The Dangers In Chocolate

The Dangers In Chocolate-Cookie Recipes For Kids

Let's face it, many of us are chocoholics. If we weren't, we wouldn't be constantly bombarded with ads for Ring Dings, Devil Dogs and what have you. If you counted the number of ads in newspapers, magazines and on TV for some kind of chocolate product and tied them end to end, you could probably go to the moon and back a hundred times. Well, as good as chocolate might taste, especially that absolutely incredible German chocolate, it is probably one of the worst things you can put in your body. In this article, we'll cover just a few of the dangers of chocolate and chocolate based products. You may not ever eat another Ring Ding for the rest of your life.

Cookie Recipes For Kids

The cocoa bean, of which chocolate is partially made, is loaded with caffeine. This is a good part of the reason why kids who eat a lot of chocolate are so hyper. The caffeine in some chocolate products is actually greater than the caffeine in a cup of coffee or even a can of cola. Chocolate in children is like putting them on speed. One of the biggest causes of ADHD in children is because of chocolate and chocolate based products.

But caffeine is only part of the problem and really just the tip of the iceberg. If you ever tasted chocolate in its pure form, you probably noticed that it was actually a little on the bitter side. It certainly isn't sweet like the chocolate products that you are used to eating. The reason these products are so sweet is because they are loaded with sugar. It is almost impossible to find a chocolate based product that isn't loaded with sugar, outside of dietetic products, simply because they quite honestly don't taste very good and there wouldn't be as big a market. As a result, the sugar contained in these chocolate products causes a number of problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, and way too many illnesses to list here. As a matter of fact, sugar is one of the leading caused of health problems in the United States.

To further add insult to injury, most commercially available chocolate products are loaded with chemicals to keep them fresh. Did you ever look at the expiration date on a package of Ring Dings? Nothing should last that long and still be edible.

So, as much as we all love chocolate (I am an ex addict), it is something that we can all do without. I personally have been chocolate free for 6 years and don't miss it one bit.

Try eliminating it from your diet before it begins to eliminate you.

To YOUR Health,

Steve Wagner

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Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?-Cookie Recipes

Valentine's Day is many things to different people- a chance to start new relationships, rekindle old ones, or remind that special someone how wonderful they really are. Others feel it is just another "Hallmark" holiday where they are expected to do something for unknown reasons. Regardless of your hopes, expectations, or reservations about Valentine's Day, chocolate has long been a favorite gift for lovers.

Cookie Recipes

Since the days of the Aztecs chocolate has been used as a gift. Today a box of luxurious quality chocolate says a thousand "thank you's", "good luck", or "I love you". Chocolate can be given as a way of saying "congratulations", "I am sorry" or "get well soon". On Valentine's Day chocolate clearly says "I LOVE YOU!" Chocolate is more than food, it not only fills your belly but also makes you feel soooo good. Elaine Sherman wrote "Chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual, deep, dark, sumptuous, gratifying, potent, dense, creamy, seductive, suggestive, rich, excessive, silky, smooth, luxurious, celestial. Chocolate is downfall, happiness, pleasure, love, ecstasy, fantasy ... chocolate makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, healthy, chic, happy." What more could you want to say to your lover on Valentines Day? Even the scientific name for the tree from which chocolate is derived, Theobroma cacao, translated from Greek, means "food of the gods".

Why does chocolate evoke so many feelings and emotions for us? Chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and love. This association may go all the way back to the Aztecs. They believed chocolate was a source of spiritual wisdom, incredible energy and elevated sexual power. Chocolate was widely used as a nuptial aid and was widely served at wedding ceremonies. The Aztecs did not know chocolate as we do today; they consumed the cocoa as a drink. Reports indicate that the Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of the drink every day and always fortified himself with a cup before entertaining his harem. The explorer Cortes reported to Carlos I of Spain that chocolate is "... the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food." From the earliest times, chocolate was considered a substance of power and a source of vitality.

Chocolate has been a subject of study since the first shipment from Veracruz arrived in Spain in 1585. But modern science has made some interesting findings that may help explain our lust for quality chocolate. Chocolate contains organic substances known as alkaloids. The most important of these substances is theobromine, which works as a stimulant to the kidneys. Stimulants in chocolate also affect the central nervous system, with effects similar to caffeine, which is also present in chocolate. A chocolate bar may contain as much as 200 mg of theobromine but only about 25 mg of caffeine. Another important substance found in chocolate is phenylethylamine, which is part of a group of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins have an effect similar to amphetamine and are found naturally in the human body. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the mood is lifted and feelings of positive energy are reached. The sensation known as "runners high" is caused by endorphins released during exercise. Phenylethylamine levels in the brain have also been linked to "falling in love". One more chemical found in chocolate is seratonin. Seratonin is known for its calming properties. The presence of these chemicals may explain the multitude of feelings chocolate evokes.

Debra Waterhouse, author of Why Women Need Chocolate, conducted a survey and found: 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex, and 22% were more likely than men to choose chocolate as a mood elevator. These findings could easily be interpreted as a result of how chocolate makes us feel. I don't know why more women choose chocolate than men, for I am a man and I love chocolate.

Critics would say that the benefits of eating chocolate are small when compared to the sugar and fat contained in a chocolate bar. The best chocolate, dark chocolate with high cacao butter content has no added fat, as well as a high percentage of cacao solids and correspondingly less sugar. Although chocolate will never be considered a health food based on its nutritional value, it is still good for you! Good for your heart and soul-anything that helps relieve stress and makes you feel so good must be.

Receiving a nicely wrapped box of chocolates causes a sense of anticipation. The pleasure of unwrapping the box, the sensual smell, lifting the soft seductive papers, the look of the smooth dark chocolates. When it finally passes your lips and starts to instantly melt filling your mouth with exquisite pleasure. The taste and smell flood your senses with overwhelming ecstasy. Eating it slowly, taking time to enjoy and savor every bit. What better way to start off an evening of love?

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Walnut Chocolate Circles Cookie Recipe

Walnut Chocolate Circles Cookie Recipe The walnut chocolate circles cookie recipe has a great rich flavor that is great for dunking in a tall glass of milk or hot cup of coffee!

Ingredients 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pinch of salt 1 cup walnuts, toasted and finely ground 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Vanilla Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-2 tablespoons milk Hardware Large bowl Small bowl Cookie sheets Plastic wrap Mixer Step 1: In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer set on medium-high for 30 seconds. Step 2: Add sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until combined. Step 3: Beat in ground nuts. Step 4: Beat in as much flour as you can with the electric mixer, then stir in remaining flour with spoon. Step 5: Shape dough into a 2-inch-diameter log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-24 hours or until firm enough to slice. Step 6: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Step 7: Lightly grease cookie sheets. Step 8: Cut log into 1/4-inch slices. Place slices 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Step 9: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies look dry. Transfer cookies to cooling surface. Vanilla Icing: Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and enough milk (1-2 tablespoons) to make drizzling consistency. Step 2: Drizzle each cookie with icing, let dry. Makes 40 cookies. For more information on baking procedures and hardware used in this recipe see our Baking Tips section. Important: Feel free to republish this article on your website. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active. Walnut Chocolate Circles Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies Recipe The chocolate mint sandwich cookies recipe is quite special! A creamy peppermint filling, sandwiched between two rich chocolate halves, unbelievably delicious!

Ingredients 6 tablespoons salted butter 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons water 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt Filling: 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/4 cup salted butter, softened 3 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract Hardware Whisk Medium sauce pan 2 x medium bowls Cookie sheets Mixer Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, water and chocolate chips. Cook and stir over low heat until chips are melted. Cool. Step 3: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Step 4: Beat eggs and vanilla extract into mixture. Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined. Step 6: Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm. Immediately transfer cookies to a cooling surface. Filling: Step 1: Combine filling ingredients in a medium bowl; beat until smooth. Step 2: Spread bottom half of cookies with filling; top with remaining cookies. Makes about 30 cookies. For more information on baking procedures and hardware used in this recipe see our Baking Tips section. Important: Feel free to republish this article on your website. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active. Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Halloween Food Ideas - Scary Chocolate Fun Bites for Kids

You wanted something unique and scary Halloween surprises for your kids but you don't have time to make those treats, so even a little bit over the top would do. Why not break out into the simplest chocolate bites with the unusual food colors to infuse a Halloween feel into your treats? Little ones love chocolate and making something tasty that ties in with Halloween is sure enough to get your celebration unique. Try these simple chocolate bites.

Wormy Chocolate Cupcakes You'll need: ½ cup of water 1 cup granola oil 4 eggs 1 box ( 18 oz.) cake mix with pudding 1 cup of ready to spread chocolate frosting 24 gummy worms What to Do: Set the oven 350 degrees and preheat. Prepare muffin pan by placing paper cupcake liners into the muffin cups. Spray with a non-stick cooking spray evenly. In a mixing bowl, whisk together water and oil then add the eggs and continue whisking until blended. Gradually add the cake mix powder and stir to combine well. Fill the paper lines 2/3 full of the batter and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cupcake comes out clean. When done, take out cupcakes from muffin pan and transfer to a wire rack until slightly cool. Make a coin-size hole in the center of each cupcake. Place your prepared frosting inside a parchment paper or a baggie and squeeze into the cupcake holes. Press a gummy worm into the frosting of each cupcake. Creepy Chocolate Ice-Cream Cups You'll need: 10 graham cracker tart shells 10 scoops of vanilla ice cream 20 chocolate cream filled cookies, crumbled 20 red M&M candy pieces 20 pieces of black shoestring licorice, cut into fourths How to Make It: Arrange graham cracker shells on a baking pan. Fill each shell with 1 scoop of ice cream then top with the crumbled cookies coating heavily. Freeze for 30 minutes to one hour, or until the ice cream has hardened. Press 2 M&M's into the front to look like red eyes, and press 8 strips of licorice into each ice cream scoop to form the spider's legs. Return to the freezer until serving time. Chocolate Ghost Bites You'll need: 2 pkg. (12 squares) white Chocolate 1/4 cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon of butter, softened Decorating gel How to Make It: Melt the chocolate squares, cream and butter in the microwave for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. When the chocolate is completely melted, cover. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour or more. When chocolate is cool enough to handle, scoop with a spoon and roll chocolate mixture into bite-size spooky balls. Place the balls into a waxed paper and freeze for 20 minutes. Use a decorating gel to draw eyes on the frozen spooky balls to resemble ghosts. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will make your chocolate spookies firm upon serving. You will be amused how kids will respond to the ideas. They will be thrilled at first to touch the scary chocolate bites yet at the end they will eat them all. You may wrap the squirmy chocolate cupcakes in decorative plastic wrap to give as giveaway. These ideas also go for adults!

Basic Chocolate Chip Cookie formula - How Each Ingredient Works

You will often hear, "My chocolate chip cookies did not turn out." Inevitably it is then fast blamed on the recipe used, and then the quest for a new recipe ensues. The odds are that the recipe used was just fine, but how the cookie ingredients were measured and mixed probably had more to do with the poor outcome.

There are so many recipes to choose from, it can be confusing. Each recipe will produce a similar tasting product, but depending on how the ingredients were used, each recipe will produce a cookie with its own set of textural characteristics and traits.

Cookie Recipes

Butter: This is the fat that makes a cookie rich and palatable. Unsalted butter is the best to use as you can better operate the salt number in your recipe. White and brown sugar: These sugars sweeten the cookie while also adding textural qualities. More brown sugar will make a soft chewy cookie while large amounts of white sugar will make a drier crispy cookie. Eggs: Eggs are emulsifiers. This means that they help keep fats evenly distributed throughout the cookie development it thick and stable. Extracts: Flavoring that give pastries a subtle underlying flavor. The most common extracts for a chocolate chip cookie are vanilla and almond. All-Purpose flour: This is the most common flour found in the household kitchen, and the most recommended for baking cookies. The more flour used, the more dense the cookie. Self rising flour is not recommended. Leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda are the two most common gas producing agents that are used to make the cookie rise in the oven. Soda will produce a cookie that spreads more, as a duplicate acting baking powder will make a fluffier cookie. Salt: Salt easily enhances the sweetness and all the other flavors in the cookie. Sea salt is the best because it is a pure fine salt without additives. Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chunks were in the first ever chocolate chip cookie, however, any flavor can be put into this excellent cookie recipe. Nuts: Nuts are elective in any cookie recipe, but add a crunchy texture and added layer of flavor. Walnuts and pecans are the most excellent choice.

No matter which way you like your chocolate chip cookie, this is the most common set of ingredients that go into a basic recipe. Since the first cookie was made in 1933 there have been many alterations to the former recipe, but few recipes stray far from the tried and true excellent list of ingredients.

Basic Chocolate Chip Cookie formula - How Each Ingredient Works

The Best Homemade Chocolate Chips Cookie recipe

My big family loves chocolate chip cookie so much that we make batches of if on most weekends and extra occasions. Every person naturally loves them that they disappear very fast while family events. We have our own extra formula which has come to be a tradition we all cherish, and I call this the best chocolate cookie formula ever. This makes more than 5 dozens of chocolate chip cookies.

You will have fun with this formula which you can pick to modify to your personal taste. So, to get started, you need to put in order all the ingredients.

Cookie Recipes

You will need:

1 cup pure butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour or your popular cake mix 2 cups semi-sweetened chocolate chips 1teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Dissolve butter. Add the granulated and brown sugar.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat all ingredients until completely combined.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat just adequate to integrate all ingredients.
5. In a isolate bowl, integrate all-purpose flour, salt and baking soda.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture, beating with a mixer.
7. Add in chocolate chips Gradually stirring with a spoon until composition is evenly mixed throughout the batter.
8. Drop in rounded tablespoonfuls, on a cookie sheet,or baking pan.
9. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
10. Watch your cookies closely, do not overcook.

These phenomenal cookies are ideal for roughly any occasion. Its goodness makes it excellent for dessert and snacks. Now you have just discovered my family's popular chocolate cookie recipe. One top underground is the type of flour you use. I love the yellow boxed cake mix, of course, you still could use any of your popular brands. Just learn by heart that using the best cake flour will deliver your cookie a miniature more body than any lowly unbleached flour.

If you are doing smaller cookies, remember that baking time also goes down. Many ovens furnish heat from the bottom, and so as not to burn the bottom of the cookies, I naturally double pan them before baking.

Spend time experimenting dissimilar mixes, it is the only way to fetch the ideal chocolate chip cookie you desire. As soon as you get hold of the best combinations, you too will enjoy the appetizing treat of chocolatey goodness you and your family will be delighted as well.

The Best Homemade Chocolate Chips Cookie recipe

Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

These impressive looking cookies will make a splash at any gathering.

2 cups all purpose flour

Cookie Recipes

2 cups quick cooking oats

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups butter, softened

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 teaspoon shortening

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly. Set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

In another bowl, combine the pie filling and extract; carefully spread over the crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges of the topping are lightly browned.

In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over warm bars. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes 36 bar cookies.

=> Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes: Heavenly Caramel Cookies

A delicious cookie featuring spices, nuts, coconut and marshmallows.

12 graham crackers

2 cups miniature marshmallows

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup flaked coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil.

Place graham crackers inside the pan; cover with marshmallows.

In a saucepan, cook and stir butter, brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla. Spoon over the marshmallows.

Sprinkle with almonds and coconut. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares, then cut each square in half to form triangles.

Makes 72 cookies.

=> Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes: Minty Meringue Drop Cookies

These light as air cookies are perfect for the holidays.

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 6 drops green food coloring, optional

1 pkg. mint chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat 250 degrees.

Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar, beating until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla and food coloring. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until dry to the touch. Cool.

Makes 30 cookies.

Note: If you cannot find mint chocolate chips, place 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag and toss chips until coated. Let chips sit for 24 to 48 hours before using.

Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

Clueless about what gift to give that special person? Stop on by and browse our great gift ideas selection for some suggestions. [http://www.1MinuteSolutions.com]

Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies, a Chocolate Treat For Everyone

When my daughters were little I baked cookies regularly. With one exception, Oreo cookies, my kids knew little about store-bought. All of our cookies were homemade and I made one or two kinds each week. I have hundreds of cookie recipes and, like most people, nibble on raw dough and taste the cookies to see how the batch turned out.

When it comes to baking, unfortunately, I'm my own best customer. I stopped baking cookies after I gained weight. But my teenage grandchildren live with us now and they are always hungry. Grocery prices are shooting up and, to save money, I decided to bake cookies again. So I'm back to baking some of our family's favorite cookies, including Tiger Cookies.

Cookie Recipes For Kids

The recipe was originally published on the Kellogg's Frosted Flakes box. I found the recipe in "Best Recipes from the Backs of Boxes, Bottles, Cans and Jars," by Ceil Dyer. Published in 1979, my cook book is frayed, falling apart, and the pages are covered with drips. Since the cook book was published I've learned a lot about nutrition and decided to create a healthier version of Tiger Cookies.

I substituted half white, half wheat flour for all-purpose flour. This flour is heavier than regular, so I used less. For sweetness I used half Splenda and half sugar. Instead of two eggs, I used one and some egg substitute. The biggest change in the recipe was the shortening. The original recipes calls for butter or margarine. I used I Can't Believe it's not Butter! This stick margarine, a blend of soybean and canola oils, has 50% less fat than butter, 0 grans of trans fat, and 0 cholesterol per one tablespoon serving. Because I'm a vanilla nut I doubled the amount.

While these cookies freeze well, they are fragile, so put them in a plastic container, not a plastic zipper bag. A cookie and a glass of milk make a delicious after school snack. For an unusual dessert, fold broken cookies into sugar-free, fat-free vanilla ice cream. I think everyone in your family will enjoy these Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies. My grandson's friends eat them by the handfull!

Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups half white, half wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup I Can't Believe it's Not Butter! (2 sticks)

1/2 cup Splenda (regular)

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

1/4 cup egg substitute

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups frosted corn flakes, crushed to make 1 1/2 cups

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

Method

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside. Cream margarine, Splenda and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, egg substitute, and vanilla. Fold crushed cereal into batter. Drizzle melted chocolate chips over batter and fold in with rubber scraper, making sure to leave some streaks. (You don't want the batter to be all chocolate.) Drop by teaspoons into prepared baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. If you are using no-stick baking pans, reduce the heat to 325 degrees and bake a little longer. Makes at least 5 dozen cookies.

Copyright 2009 by Harriet Hodgson

Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies, a Chocolate Treat For Everyone

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for 30 years. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Association of Health Care Journlaists, and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from Amazon.

Centering Corporation in Omaha, Nebraska has published her 26th book, "Writing to Recover: The Journey from Loss and Grief to a New Life." The company has also published a companion resource, the "Writing to Recover Journal," which as 100 writing prompts. Please visit Harriet's Website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.

How Can a Diabetic Enjoy Banana Cake? With These Recipes For Chocolate Banana Cake & Yummy B Cake

Here are a couple of recipes for diabetics to enjoy banana cakes. Choose from Chocolate Banana Cake and/or Yummy Banana Cake. Note: The first recipe does contain a small amount of sugar. Keep this in mind when incorporating this cake into your diet. This should be a good cake recipe for most diabetics. As always, eat sweets after a meal that has contained protein. And eat only a small piece. Over indulging will almost always cause a spike in blood sugar!

CHOCOLATE BANANA CAKE

Cookie Recipes For Kids

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter
1 egg beaten or 1/4 cup egg substitute
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Equal-Sugar Lite
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup & 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup mashed banana
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
1 1/4 cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, Equal, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and the 3/4 cup cocoa powder.

In a 1-quart saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in banana, egg, vanilla, and 1/4 cup water, stirring until blended. Stir in flour mixture just until blended. This mixture will be thick. Spoon into an ungreased glass 8" x 8" baking pan, spreading evenly.

In same bowl, with a wire whisk, beat brown sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa and boiling water until blended. Pour over chocolate batter. DO NOT STIR!

Bake 35 minutes; should have some fudgy sauce on the top. Serve warm.

Makes 8 servings.

YUMMY BANANA CAKE

2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups Equal Sugar-Lite
2 eggs
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/4 cups finely mashed ripe bananas
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, stir baking soda and baking powder into flour. Set aside. Cream butter and Equal together until smooth. Add to the flour mixture. Mix in eggs, buttermilk, bananas and vanilla. Mix together until well blended. Pour into a 9x13-inch baking pan that has been sprayed with a non-stick vegetable oil spray. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Topping: Place 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3/4 cup Splenda Granular in blender. Blend until a very fine powder. Using like you would powdered sugar, sprinkle over top of cake Store any leftover in an airtight jar.

Enjoy!

How Can a Diabetic Enjoy Banana Cake? With These Recipes For Chocolate Banana Cake & Yummy B Cake

For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com
For other dessert recipes visit http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com

Chocolate Pie Recipe

Chocolate pie has always been one of the most favorite kinds of pie, and it is easy to see why. Who can resist the creamy, chocolately goodness of a homemade chocolate pie with a heaping mound of luscious meringue? Here is a delicious chocolate pie recipe that is very simple to make and you can whip one up in a matter of minutes. The meringue recipe is also included.

Chocolate Pie

Cookie Recipes

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons flour or cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 Tablespoons cocoa

2 cups milk

5 egg yolks, beaten (reserve whites for meringue)

3 Tablespoons butter

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, combine flour, sugar, salt and cocoa. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly, then cook an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir a small amount of egg yolks into the hot mixture. Stir in the remaining egg yolks, and cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Pour mixture into a baked and cooled 10 inch pastry shell. Spread meringue over pie and bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.

Meringue

Ingredients:

4 egg whites, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

6 Tablespoons sugar

Directions:

Beat egg whites with vanilla and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff and glossy peaks form. Spread meringue over hot filling and seal to edge of pastry. Bake according to directions above. Refrigerate any leftover pie.

Chocolate Pie Recipe

For additional chocolate pie recipes and many more easy and delicious dessert recipes please visit http://www.free-dessert-recipes.com.