Diabetic Potato Pie

 With winter being here, potato pie usually goes down well, and here is a diabetic way of making it.

Diabetic Potato Pie

 225 grams (8 oz) lean ground beef (10% fat) (or ground turkey)
1/2 cup fresh chopped onion
1/2 cup canned mushroom slices, drained
2 cup green beans, canned and drained , rinsed
1 400ml can (10 3/4 oz) Soup, cream of mushroom, low sodium, ready to serve, canned
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
2 1/3 cup cold water , boiling
2 cup instant mashed potato flakes ( i used 4 small potato's)
1 tsp dried parsley
3/4 cup low fat cheddar cheese, shredded 
2 Cooking Spray, canola, with butter flavor, 1/3 sec spray

Note: Instead of Potato Flakes i used 4 small potato's mixing in 1/4 cup sour cream and parsley

1 Preheat oven to 180c (375f).
2 Brown meat and onion in a large frypan sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray.
3 Spread meat mixture into an 8-by-12-inch baking dish sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray. Layer the mushrooms and green beans over the top.
4 Mix together the mushroom soup and 1/4 cup sour cream in a small mixing bowl, and spoon this mixture over the green beans.
5 In a saucepan combine boiling water and potato flakes. Fold in remaining 1/4 cup sour cream and parsley flakes. Spread this potato mixture over the soup mixture.
6 Sprinkle the Cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
7 Remove from oven and let set for 5 minutes before cutting into 6 servings.

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Why do cats and dogs have whiskers

Most cats and dogs have hair but their whiskers are longer, thicker and more rigid, as well as more deeply embedded in the skin. Each whisker is rooted in a hair follicle that's filled with blood vessels and nerves. And like other hairs, whiskers will occasionally fall out and grow back. 

Most cats have 12 whiskers that are arranged in four rows on either cheek, but the whisker pattern in dogs is more varied. Whiskers can also sprout above the eyes, as well as under the chin. Cats can also grow whiskers behind their wrists. 

The primary function of whiskers is to aid with vision, especially in the dark, by providing additional sensory information - much like antennae on other creatures. 

Although it's often called "tactile hair," the whisker itself cannot feel anything. Instead, objects that brush up against a whisker cause it to vibrate, which then stimulates the nerves in the hair follicle. This explains why the scientific name for whiskers is vibrissae, which derives from the Latin word, vibrio, meaning "to vibrate."

Cats use their facial whiskers to determine if they can fit into narrow spaces, and the whiskers on their legs may aid them in sensing prey or climbing trees. 

Whiskers serve a similar purpose in dogs: Nearly 40 percent of the canine brain can detect when something touches a dog's face, especially the region where the whiskers are located. 

Dogs and cats can also sense something even if it doesn't actually touch a whisker. For example, a pet in a dark room can pick up on the fact that there's a wall nearby because of a change in air currents. 

Some whiskers, especially those above the eyes, can also protect a pet from getting poked by long grasses and other objects. 

The position of the whiskers can also clue you in to the mood of an animal. For example, felines may fold their whiskers back to say, "Stay away." 

Although it's an old wives' tale that cutting a pet's whiskers off will affect his balance, it can compromise his ability to "feel" around his face. In other words, if you're tempted to trim those unruly whiskers, it's best to leave them alone.

No hot water

After a week with cold water i got my hot water back today, can you imagine in the middle of winter standing under freezing cold water trying to shower, its not the best feeling believe.

Today i think i stood in the shower for 30 minutes just feeling the hot water going over my body and it felt sooooo great

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Diabetic Creamy Chicken Pasta

Since becoming diabetic ive been finding recipes i could make that are close to what i like, i have made this now a few times and given it to friends to eat who say they love it

8 ounces dried Penne Rigate (2 cups)
4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 450 grams total)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large zucchini (340 gram), halved lengthwise and sliced
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 of an 340gram tub light cream cheese
1/4 cup dried tomatoes, chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Grill chicken on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F), turning once halfway through grilling.
2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Return to pan; cover and keep warm. In a large skillet cook zucchini, mushrooms and garlic in warm oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Add vegetables to pasta. In a small bowl whisk together broth and flour. Add to warm skillet with cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Stir in tomatoes. Add to pasta and vegetables in pan; toss to coat.
3. To serve, divide pasta mixture among four plates. Cut chicken into thin slices. Arrange chicken over pasta and vegetables. Sprinkle with parsley and cheese, if desired. Makes 4 servings.