Spicy Turkey Meatballs (Low Carb/Low Fat)

I am a big fan of spicy food. And although these are not super spicy, they have just enough kick to them to satisfy me without being too hot for my kids to eat.

It's a very basic and versatile meatball recipe that can be used with any type of sauce that you want. But this is one of my favorite sauces for them. 

The ginger, orange zest and chilies are a delicious combination. 

I love sweet with a little spice in it!!

Spicy Turkey Meatballs:
Makes 24 meatballs/4 servings of 6 meatballs

Meatballs:
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1/4 cup almond meal
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 egg

Sauce:
1/2 cup water
3 TBS white vinegar
2 TBS low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
3 TBS stevia in the raw
3 TBS chopped scallions, plus more for garnish
5-6 dried chilies, chopped (most of the seeds removed, adjust to heat desire)
2 tsp freshly grated ginger
1 tsp fresh orange zest
1 clove garlic, minced

Mix turkey, almond meal, onion, garlic powder and white pepper. Add the egg and mix completely.
Shape the meat into 24 meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with greased foil. Broil for 7-10 minutes or until well browned. Remove from oven and set aside.
Whisk water, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, xanthan gum and stevia in a medium sized sauce pan. Heat over medium heat until it begins to thicken. Add the scallions, chilies, ginger, zest and garlic. Reduce heat to low and let simmer 5 minutes.
Add the meatballs and cover, letting the meatballs finish cooking through. About 8-10 minutes.
Sprinkle with additional scallions in desired and serve over rice or cauli-rice.

For 1 serving (6 meatballs): 221 calories, 14g fat, 580mg sodium, 4g carbs, 1g fiber, 20g protein

Orange Rosemary Turkey

It's November!! Which, of course, is associated with Thanksgiving!

I LOVE Thanksgiving. 

The first Thanksgiving I had after I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes was a dreaded one. I cried because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I was so upset by the idea that I was going to have to miss out on some of my favorite things about the holiday. First and foremost, the traditional holiday food.

But after I calmed down from my self-pitying tantrum, I gained a determination to make a Thanksgiving meal that was lower carb, but equally delicious.

I succeeded! I was so proud of myself. And while that was an incredible meal, and got me over my original idea that all Thanksgivings were going to be ruined forevermore, this year I came up with some recipes that will bring the carb count down even more and still amazing. And I'd love to share these recipes with you this month!

And I'm starting with the big kahuna. The turkey.

 Moist, flavorful and infused with sweet orange juices.

Orange Rosemary Turkey:
Makes 18+ servings

12 lb. whole turkey
3/4 cup olive oil
3 TBS minced garlic
2 TBS chopped fresh rosemary
2 TBS dried parsley
2 TBS dried thyme
2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 tsp kosher salt
1 orange, peeled and sliced

Clean the turkey, pat dry, and massage to release the skin.
Mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, parsley, thyme, pepper and salt. Rub all over the outside of the turkey and then gently lift the skin, being careful not to tear it, and rub under the skin. Place the orange slices under the skin of the turkey.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan or a turkey roaster and fill the pan with 1/2 inch of water. Cook at 325 degrees F for 3-4 hours, or according to package directions.
Check the turkey every hour. If the skin is becoming to brown, gently cover with foil.
When the turkey is done, remove and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices can redistribute.
The serving size for the nutritional facts is about 4 oz. of turkey.

For 4 oz. of turkey: 194 calories, 13g fat, 2g saturated fat, 367mg sodium, 2g carbohydrates, 14g protein

Come back to visit to see more Thanksgiving recipes this month!!

Happy Holidays!

Turkey Lettuce Wraps (Low Carb/Low Fat)

Ever had the lettuce wraps at PF Changs?

YUM.

Well, I came up with a diabetic friendly version. And they are extra YUM! Even my hubby who doesn't care much for lettuce wraps at PF Changs, or anywhere else, loved them. He eats more then me when we have these.

 You can see the especially yummy "special sauce" pooled up underneath the lettuce wrap. JUST DUNK IT IN OR SPOON IT IN YOUR MOUTH! IT'S DELICIOUS!

 Oh, it's good people. It is good.

Special Sauce: (LOW CARB/LOW FAT)
makes 1 cup of sauce

1/2 cup water
2 TBL Splenda brown sugar
2 TBL soy sauce
2 TBL All Natural Rice Wine Vinegar
1 TBL 100% lemon juice
2 TBL ketchup
1 TBL olive oil
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. chile powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Whisk all ingredients together and store in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

For 1 tablespoon of special sauce: 18 calories, 1g fat, 2g carbs, 0g protein 

Turkey Lettuce Wraps: (LOW CARB/LOW FAT)
makes about 10 lettuce wraps (with about 1/4 cup of meat for each)

1 1/4 lbs. of lean ground turkey
1 can water chestnuts
1/2 cup of chopped carrots
1/4 cup of chopped green onions
2 cloves finely chopped garlic
3 TBL olive oil
2 TBL Splenda brown sugar
2 TBL soy sauce
1 tsp. All Natural Rice Wine Vinegar

Finely dice water chestnuts, carrots, green onions and garlic. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook ground turkey. When nicely browned, add water chestnuts, carrots, green onions and garlic. In a small bowl, mix sugar, soy sauce and rice vinegar. Add to the meat mixture. Stir until the juice is bubbling. Cover and turn down to low, stirring it every few minutes until the carrots are tender. Drain most of the juice in the meat. (Leave in a little so it doesn't dry out)
Serve on large leaves of ice burg lettuce, butter lettuce or romaine lettuce with special sauce poured over, or just dunk them in. (Give the sauce a stir before pouring it over the lettuce wraps)

For 1/10 the meat recipe (about 1/4 cup): 106 calories, 6.5g fat, 4g carbs, 10g protein 

I love to make these as a main dish with some stir fry and white rice, but they're also great for appetizers, a yummy lunch, or a side dish.

Enjoy!!