In these times of extreme weather, high unemployment, families losing their homes, etc. it just seems that comfort good is called for.  For a delicious, quick, easy, even diabetic friendly comfort food meal, try these recipes at your next big family meal.  For an entree we offer Carrot Meat Balls.  These meat balls cook in a brown gravy which is great over some of your favorite mashed potatoes.  If you have trouble getting your children to eat their vegetables, don't tell them there are carrots in these meatballs and watch them as they enjoy these little round gems. And what would a comfort meal be without a great dessert?  Since apple pie is an all-American food, let's go with apples but in a little different form.  This Apple Growers Diabetic-Friendly Apple Crisp is a great way to top off your comfort food meal.

CARROT MEAT BALLS

1 lb ground beef

2 carrots, shredded

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 can brown gravy, optional

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, carrot, onion, bread crumbs, salt and pepper.  This is easiest to mix by using your hands.  Add the egg and the milk and mix well.  Shape mixture into medium-size meatballs.  Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the meatballs to the skillet.  Cook until meat balls are browned.  If desired, add the brown gravy to the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes.  If you do not want to use the gravy, add a small amount of water and simmer for 15 minutes.

APPLE GROWERS DIABETIC APPLE CRISP

6 large Granny Smith apples

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 cup Splenda granular

TOPPING:

1/2 cup cold butter

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup raw oats

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

dash of salt, optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a 9 X 9-inch baking pan or dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Peel, core and slice apples; toss with the lemon juice.  Stir in the cornstarch and Splenda granular.  Place apple mixture in the baking dish spreading out evenly.

To make topping, mix together the Splenda Brown Sugar blend, flour, cinnamon, and salt, if using.  Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture is about the size of small peas.  Add the oats and work the dough with your hands until it starts to clump together.  Sprinkle topping over the apples.  Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes.

Enjoy!

For more of my recipes and diabetic information visit my blog at http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com