It’s November and the Thanksgiving Holiday Season is here. I am thankful for my family, friends and the good times we spend together. This season is also known for the delicious comfort foods we enjoy eating.

November is also National Diabetes Awareness Month. Finding satisfying healthy foods and snacks for individuals with diabetes is a continuing challenge no matter the time of year.

The following snack recipes keep carbohydrates per serving close to the 15 grams considered acceptable for a snack. The use of artificial sweeteners rather than table sugar allows the serving sizes to be more substantial while limiting total carbohydrate.

Here is a healthy version of a favorite traditional favorite.
Apple Crumble

3 cups diced peeled apples

1 /2 teaspoon cinnamon

3 tablespoons apple juice

1 1 /2 teaspoons lemon juice

Topping

1 /4 cup all-purpose four

1 /3 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

Brown sugar substitute equivalent to 2 tablespoons brown sugar

3         tablespoons margarine or butter, cut up.

Heat oven to 400 degrees . Place apples in ungreased 9-inch pie pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon, apple juice and lemon juice; toss gently to coat. In medium bowl, combine flour, oats and brown sugar substitute; mix well. With pastry blender or fork, cut in margarine until mixture is crumbly.  Sprinkle evenly over apples.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until topping is light golden brown.  If desired, serve warm with light whipped topping.  6 servings
This refreshing shake will remind you of an orange creamsicle:

Orange Cream Shake

3 /4 cup pineapple-orange juice

2 tablespoons instant nonfat dry milk

Sugar substitute equivalent to 1 tablespoon sugar

1 /2 teaspoon orange extract

1 cup crushed ice

1 /4 cup frozen light whipped topping thawed

In blender container, combine all ingredients.  Cover, blend until of slush consistency.  Serve immediately. 1 (1cup) servings
Sweet and Salty Snack Mix

1 cup pretzel sticks

1/4 cup peanuts

1 tablespoon margarine or butter, melted

Sugar substitutes equivalent to 1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 quarts (6 cups) air-popped popcorn

1 cup honey-flavored bear–shaped graham crackers

1/2 cup raisins
Cinnamon

In large bowl, combine pretzel sticks and peanuts.  Pour melted margarine over mixture; sprinkle with sugar substitute.  Toss gently to coat. Add popcorn, graham crackers and raisins; sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Toss mixture gently. Store in airtight container. 9 (1cup) servings. Source: FACETS – November/December 2016.