COOKING WITH SUZI

by Suzi Castle

Sixteen million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated six million of these are undiagnosed. Over time, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart disease and stroke.

Treatment for diabetes includes eating a healthy diet. It's important to choose foods that help control weight and keep blood sugar levels within an acceptable range. Eating right is more important than many people realize.

On a healthy diet, there's no need to feel deprived. Even delicious desserts, if prepared with low-fat, low-sugar ingredients, can be part of a healthy eating plan for persons with diabetes. Try this recipe, served warm with a dollop of fat-free, sugar-free vanilla ice milk. It's sure to please!

6 medium Golden Delicious apples, cored and cut into chunks

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Sugar substitute equal to 1/2 cup brown sugar (i.e., 1/2 cup Brown SugarTwin)

2 cups water, divided

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 cups fat-free granola with raisins

Place apple pieces in a medium-sized baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar substitute. Add 1 cup water. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350 oven for one hour. Remove from oven and add cornstarch dissolved in 1 cup water. Stir until thickened. Scatter granola with raisins over the top.

Serves 6. Per serving: 177 cal. (3% from fat); 2.8g protein; 0.51g fat (0.1g sat.); 45g carbohydrate; 13.6mg sodium; 0mg cholesterol; 6.2g fiber. Exchanges: 1 bread, 2 fruit.

Suzi Castle's "Deliciously Healthy Favorite Foods Cookbook" is available now in most bookstores, or can be ordered by calling 1-800-444-2524. Contact: Health Cookbooks, Rt. 4, Box 208, Porterville, CA 93257 ($14.95 + $3.95 S&H).