I am always thrilled when my diabetic cookbook is selected by the ADA.  Tis’ the season for grilling but there are many more grilling options than traditional burgers, steak, chicken and tenderloins.  Wait until you check out these new innovative recipes featured in the ADA Chef’s Grilling  Throwdown.  I selected a Tuna Burgers, as I love tuna and love burgers–so that cinches the deal!  And, even though the Mandarin Sauce is optional, I think this topping perfectly complements the tuna.

Make the burgers ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook. Or, in the mood for sliders, make mini Tuna Burgers and put on miniature buns for a Tuna Slider.  With an Asian flair, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

You can find all the recipes from the chefs on their site but I wanted to give you my version of Tuna Burgers, which of course, is diabetic friendly and featured in my diabetic cookbook with the ADA.  Support the ADA and purchase my Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking discounted at the ADA Store.

Tuna Burgers from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking

Tuna Burgers   
If you prefer hamburgers to any food, try this great tuna alternative with an Asian flair. It’s as simple to make as any hamburger, but so much better for you!

4 servings/serving size: 1 burger

1 1/4 pounds fresh tuna
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lite soy sauce
3 green onions, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 recipe Mandarin Sauce (optional; see recipe below)

1. Remove any skin from tuna, coarsely chop in blender or food processor (or with knife) until it is consistency and texture of ground meat.
2. Transfer tuna to bowl, combine with garlic, mustard, soy sauce, green onion, ginger, salt and pepper (if using). Shape tuna into 4 patties, refrigerate 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Heat sesame oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook tuna burgers 2–4 minutes on each side or until done. Serve topped with Mandarin Sauce (if using).

Mandarin Sauce

1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon lite soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey
1 (8-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained, chopped
1/3 cup mandarin juice, reserved from can

1. In small saucepan, bring all ingredients to boil. Reduce heat, simmer 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.

Calories  179
Calories from Fat  25
Total Fat  3 g
Saturated Fat  0 g
Cholesterol  64 mg
Sodium 166 mg
Total Carbohydrate  3 g
Dietary Fiber  1 g
Sugars   1 g
Protein 34 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 very lean meat

American Diabetes Association Grilling Throwdown

I always love being a part of the Go Red Luncheon so I was excited when they asked me to be the keynote speaker in Lafayette.  I went early to give a short talk and demo for their “Circle of Red” patrons.  Of course, I made my one and only, Eight Layered Greek Dip from Too Hot in the Kitchen, a guaranteed hit (which it was).  More fun as the luncheon menu for 3oo people was all from my cookbook too.  We had the light but satisfying Mediterranean Chicken Salad, colorful and delicious, with the perfect summer dessert, Margarita Cake (don’t worry it was non-alcoholic) for dessert–all from Too Hot in the Kitchen.  Thanks for a great time and after selling out of cookbooks, I know there will be lots of trim & terrific Lafayette cooks!

Go Red Luncheon in Lafayette-with AHA

When I am developing diabetic recipes, I would say my greatest challenge isn’t about fat or carbs, but sodium.  When people have health issues and need to have a lower sodium diet, they are surprised when I steer them to my diabetic cookbook.  In all my cookbooks, I include sodium in the nutritional information, however, not all the recipes fit into the Americans Diabetes Association guidelines.  There are some astonishing facts I have found.  Most people think the majority of salt comes from the salt added to food when cooking and eating.  But, 80 to 90% of American daily sodium intake actually comes from restaurant meals or processed foods.  With that in mind, there are ways to control your salt intake easier than you think by preparing home-cooked meals! 

I always enjoy serving an entree salad, and my Taco Rice Salad is light enough for the ladies and hearty enought to please the men.  Best of all, even the kids love this recipe.  This satisfying taco salad is from my  Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking cookbook.  It is a toss together last minute recipe

Check out my recipe for Taco Rice Salad

Sodium solution-diabetic friendly recipes-Taco Rice Salad

 Well, I admit that I am an avocado additct so obviously, guacamole rates high on my list of favorites.  Wait until you try this easy version packed with flavors that will entice every taste bud you have!  The recipe is in my new book, Too Hot in the Kitchen which must be “hot“ as everyone seems to be cooking from it.  Guacamole Goes Mediterranean is from the Lovin’ No Oven Chapter which consists of all cold recipes-which means no oven and easy!

In the recipe, I really think the vinegar adds the perfect balance of flavor and I dont’ know if you have used NAKANO seasoned rice vinegars but I have loved working with them and truly, the vinegars add a bonus of flavor without fat.  You can always use the natural but the NAKANO Basil & Oregano Seasoned Rice Vinegar enhances this Mediterranean influenced dip. 

Who doesn’t have avocado and feta hanging around their kitchen?  Whip up this incredibly fantastic dip in minutes for a guacamole to remember:  Guacamole Goes Mediterranean from Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets To Sizzle At Any Age.

Guacamole Goes Mediterranean!

I am always thrilled when my diabetic cookbook is selected by the ADA.  You will enjoy all the chicken recipes featured in the ADA Chef’s Chicken Throwdown.  I selected a Chicken Pot Pie-the ultimate comfort food!  You can find all the recipes from the chefs on their site but I wanted to give you my version of Chicken Pot Pie, which of course, is diabetic friendlly and featured in my diabetic cookbook with the ADA, Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking.

Chicken Pot Pie from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned chicken pot pie that’s almost effortless to make. Toss in your favorite veggies and use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.    

6 servings/serving size: 2/3 cup

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup diced peeled sweet potatoes (yams)
 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup frozen peas
Dough of 5 flaky refrigerator biscuits

1. Preheat oven 400 degrees.
2. In nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat 7–10 minutes or until done. Season with salt and pepper (if using) and cut into pieces.
3. Recoat skillet with nonstick cooking spray and sauté the carrots, mushrooms, onion, and sweet potatoes r 5 minutes or until tender. Add thyme and flour, stirring  30 seconds. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring and cooking over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Add chicken and peas and cook another 5 minutes.
4. Coat 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray and fill with chicken mixture. Split biscuits in half and lay them on top. Bake 10–12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Terrific Tidbit
For a timesaver, use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables in this delete fragrant use easy classic  pot pie.

Exchanges
1 Starch
1/2 Carbohydrate
2 Lean Meat
Calories 236
 Calories from Fat 44
Total Fat 5 g
 Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 44 mg
Sodium 404 mg
Total Carbohydrate 24 g
 Dietary Fiber  2 g
 Sugars  5 g
Protein 22 g

ADA Diabetic Chicken Throwdown

Click here to view the embedded video.

Holly appears on Fox & Friends with her new trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic cookbook where she partnered with the ADA.  “There is no magical diabetes Diabetes diet-it is just the healhiest way to eat!”  Close your eyes and pretend the word, “diabetic” is not on the cover and you will enjoy these easy recipes from pot roast to Southwestern lasagna.

Holly’s Diabetic Cookbook on Fox & Friends with Easy Diabetic Recipes

These are time saver recipes combining favorite holiday recipes into one dish.  Looking for a new twist to dressing…check out this easy combination of Louisiana yams and cornbread for the ultimate Yam Cornbread Dressing-diabetic friendly!  Also, Yam Pecan Pie with Gingersnap Crust!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Recipes from:  Holly Clegg’s trim&Terrific Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets To Sizzle At Any Age

Time-Saver Sweet Potato Recipes featuring Louisiana Yams: Yam Cornbread Dressing and Yam Pecan Pie Cooking Video

When I woke up on Tuesday morning and had an email that said your diabetic book is featured in USA Today, I thought my friend was kidding.  After going to the USA Today website, I saw the article featuring my book and was thrilled.  The article titled, Holiday Dishes Fit for a Diabetic, includes recommendations for five books, and Holly Clegg trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking was one of them.  All the books are available through the new ADA website that has recently been launched.  The article says:  “Best for Simple, family-friendly recipes made from basic stpale foods”--that about sums up my trim&TERRIFIC cookbook series!  Remember, whether you are diabetic or not, this book is jus the healthiest way to eat, not some odd magical diet!  Actually, the Peanut Butter Cookies are my favorite peanut butter cookie recipe, found in my diabetic book bu my mother loves the Southwestern Lasagna.

Holly’s diabetic book featured in USA Today

Holly returns to Fox & Friends. Page, Holly’s favorite, interviews her about her new diabetic cookbook, Holly Clegg Trim & Terrific Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Too hot to cook-so don’t with these easy no-cook recipes.

Holly on set

Holly serving no-cook dishes

Fox & Friends with Holly’s new diabetic cookbook July 2007

Loved being on Fox & Friends with my diabetic cookbook with the American Diabetic Association.  My recipes are easy, everyday recipes and the diabetic book is just the healthiest way to cook, not some magical diet.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Diabetic Cooking Segment on Fox & Friends and 700 Club