GOOD IDEA’s Favorite Recipes: Blood-Sugar-Friendly Dishes with a Bubbly Twist

As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in festive treats and sugary indulgences. While celebrating with family and friends, maintaining stable blood sugar doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious, refreshing options. To help keep your energy levels stable, we’ve put together a few easy, blood-sugar-friendly recipes using GOOD IDEA.

Keeping blood sugar levels stable is key to optimizing our metabolic health, reducing cravings, and stabilizing energy levels throughout the day. Adding GOOD IDEA to recipes isn’t just about bubbles; it can also add a fresh twist to your snacks and meals. Here are three easy recipes that use GOOD IDEA to support steady blood sugar levels (scroll down for the full recipes).

1.      Protein Packed Heavenly Waffles, with Black Currant Compote and Vanilla Cream Cheese

This recipe, created by Chef Bob Haney, is sure to impress.  Beware, your house may become the go-to breakfast spot after your friends taste these protein packed waffles.  We have partnered with Heavenly Waffles Mix to create a blood sugar balancing recipe for all to enjoy!

Why It’s Blood Sugar Friendly: Heavenly Waffles mix is protein rich, containing 11 grams of protein per serving and only 24 grams of carbohydrates! Using GOOD IDEA sparkling water in this recipe in lieu of club soda may provide additional blood sugar stabilizing effects.

2.      Crispy Cauliflower Bites with Sparkling Water Batter

These cauliflower bites use a GOOD IDEA batter to achieve a crispy, light coating without excess carbs. Serve them as a healthier, blood-sugar-friendly appetizer for holiday gatherings.

Why It’s Blood Sugar Friendly: Cauliflower is low-carb and high in fiber, while chickpea flour adds plant-based protein and fiber to help manage blood sugar. This crispy, guilt-free snack is a perfect alternative to traditional fried bites.

3.      Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

This bright, zesty quinoa salad uses GOOD IDEA to create a refreshing lemon dressing and keeps you feeling light but satisfied.

Why It’s Blood Sugar Friendly: Quinoa is a high-fiber, protein-rich grain that helps slow digestion and regulate blood sugar. Paired with fresh veggies and healthy fats from olive oil, this salad makes a balanced, satisfying dish.

Full Recipes

1.      Protein Packed Heavenly Waffles, with Black Currant Compote and Vanilla Cream Cheese

Waffle Recipe:

• 1 cup of GOOD IDEA Black Currant Sparkling Water
• 1 cup of Heavenly Waffles Original Mix
• 1 Large Egg
• 1 Tablespoon Oil or Melted Butter

Cooking Instructions: 

• Mix All Ingredients in a bowl with a whisk
• Whisk for one Minute or until clumps are gone
• Spray Waffle Iron
• Heat Iron, make sure it’s very hot
• Fill ¾ full, wait for bubbles to appear before closing
• Cook for 5-6 minutes or until desired crispness
• Cook waffles as normal and serve topped with Rosemary Infused Honey/Black Currant Compote and Vanilla Bean creamed Cream Cheese. See compote and cream cheese recipe details below.

Compote recipe:

• 1/2 cup Favorite Black Currant Preserves 
• 1/2 cup Real Raw honey
• 1 Sprig of rosemary

Cooking Instructions:

• Heat honey & 5 rosemary leaves (rosemary goes a long way) in sauce pan on med low for 5 minutes.
• Add 1/2 cup of black currants, stir combining completely and set aside

*Please Note: black currant compote and vanilla creamed cheese might raise blood sugars. If you are concerned about added sugars, consider replacing honey with sugar free maple syrup and powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or swerve.

Vanilla Creamed Cream Cheese Recipe:

• 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp vanilla paste
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (or a sugar free alternative like powdered erythritol or swerve)

Cooking Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients until smooth and enjoy

Recipe Created by Chef Bob Haney, Founder of Heavenly Waffles Mix

Click Here to learn more about Heavenly Waffles, protein packed Waffle Mixes. 

2.      Crispy Cauliflower Bites with GOOD IDEA Batter

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ½ cup chickpea flour
• ¼ cup GOOD IDEA
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, mix chickpea flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Slowly pour in the GOOD IDEA, whisking until smooth and slightly bubbly.
• Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off excess, and place on the baking sheet.
• Lightly spray the coated cauliflower with olive oil, then bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
• Serve warm with a side of Greek yogurt or your favorite low-sugar dipping sauce.

3.      Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup GOOD IDEA
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the GOOD IDEA, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, parsley, and mint.
• Pour the dressing over the salad, then toss gently to combine.
• Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

These recipes are designed to help keep you refreshed while supporting blood sugar stability, making them perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or a light pre-dinner option. Try them out and discover how a few simple ingredients can create delicious, blood-sugar-friendly options!

Author: Dr. Colleen Gulick, Ph.D. (ExPhys), MS (ExPhys), BS (BioE), EIT (ME), CSCS