Were I a Real Food Blogger I would have made it prettier, squared the edges, etc. But I just wanted to get the fudge cut so I could have a piece!
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Kos Diabetes Group! As most of you know, it’s almost always food-based when it’s my turn! Why I’m passionate about low-carb food? Here’s why…
In Jan 2016, after ignoring a rising “pre-diabetic” A1c for four years (stupidly, thanks medical profession for not explaining just how dangerous it was), I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at an A1c of 7.6. For 6 months I followed recommendations from my primary care doctor/diabetes counselor and the American Diabetes Association but my blood sugar remained high. I realized that while 15-50g carbs per meal was FAR less than a standard American diet, it would be the literal death of me because my pancreas couldn’t read the bajillion articles saying Complex Carbs were Just Fine.
With my doctor’s approval I embarked on a drastically limited carb intake aka a ketogenic diet; almost eight years later I still eat this way. I understand all of our diabetic metabolisms, care strategies and outcomes are different but this is MY way of handling my health and every recipe is one my nondiabetic family also eat. My metformin dose has upped from 500-1500mg daily over the years but that’s to be expected with a progressive metabolic condition. My last A1c was 5.8 and as a nice bonus my cholesterol and lipid panels are well within normal levels.
This is my 20th diary for KDG since Lynnkz invited me to write my first in Oct 2021 (links to all my group recipe diaries are at the bottom). I often use it as a chance to try a recipe I’ve been dying to make but hadn’t so far and I hope that along the way you’ve tried some of them. Casa Brillig is super busy these days though… Mr. Brillig’s new job has ramped up, Simba our pup has been enjoying slightly warmer weather so I’ve been walking him instead of trying new recipes in the kitchen, and K2 is a mere two months from his high school graduation. I simply haven’t had the time to try new Easter (I’m a cultural not religious Easter person) … plus, I’d already shared two of my absolutely favorite springtime sweet recipes with you: Keto Peanut Butter Eggs and Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffeecake.
As I wondered what to share with you today, I remembered something I’ve been making as an easy sweet treat for YEARS, and somehow I’d never written about here. It’s a low-carb Peanut Butter Fudge that is as delicious as it is easy! It’s from the amazing site All Day I Dream About Food and I encourage you to click on the recipe link and read it completely (don’t just ‘skip to the recipe’ because you miss all the creator’s tips and tricks!). Let’s make some fudge, then I’ll let you in on what I hope to bring you in the coming months!
Ingredients:
This is all you need to make delicious fudge!
1 cup creamy peanut butter (make sure it contains no extra sugar!)
1/2 cup aka 1 stick butter. (I use salted)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup powdered erythritol sweetener (as suggested by recipe creator, other kinds may/may not set properly. I use slightly less because I find the full amount too sweet)
1/3 cup collagen peptides (this makes it ‘chewy’ like traditional fudge, adds protein and means you need less sweetener. Also, this stuff is great in coffee and smoothies!)
Method:
1. Line an 8x4 or 9x5 loaf pan with waxed or parchment paper so you can get the finished candy out! I keep meaning to try a silicone loaf pan without lining it but once again forgot ::facepalm::
2. Combine the peanut butter and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Watch out for unmelted peanut butter ‘chunks’.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
4. Add the sweetener and collagen and stir until smooth. Pour into the prepared loaf pan and chill for one hour or until set. (Mine usually takes a little longer, so often I forget it until I’m ready to snack!)
5. Lift the fudge out of the pan onto a cutting board and cut into squares. The original recipe cuts it into 15 but I’m terrible at cutting fifths so I make 18 squares (and that’s what the nutritional info below reflects).
Store in the fridge because it is softer than ‘regular’ fudge, I find. Lasts longer than I’ve been able to keep it around!
Approximate Nutritional Info (based on 18 pieces, 1 piece per serving):
150 Calories; 11.7g fat; 6.9g protein; 3.5g total carbs; 0.75g fiber
I’ve made this with almond butter and it’s also been delicious! I’ve been wondering how it would taste using maple extract, or putting some chopped nuts in at the very end. It’s SO good as is but I think it can be adapted in many ways. I’m also thinking the squares could be carefully rolled into balls and dipped in chocolate. I hope you’ll experiment!!
I’ve recently discovered a new-to-me low-carb recipe site called Low Carb Africa. It’s full of amazing-looking recipes that I’m eager to try! I’ve already asked Mr. Brillig to look through and find some intriguing dinner recipes that we’ll begin making next week, and I promise one will be next month’s KDG post!!
I hope you enjoy these recipe posts and are inspired to cook and create delicious dishes that don’t spike your blood sugar. I’m including a list here of everything I’ve shared so far. I’m struck seeing this list by just how not-deprived I am while eating low-carb!
Chocolate Pots de Creme
White Chicken Chili Soup
Cranberry Orange Quick Bread
Pecan Pie Cookies
Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Brownie Cookies
Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie Tarts
Almond Cake & Marshmallows
Snickers-Style Mini Cheesecakes
Faux (Cauliflower) Potato Salad
Peanut Butter Eggs (Faux Reeses Eggs)
Zucchini 3 ways: Fritters, Muffins and Korean Beef Zoodles
Chocolate Cookie Cups w Raspberry Cheesecake Filling
New Year's Eve Menu: Smoked Cauliflower Kielbasa Cheese Casserole, Ice Cream w Magic Shell, Buffalo Roasted Nuts
Marzipan Fudge Squares, Cinnamon Rolls, Meringues
Pecan Pie
Cheesy Cauliflower Bites
A look at a week's worth of lowcarb eating at my house
Until next time, happy eating!!
