Keeping your health or a family members' health in mind when cooking can sometimes leave you challenged in the kitchen. You shouldn't feel as though you have to suffer through bland meals just to remain in good health, because you don't! --At least not with the recipes found in this article. You can still prepare meals and desserts that are kicking with flavor yet tolerant to the needs of a diabetic. Read on for a few great diabetic meal ideas.

BANANA SPLIT PIE

1 graham cracker crust
1 (4 oz.) pkg. sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
2 c. low-fat milk
2 bananas, sliced
1 (15 oz.) can crushed pineapple
1 c. light Cool Whip
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. pecans, chopped

Mix pudding with milk and beat until thick, pour into crust. Put bananas over pudding. Squeeze pineapple to remove all juice. Sprinkle on top of bananas. Cover with Cool Whip, sprinkle pecans on top. Chill well.

CARROT CAKE

Margarine and flour for pan
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. vegetable oil
6 tbsp. sugar
2 eggs
1/4 c. unsweetened pineapple juice concentrate
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. shredded carrots
1/2 c. golden raisins
1/2 c. unsweetened, crushed pineapple, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. In bowl, toss flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. In a second bowl, stir oil, sugar, eggs, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Stir liquid into dry ingredients until smooth. Stir carrots, raisins, and pineapple. Scrape into prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a pick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a rack for 1 hour. Un-mold cake and ice with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into 1/2 inch slices to serve. Serves 18.

BANANA BREAD

2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
6 oz. can frozen orange juice
2 eggs
1 c. raisins
Nuts (optional)

Sift all dry ingredients together and set aside. In a separate bowl mix all wet ingredients and mashed bananas. Add wet and dry ingredients together and mix well, then fold in nuts and raisins. Pour in a greased and floured loaf pan (unless using a non-stick pan). Bake at 350 - 375 degrees F for 30 - 45 minutes or when toothpick comes out clean.

DIABETIC SPICY SAUSAGE

2 lb. extra lean ground pork
2 tsp. crushed dried sage
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. fructose
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. ground mace
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Then make into patties and brown until done.

DIABETIC BEEF PASTIES

Crust:
3/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 c. plus 2 tsp. vegetable shortening
1 egg
Water

Put flour and salt in mixing bowl. Cut in shortening. Beat egg in a measuring cup. Add water to make 1/2 cup, add to flour and mix until well moistened. Divide dough into 6 balls. On lightly floured board, roll balls into circles between waxed paper. Then set aside.

Filling:
3/4 lb. coarsely ground beef (raw)
2 c. diced raw potato
3/4 c. diced raw carrot
3/4 c. diced celery
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. water

Once all filling ingredients have been well mixed, spoon onto dough and wrap around beef. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 - 15 minutes or until the dough has become golden brown.

BAR-B-Q MEATBALLS

1 lb. ground chuck
1/2 c. liquid skimmed milk
1 med. onion, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 c. diet catsup
1 tbsp. minced green peppers
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tbsp. minced onion
1 1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 packs Sweet & Low

Mix chuck, milk, onion, salt, and pepper. Make into balls. Broil until brown (approx. 15 minutes). Sauce: Mix catsup, green pepper, mustard, and vinegar. Add minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Sweet 'N Low. Pour over meat balls. Cook covered for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F.

See what we mean about flavor? These recipes are a great way to satisfy the entire family without having to make special meal plans to accommodate the diabetic in your family. Give these meals a shot, but be prepared to welcome your family's enthusiasm. Best of health and happy cooking!