2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons canola oil and 1 large egg, lightly beaten, just until blended.
Lightly grease a griddle and heat. When griddle is hot, pour batter onto griddle using 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until tops are bubbly. Turn pancakes and cook until done.
Yield: 12 pancakes
To make your gift even more special, add a small bottle of sugar-free syrup and/or a pancake mold.