Mixing Up A Happy Birthday

by Marisa
November 9, 2007

When I first set my mind to losing all my “baby fat” back in 1999, I gave up all sugar. I even refused to consume artificial sweeteners. It wasn’t that I worried about the effect on my health; instead, I simply hated the taste of any of the artificial sweeteners available at the grocery store. Needless to say, I missed having a something sweet now and then. But I was strong and stuck to my eating plan.

I don’t remember exactly when I first heard the word “Splenda” but I do know I was excited and curious about this new artificial sweetener that supposedly left no aftertaste. Not finding it in my local stores, I ordered it online. Problem was, after getting it I wasn’t sure how best to use it. You see, I was never one to bake sweets and I’d never made candy. Next step, then, was to track down a recipe. Or several. In the end, I settled on a low-carb version of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups that turned out to be absolutely scrumptious. To this day, they are still my favorite low-carb sweet snack. This is the recipe for one batch:

Low-Carb Peanut Butter Cups

1 Stick butter

1 Tablespoon Virgin Coconut Oil (optional)

3 Tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)

1/3 cup Splenda

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 Tablespoon heavy cream

Melt Butter and Virgin Coconut Oil (if used). Blend in chocolate until completely dissolved. Beat in Splenda, Peanut Butter and last, the heavy cream. Pour into cupcake papers in muffin tin and freeze. Lick the bowl. Ready to eat in 15 minutes.

The only problem with the recipe is that it doesn’t make enough for me and all my kids. Yes, my kids love them, too, and even though the kids don’t eat strictly low-carb, I do like to limit their sugar consumption. Making this recipe doubled or tripled is hard on my poor arm, though. You see, I have only a hand held mixer. Also, I’m just 4′11″ so in order to hold the mixer in the bowl, I have to hold my arm up in the air. I guess that’s why I’ve never really baked much. It’s just that this recipe keeps me on my low-carb lifestyle so I suffer through the preparation to satisfy my sweet tooth without the sugar.

Since my birthday is just around the corner, I’ve dropped several hints around here about possible presents. I’ve cut out and posted on my fridge a picture of an Eclectrics® Mixer that I think would look great in my kitchen. You see, my kitchen has light gray floors and a darker, slate gray countertop so I think the Licorice mixer would fantastic on my counter. Or should I go for more contrast with the Apple or Sterling?

My mom always had a Hamilton Beach® Mixer so I already know the company’s long history of quality products. And with 400 watts of power, I could easily quadruple my recipe and be done in a matter of minutes. In fact, with the extra attachments and 12 settings, there’s no telling what other recipes I’ll try! I may just discover a hidden talent for baking.

Luckily, my birthday is on Monday. That means that if no one in my family takes my hint, I still have plenty of time to order a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer online and take advantage of the free UPS shipping during the month of November. What a great month for a birthday!