Letter from Marilyn Helton: February is National Cherry Month -- We wouldn’t tell a lie! The ruby-red color of cherries is perfect for patriotic celebrations on Presidents’ Day and for romantic offerings on Valentine’s Day. In fact, cherries are perfect for any special occasion throughout the month. Compared to other fruits, cherries have the highest levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and copper. Tart cherries are high in antioxidants, which may prevent the oxidation of unwanted cholesterol. Some food folklorists claim that cherries help relieve the pain of arthritis or gout; thousands of people believe this to be true, but researchers are continuing to check the validity of these claims. Cherries are best known in desserts, especially cherry pies and cobblers. However, this tangy, colorful fruit is also tasty in main courses, side dishes, salads and beverages. There are many ways to use the newest member of the cherry family -- the dried tart cherry. You can find them in gourmet and specialty food stores, selected supermarkets or by mail order. Try adding dried cherries to cereals, pancake batter or meat sauces. Serve over poultry, pork or wild game. Slip them into rice pilaf or rice pudding, or add about 1/2 cup dried tart cherries to your favorite apple or peach pie recipe. Give trail mixes new flavor with the addition of dried tart cherries. As a party treat, combine them with whole cashews, smoked almonds or roasted walnuts. And anything made with raisins, currants or dried apricots becomes more exciting when substituted with the tantalizing taste and natural color of dried, red, tart cherries. One thing for sure, cherries make healthy treats which can all be worked into your diabetic eating plan -- morning, noon or night! Note: Unless otherwise note, all recipes included here are compliments of the Cherry Marketing Institute. To receive a free cherry packet of recipes, send your name and complete mailing information to: Cherry Marketing Institute, 2220 University Park Drive, Dept. CC, Okemos, MI 48864. Click here to email Marilyn. Click here to visit Marilyn's website, Cinnamon Hearts. Good News on Diabetes Click for an informative interview with Hope Warshaw, co-author of The Diabetes Food & Nutrition Bible on the newest changes in diabetes control and prevention.   USEFUL SITE DiabetesEpidemic.com is a great source of information, articles diabetes related links and more.

SUGAR-FREE FINE BELGIAN CHOCOLATE!! You have to taste to believe it - if we didn't tell you, you'd never know these rich, creamy chocolate bars were Low Carb and Sugar Free (Dark Chocolate is also Dairy Free!). Perfect for most diabetics and low carb dieters. IMPORTANT NOTE!!! We DO use small amounts of refined sugar per serving in our recipes, which is in keeping with the revised guidelines for people with diabetes, issued by the American Diabetes Association Committee On Nutrition in 1994. We strongly urge that you check with your physician, health care team, primary diabetes health care provider, or registered dietitian or nutritionist on how to incorporate our recipes, or any recipes from our cookbook reviews, into your daily meal plan. Please Note: Recipes with refined sugar may not be suitable for ALL diabetics. Your blood sugars should be under control and your daily meal plan MUST include the carbohydrate allowances per serving for each recipe containing refined sugar. This Month's New Recipes Tangy Cherry Slaw Carrots with Character Roast Loin of Pork with Herbed Dried Cherry Glaze Tart Cherry Oat Muffins Cherry S'Mores Cherry Custard Cake Chocolate Cherry Tarts Click here for Lots More Diabetic Friendly Recipes! More Diabetic Dining Celebrate National Cherry Month! -- Celebrate this fabulous fruit with recipes for main courses, side dishes and, of course, desserts. Breakfasts to Crow About -- It's the most important meal of the day, make it a good one. Cookie Swap -- Take a holiday break with low fat and low or no sugar cookie recipes. Hidden Treasures -- Great diabetic recipes don't always come from Diabtic cookbooks! Honey! Celebrate National Honey Month with these great low-fat, diabetic friendly recipes. Cooking Well for One (or Two) First class diabetic friendly foods for one or two people. A Walk on the Wild (Rice) Side Explore the benefits of this fabulous grain with a variety of Diabetic Friendly wild rice recipes. Stalking Spring Rhubarb -- Spring is almost here, check out these terrific recipes! Diabetic Friendly Celebrations! A Vegetarian Thanksgiving Feast Who need turkey with all these fabulous dishes? Easy, Elegant Diabetic Friendly Easter for 8 Along with pastel-colored eggs and baskets of goodies, Easter in America has always meant ham. But aside from upholding tradition, there are many reasons for making ham the centerpiece of your holiday table this year. Check out our Easter feature to find out why. Book Reviews The Diabetes Food & Nutrition Bible Meals on the Move: Rush Hour Recipes