Pumpkin Pancakes--low cholesterol!

Simple and tasty. That's all I ask for in a meal.

Pumpkin Pancakes
(From this website)

2 c. flour
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 c. low-fat or skim milk
1 c. pumpkin puree
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg and/or cloves

In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix until nicely blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients and spices.  Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry--whisking/blending until you've got a few lumps but its a pretty good batter.

Pour by 1/4 cups on to a hot griddle. Cook about 2 minutes and then flip. Cook until done.

We topped these with your basic maple syrup and even applesauce. Yummy!

The 2-Minute Cake

The first time I made this it took me a bit longer then 2 minutes . . .
This is a recipe from Jorge Cruise.  Jorge Cruise has created a diet plan that cuts sugar and carbs.  My dad lost TONS of weight following his plan.  This is a recipe from one of his books.  It is very simple, however, some of the ingredients are a bit pricey, like the almond flour.  But, it is a good alternative to sugary sweets.

Mix 1/4 cup Truvia Baking Blend*, 1/2 cup almond flour, 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/8 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. salt, 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, 1 egg, 2 Tbsp. half & half. Pour 1/4 of mixture into a mug and microwave for 60 seconds. Refrigerate remaining batter for later.


Note: Feel free to top with whipped cream.

*Truvia Baking Blend is an all natural sweetener that combines erythritol, stevia, and small amounts of natural sugar. It might not be available everywhere.  Feel free to experiment with other all natural sweeteners, but make sure to avoid anything artificial.

The first time I made this I didn't think that 1/4 of the mixture was all that much, but it is so rich that you really don't want to eat more then that.  I tried it once with sugar free chocolate frosting, and that was okay, but I strongly recommend topping it with whipped cream.  It is delicious!  And, don't let the funky smell fool you when you take it out of the microwave . . .

Chow Mein Noodle Casserole

This is just...fantastic. And easy. And delicious. And I'll stop now and give you the recipe.

Chow Mein Noodle Casserole
(Adapted from Allrecipes.com)

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 onion, diced small
2 stalks of celery, diced small
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/2 cup slivered almonds (I only had a small handful left so that's what I used)
2-3 cups cooked rice
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
Chow mein noodles


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, saute the ground beef for 5 minutes. Add the onion, pepper, and celery and saute for 5 more minutes. 

In a separate medium bowl, combine the almonds, rice, soup, water and soy sauce. Mix together well and add to the beef mixture. Place this into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.  

Bake for 20 minutes. Serve with chow mein noodles to top each individual serving and enjoy!