Watermelon Limeade

It is blazing hot in the deep south right now! The first week of June has brought us temperatures above 100 degrees. It is hard to believe, but sure does make me grateful for air-conditioning!

One way that I have chosen to fight the heat is with this yummy summer drink. Watermelon is in season and is a favorite treat of my family. So why not make it into a cold drink? To make this drink, follow this link!

Breakfast Banana Split

I mentioned in a previous post the cookbook our daughter got for Christmas.

This was the first recipe she wanted to make from it. Both the kiddos worked together to make these and have asked for them over and over.

Here's how you can do it, too!

1 banana
1/2 c. of your favorite crunchy cereal, divided
1/2 c. fruit flavored yogurt
1/4 c. blueberries or strawberries, sliced
1/4 c. pineapple chunks, drained
maraschino cherries (optional)

Peel banana and cut down the middle lengthwise with a butter knife.

Place banana in a cereal bowl or a banana split dish.


Sprinkle half of the cereal over the banana, but save the other half for sprinkling on top.

Spoon yogurt over the banana and cereal.


Add the rest of the cereal and fruit on top. Add cherries, if you like.

Glorious Morning Muffins

2 c. wheat flour
2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. applesauce
1 1/2 c. shredded carrots
1 1/2 c. apples, peeled and shredded
3/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. raisins
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Combine flour, sugar, soda, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine carrot, apple, coconut, raisins, and pecans. Stir in beaten eggs, applesauce and vanilla. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just moistened. Grease and flour muffin tin and spoon batter in. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on rack. (Store in refrigerator and warm before serving.)

Yields 18 regular size or 12 larger ones

WW – 3 points

Thanks, Judy for this awesome tasting and diet friendly muffin!

Cinnamon Fruit

From my friend, Judy Gay

1 large can peach halves or slices
1 large can pear halves
1 large can pineapple slices
¾ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup margarine or butter
1 – 2 tsp. cinnamon

Drain fruit well; place in 9x13 pan. Melt butter, add brown sugar and cinnamon and mix until dissolved. Spoon over fruit. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour.

Apple Cake

My friend, Judy Gay, made this cake recently and it was heavenly! I plan on making it soon!

1 ¼ cup corn or canola oil
2 cups sugar
3 beaten eggs
3 cups chopped apples
1 cup chopped pecans
3 cups plain or cake flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
3 tsp. vanilla


Sift dry ingredients 3 times. Mix ingredients in order given. Add vanilla. Cook in 2 – 9 inch pans which have been greased and floured. Put in cold oven. Bake at 325 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Icing:
½ cup margarine or butter
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup evaporated milk
½ tsp. vanilla

Melt butter and sugar together; add milk and let come to a boil. Cool. Add vanilla. Ice between layers and top.


Optional Glaze:
1 stick butter
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Bring to boil over low heat. Boil 2 minutes. Pour over cake while hot. Can be used instead of icing for cake.

This cake gets better with age...so make it ahead if possible.

Diabetic Fruit Salad

My mother introduced me to this salad. None of us are diabetic, but we look for ways to cut back on sugar.

1 (15 oz) can fruit mix, well drained
1 c. seedless green grapes, halved
1 c. seedless orange, peeled and cubed
1 c. heavy whipping cream
2 T sugar substitute (I use Splenda)
1/2 t. vanilla

In medium bowl, combine fruit. Mix lightly, cover, refrigerate until serving time.

In chilled bowl, beat cream at high speed, scraping sides of bowl often until soft peaks form (1 min). Gradually add sugar substitute and vanilla. Continue beating until peaks form (1 min). Cover. Refrigerate until serving time.

To serve: Combine chilled fruit and whipping cream. Mix lightly.