By Joan Bardsley, MBA, BSN, RN, CDE
American Association of Diabetes Educators
If you have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or have been living with it for a while, you know how challenging it can be to manage your disease.
At times, it may seem overwhelming to do all of the things you have to do to take care of yourself.
A diabetes educator can help. As a member of your healthcare team, a diabetes educator – who may also be a nurse, pharmacist, dietitian, or a specialist in another discipline such as physical therapy or social work – will work with you to develop a plan to stay healthy, and give you the tools and ongoing support to make that plan a regular part of your life.
Diabetes may not have a cure, but you can manage it and live well; and diabetes education helps people learn how to manage their disease by focusing on seven self-care behaviors:
Healthy eating
Being active
Monitoring your blood sugar
Taking medication
Problem solving
Healthy coping
Reducing risks
The goal of diabetes education and support is to show you how to practice these behaviors every day, which will help you lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Most people with diabetes know self-management is important, and there is overwhelming research to show that those who have had diabetes education have better blood sugar control. Good diabetes educators work with each person to design a specific plan that includes tools and support tailored to that person.
How Do You Get Diabetes Education?
Diabetes education is often prescribed by a primary care provider, who writes a referral. Diabetes education programs, sometimes called diabetes self-management training, are found in a variety of places – hospital outpatient facilities, clinics, doctors’ offices, to name a few – and staffed by diabetes educators. These specialists focus on all aspects of diabetes care, and are also skilled in counseling, education, and communication.
What Do Diabetes Educators Do?
Diabetes educators teach people with diabetes how to manage their diabetes and live their healthiest life. Diabetes educators ask many questions to better understand your goals and challenges, and then, together, they develop a diabetes self-management plan with you that works for you.
For example, diabetes educators can help you understand how certain favorite foods affect your blood sugar, how to fit a prescribed medication into a daily routine, and how to lower the risk of diabetes-related complications. Your plan can include advice on everything from getting through the excesses of holiday dinners and parties to coping with the challenges of managing diabetes while traveling for work or fun.
Diabetes education is not a lecture on what not to do. It’s real-life guidance, coaching, and support proven to help you understand exactly how to best manage your diabetes, and to feel less alone while you’re doing it.
Diabetes education takes place in group or one-on-one settings, and in formal or informal formats.
Does Insurance Pay for Diabetes Educators?
Diabetes education is a recognized part of diabetes care and is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans when provided by a diabetes educator within an accredited and recognized program. To find an accredited program or a certified diabetes educator near you, check out AADE’s diabetes educator database.
To all the friends and readers of Food for Thought ... Grand-poppa has to take a leave of absent , not to worry he will be back as soon as possible .
Some important matters that need his personal attention .
To the ones here that know him personally , the family thinks you for being so kind .
Witchy
Prep :20 minutes Cook 30 minutes Makes 4 servings
2 large portobello mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup white wine or vegetable broth
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chopped fresh kale
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (15 ounces each) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 . In a large skillet, saute the mushrooms, onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the tomatoes, kale and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
2 . Add beans; heat through. Discard bay leaf.
Prep: 20 min. Cook: 5-1/4 hours Makes: 6 servings
6 bone-in chicken breast halves (12 ounces each), skin removed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
Hot cooked rice
1 . Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Combine the oregano, seasoned salt and pepper; rub over chicken. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken in butter; transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Add water, lemon juice, garlic and bouillon to the skillet; bring to a boil, stirring to loosen browned bits. Pour over chicken.
2 . Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Baste chicken with cooking juices. Add parsley. Cover and cook 15-30 minutes longer or until meat juices run clear. If desired, remove chicken to a platter and keep warm; thicken cooking juices. Serve over chicken and rice.
Heart healthy
By Everyday Health Editors
Type 2 diabetes can lead to a range of serious complications, so it’s important to understand what can happen and how to recognize the symptoms.
Right now, you might be experiencing some of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, which include:
Frequent urination
Unusual thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Extreme fatigue and irritability
Blurred vision
Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling/numbness in the hands and feet
Skin, gum, or bladder infections
As you bring your blood-glucose levels under control, these symptoms will begin to abate. However, like many people with type 2 diabetes, you might not have any symptoms at all — which can sometimes make it harder to grasp the seriousness of your diagnosis.
Whether you have symptoms or not, over time uncontrolled levels of high blood sugar can lead to tissue damage throughout your body, from your eyes to your toes. When you have diabetes, you will be seeing your physician on a regular basis to monitor your progress. And it will become more important than ever to get regular dental and eye exams. That’s because diabetes can lead to a range of complications, which you need to know about and be on the lookout for because they are so serious. Fortunately, controlling your blood-glucose levels can help prevent many of these secondary problems.
Diabetic Complications :
Gum disease and infections
Vision problems, including a risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections; a condition called diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss or blindness
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, that can cause pain or numbness in your hands and feet
Circulatory problems that can eventually lead to amputations (feet, legs)
Heart disease
Kidney problems
High blood pressure
Remember: Taking control of your blood-glucose levels can help prevent many of these secondary problems. Work closely with your care team to maintain a proper diabetes management plan and to watch carefully for troubling symptoms or signs of a developing problem.
Tea is becoming more popular in restaurants , supermarkets , convenience stores and vending machines . Tea is only second to water as the most popular beverage in the world . Tea contains naturally occurring plant compounds that may be good for your health . The antioxidants in tea are most attributed to the tea's health benefits associated with overall heart health . Here are a few tips to help you enjoy tea in a healthy way .
Be mindful that tea contains caffeine . Typically a cup of tea contains less than half of the caffeine than coffee ,however, actual caffeine amounts depend on the specific blend and the strength of the tea .
If you are looking to manage your weight , some studies have suggested that drinking tea may help with weight management . Tea can help you meet your fluid requirement without the added calories of other popular drink options .
Try cooking with tea . Brew up a batch of your favorite flavored tea and use it for cooking instead of water . A simple green tea adds flavor and depth to rice . Teas with fruit blends make great oatmeal .
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 minutes Bake: 45 minutes Makes: 6 servings
2 pounds red potatoes (about 6 medium), cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed, divided
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon paprika
6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2-1/4 pounds), skin removed
6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 6 ounces)
1 . Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, onion, oil, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray.
2 . In a small bowl, mix paprika and the remaining salt, rosemary and pepper. Sprinkle chicken with paprika mixture; arrange over vegetables. Roast 35-40 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 170°-175° and vegetables are just tender.
3 . Remove chicken to a serving platter; keep warm. Top vegetables with spinach. Roast 8-10 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender and spinach is wilted. Stir vegetables to combine; serve with chicken.
A proud grand-poppa G.
By Everyday Health Editors
About half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to serious problems over time.
Over time, the presence of too much glucose in your cells can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels called capillaries that deliver blood to your nerves, especially in the legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning, or pain.
Poorly controlled blood glucose can even cause you to lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs – and a loss of feeling in your feet makes you more vulnerable to injury and infection. Let’s say you get a blister or small cut on your foot that you don’t feel: Because you don’t know it’s there, you may miss the symptoms of an infection in the wound. It’s imperative for you to check your feet regularly to avoid this and be meticulous in your foot care, because untreated infections can result in gangrene (the death of tissue) and may lead to the amputation of the affected limb or toes.
Diabetes can also make it more difficult for your body to fight infections in general. Various skin conditions are linked to diabetes, and even the most minor cuts or sores can turn serious fast. Any bumps, cuts, or scrapes should be cleaned and treated with an antibiotic cream and monitored carefully.
Nerve Damage: What to Watch For
If you notice any of these symptoms associated with nerve damage or infection, see your doctor:
Inflammation and tenderness anywhere on your body
Red, itchy rash surrounded by small blisters or scales
Cuts, sores, or blisters on your feet that are slow to heal and are not as painful as you would expect (due to a loss of sensation)
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands or feet, including your fingers and toes
Sharp pain that gets worse at night
Muscle weakness that makes walking difficult
Bladder infections and problems with bladder control
Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women
Remember: If you keep your blood-glucose levels on target, you can help prevent or delay nerve damage. If you already have nerve damage, this will help prevent or delay further damage. You should also speak to your doctor about other treatments that can help.
Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes Makes: 4 servings
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 boneless pork loin chops (5 ounces each)
1 large onion, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 . In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown pork chops on both sides. Remove; keep warm. In same skillet, cook and stir onion until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients.
2 . Return pork to skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15-20 minutes or until tender. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with sauce.
Heart Healthy
Get ready for Mardi Gras. The season began with the Twelfth Night parties last weekend where Krewes from the area got together for a party to begin the season. This series of articles will explore the history of Mardi Gras as well as the events in the Shreveport/Bossier area.
MARDI GRAS HISTORY
When you think of Mardi Gras, what comes to mind? New Orleans, floats, beads, costumes, queens and kings, masks, king cakes, parades, and revelry, no doubt. Let me tell you what I know about Mardi Gras. I've lived in Louisiana for sixteen years and can sum it up in one word, PARTY! OK, that's not really true, but it comes very close. In truth, Mardi Gras itself is a one day holiday and is on the calendar as the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, but the entire season has evolved to be called Mardi Gras by most revelers. It, however, is not the entire season as we like to think; the season is called Carnival, and is celebrated worldwide in cities such as Nice, France; Cologne, Germany and Rio de Janeiro.
Carnival begins on the Feast of Epiphany or the twelfth night (January 6th) and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday, determined by the date of Easter. It celebrates the arrival of the three kings at Jesus' birthplace, thus ending the Christmas season. The gifts that the kings brought with them may be the reason for the gifts of the Mardi Gras season, trinkets such as cups, beads and doubloons. But the tradition of throwing trinkets during parades began in the 1870's by the Twelfth Night Revelers and remains a time honored tradition in New Orleans. The parade goers traditionally scream “Throw Me Something, Mister” to plead for the trinkets, and in New Orleans and other cities, women often bare their breasts to show themselves deserving and to garner the attention of the throwers.
Not surprisingly, Mardi Gras has its roots in paganism of the ancient Greeks and Romans celebrating fertility rites, but it was adopted by the Catholic church as a way to prepare the people for Lent. The leaders of the church quickly realized that it would be easier to allow some type of traditional festivals rather than abolish them altogether, while still bringing the people to Christianity. So they acquiesced to this period of raucousness.
During Medieval festivals, participants donned costumes, and that tradition continues today. The first American Mardi Gras was celebrated near New Orleans in 1899, therefore, New Orleans became the obvious city to host modern day celebrations, and they continue to be the main American host city for parties and parades. But, the celebrations are taking hold across the United States and moving to northern Louisiana and east and west across the Gulf states. The larger Louisiana cities such as Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Shreveport are all areas with full Mardi Gras schedules. It should be noted that the city does not put on the events, they just issue the parade permits. Events are put on and funded by private organizations, called Krewes. These Krewes select royalty, hold balls (usually closed to the public), and often organize the massive parades.
Purple, Green and Gold symbolizing Justice, Faith and Power are the official colors of Mardi Gras and were selected by the Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff of Russia when he visited New Orleans in 1872. A little known fact is that the colors he chose impacted the colors of two arch rival Louisiana College football teams. The stores stocked up on fabric for the official Mardi Gras colors, and Louisiana State University purchased a large amount of the purple and gold colors leaving only the green in stock. Tulane University then chose the green for their uniforms, and today their colors are green and white.
The King Cake, on the other hand, has its roots in the fact that the wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus. The King Cake is a sweet yeast cake covered in poured sugar in the Mardi Gras colors and usually has a plastic baby hidden inside. Long ago the queen was selected by which lady found the baby in the cake. In modern day, the tradition is that the person who finds the baby has to buy the next King Cake or host the next King Cake party.
As for floats and parades; in 1833 a wealthy plantation owner near New Orleans solicited money to help finance an organized Mardi Gras celebration, and in 1837 the first parade was held. But, it wasn't until two years later in 1839 that one single float rolled through the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras and thus began the tradition of floats in the parades.
King Cake
My daughter got this recipe from Southern Living magazine about 7 or 8 years agos , she tried several , we like this one better .
Ingredients :
1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
6 to 6 1/2 cups bread flour*
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Creamy Glaze
Purple-, green-, and gold-tinted sparkling sugar sprinkles
Preparation:
1 . Cook first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until butter melts. Set aside, and cool mixture to 100° to 110°.
Stir together yeast, 1/2 cup warm water, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a 1-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.
2 . Beat sour cream mixture, yeast mixture, eggs, and 2 cups flour at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until smooth. Reduce speed to low, and gradually add enough remaining flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups) until a soft dough forms.
3 . Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.
4 . Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until dough is doubled in bulk.
5 . Punch down dough, and divide in half. Roll each portion into a 22- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread 1/3 cup softened butter evenly on each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Stir together 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over butter on each rectangle.
6 . Roll up each dough rectangle, jelly-roll fashion, starting at 1 long side. Place one dough roll, seam side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bring ends of roll together to form an oval ring, moistening and pinching edges together to seal. Repeat with second dough roll.
Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 20 to 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
7 . Bake at 375° for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden. Slightly cool cakes on pans on wire racks (about 10 minutes). Drizzle Creamy Glaze evenly over warm cakes; sprinkle with colored sugars, alternating colors and forming bands. Let cool completely.
Cream Cheese-Filled King Cake: Prepare each 22- x 12-inch dough rectangle as directed. Omit 1/3 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Increase 1/2 cup sugar to 3/4 cup sugar. Beat 3/4 cup sugar; 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 large egg; and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on each dough rectangle, leaving 1-inch borders. Proceed with recipe as directed.
TIP : 6 to 61/2 cups all-purpose flour may be substituted.
get ingredients
A proud grand-poppa G.
Prep/Total Time: 50 minutes Makes: 6 servings
1/2 pound fresh kielbasa or Polish sausage links
1/2 pound Italian sausage links
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
3-1/2 cups beef broth
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
4 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
1 . In a large saucepan, cook sausages over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160°. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Cut sausages into 1/2-inch slices; set aside.
2 . In the drippings, saute onion and pepper until crisp-tender. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, apple juice, parsley, garlic, basil, oregano and sausages. Bring to a boil; add pasta. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Serve immediately
TIP:
Cool and freeze in freezer containers for up to 3 months.
To use frozen stew: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer to a saucepan; add water to thin if necessary. Cover and cook over medium heat until hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
Heart healthy
By Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, LDN, Special to Everyday Health
If you were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or even if you have had diabetes for a long time, you may be confused about how to eat to manage your blood glucose levels. It seems that everyone has an opinion, and many of these opinions contradict each other.
So what are you to believe? And what truly works at helping you maintain your glucose levels in a healthy range?
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest diabetes diet myths, why they don’t work, and what actually will.
Myth No. 1 : If You Have Diabetes, You Must Avoid All Sugar
The Truth :Excess sugar is not good for anyone’s diet, regardless of whether they have diabetes or not. However, just because you have diabetes, not all sugar and sweets are off limits. All carbohydrates, including simple sugars as well as complex carbohydrates, are broken down into glucose during digestion. This glucose is then used as energy in your cells. Because all forms of carbohydrates break down into glucose and therefore raise your glucose levels, you need to monitor your total carbohydrate intake, especially at one sitting, for optimal glucose management.
Although you must be careful not to overeat carbohydrates at one sitting, you can still indulge in a few sweet treats at times. Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables, and low-fat milk are the best choices for everyone, due to their rich nutrient and fiber content. But you can enjoy a food containing simple sugars, such as a cookie, in moderation without spiking your glucose levels, as long as you keep the portion under control. Keep in mind, however, that when it comes to simple sugars, moderation is key for everyone, not just people with diabetes.
Myth No 2 : Any White Food Is Bad
The Truth : When you think of white foods, what comes to mind? White flour, white sugar, white bread? What about white potatoes, cauliflower, and onions? Are all of these white foods bad for glucose levels? Definitely not! Sure, some white foods are highly processed, such as enriched flour and sugar. But just because a food is white in appearance doesn't mean it will be rapidly converted into glucose in the body and therefore spike your levels. In fact, white vegetables such as cauliflower and onions are excellent for blood glucose control as they are very low in calories and high in fiber, and provide few carbohydrates.
White potatoes get a bad rap as well. It is true that sweet potatoes are digested more slowly and prompt a smaller elevation in glucose levels after eating, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid white potatoes if you have diabetes. In moderation, and as part of a balanced meal – with vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats – you can enjoy white potatoes as your starch and still maintain healthy glucose levels.
Myth No 3 :The Only Way to Lower Glucose Levels and Weight Is to Follow a Low- or No-Carb Diet
The Truth : If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel as though everyone around you is telling you to steer clear of all sources of carbohydrates. Since carbohydrates are found in everything from fruit to bread to milk and even vegetables, you may feel as though there’s nothing left to eat. But the good news is that you can still eat carbohydrates. Managing diabetes is about keeping your glucose levels in a healthy range. Too-high glucose levels can damage your body, but too-low levels can be dangerous as well. Eating carbohydrates as part of a well-balanced diet will help you keep your levels within a healthy range.
Instead of avoiding carbohydrates, focus instead on choosing the healthiest types. Select whole vegetables and fruits, whole-grain bread, and low-fat dairy for a diet rich in nutrients and fiber. Space your carbohydrate intake out throughout the day by balancing your plate with carbs, lean protein, and healthy fat at each meal. A balanced diet will not only help you achieve optimal glucose levels, it will also improve your overall health.
Myth No. 4 :Sugar-Free Foods Won’t Impact Blood-Sugar Levels
The Truth :The Sugar-free foods do not necessarily equal carbohydrate-free foods. Many foods marketed as sugar-free have replaced sugar with sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols provide fewer calories and make less of an impact on glucose levels than regular sugar, but they can still elevate glucose levels if you consume them in large amounts. In addition, bread-based sugar-free foods, such as sugar-free desserts, are typically rich in carbohydrates from sources such as flour and grains. It’s essential to read labels carefully on sugar-free foods. Look at the total grams of carbohydrates and not just grams of sugar. If you focus only on the marketing claims, such as “sugar-free,” you may struggle to lower your glucose levels without knowing why.
As you can see, there are many diet myths surrounding diabetes. But managing your glucose levels doesn’t have to be complicated. A balanced diet rich in whole foods and limited in processed foods and simple sugars – the same diet that we should all follow, regardless of whether we have diabetes or not! – can help you keep your glucose levels in a healthy range.
Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, LDN, is a nationally recognized nutrition and fitness expert who has contributed to national media outlets such as the CBS Early Show, Erin is the author of multiple publications including Belly Fat Diet For Dummies and 2-Day Diabetes Diet, and co-author of Flat Belly Cookbook For Dummies. She specializes in the areas of diabetes, adult and child weight management, sports nutrition, and cardiovascular disease.
Father teaching son to bowl .
As thoughts turn to new Year's Resolutions for health and wellness , make sure you make your goals a family affair . While it is important to set personal goals , creating goals that include the entire family can be very beneficial . Not only do children develop healthier habits for their future when they are modeled by parents for them , but the entire family benefits now from healthy behaviors . Here are a few tips to help you and your family bring in 2016 with some healthy habits :
1 . Make sure you are a good role model . Avoid fad diets or unhealthy plans just to quickly lose a few pounds . Let your children see you making plans for healthy meals and exercise .
2 . Start a system to evaluate your family's meals . It doesn't have to be complex , just something your kids understand . A system that uses happy or sad faces for a little one , or a system that uses grades (A , B , C , etc) for kids in school . Make it a point to aim for mostly high scoring items with each meal .
3 . Plan family time around activities . Bowling , hiking and miniature golf are great ways to start out slow when it comes to getting everyone active . Designate areas indoors and outdoors that are for physical activity , and invest in small items that are for physical activity such as balls , jump ropes , etc .
Crowder Vegetarian Style
Prep/Total Time: 45 minutes: Makes 7 servings
Ingredients
2 cups cubed peeled potatoes
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn
1 can (12 ounces) fat-free evaporated milk
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (Can mushrooms , drained)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons bacon bits
Directions
In a large saucepan, combine potatoes, broth, carrots and onion; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Add corn, milk, cheese, mushrooms and pepper; cook and stir 4-6 minutes longer or until heated through. Sprinkle with bacon bits.
A proud grand-poppa G.
