Planning a party and looking for some appetizer ideas?  Are you or some of your guests diabetic?  Below is a list of appetizer ideas that are yummy for all and are perfect for the diabetics.  If you serve any of these recipes, you won't have to worry about whether or not you are meeting the diabetics needs.

For a good selection, we recommend the following appetizer menu.  Of course you will need to adjust it to the number of guests you are expecting.  You may only need one, then again, you may need them all.

A tray of assorted cheese cubes and purple and green grapes.

Party Meatballs

Meatballs:  1 lb ground beef

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup bread crumbs

2 eggs

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sauce:  1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup A-1 sauce

1/4 ketchup

1tbsp Splenda brown sugar blend

To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan.  Heat on low, stirring often, until Splenda dissolves.  Allow to simmer on low while you make the meatballs.

To make meatballs, in a medium mixing bowl combine all the ingredients and mix together well.  Form into appetizer size meatballs.  Spray a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray.  Place meatballs, in a single layer, in heated skillet.  Simmer on low heat until browned.

Mix sauce with the meatballs and keep warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker.

BROCCOLI BITES

1 16-oz bag frozen broccoli pieces

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup mild shredded cheese

2 cups Pepperidge Farm stuffing

4 eggs

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 cup melted butter

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/4 tsp thyme

Thaw broccoli slightly then break into pieces.  Beat butter, eggs, and stuffing together with wooden spoon.  Add remaining ingredients.  Form into appetizer-size balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

BACON TOMATO TARTLETS

12-oz can refrigerated flaky biscuits

6 slices bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled

1 medium tomato, seeded and diced

3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp fresh chopped basil

3/4 tsp garlic salt

1 tbsp fresh thyme

3/4 tsp chopped fresh oregano

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Split each biscuit into 3 layers.  Spray mini muffin pans lightly with non-stick cooking spray.  Press biscuit rounds into the tins.  Make only 24, not using the entire can of biscuits.  In a medium mixing bowl, mix the remaining ingredients together.  Fill each of the unbaked biscuit cups with the mixture.  Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges.

NOTE:  Can be made ahead and frozen for later use.  Bake, remove from pan, cool completely and freeze.  Reheat from frozen state for 10-14 minutes at 350 degrees on a cookie baking sheet.

PARTY CHEESE BALL

1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened

4 oz pkg low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 pkg pressed beef, cut into small pieces

1/2 small sweet onion, finely chopped

1 cup finely chopped pecans

Soften cream cheese at room temperature.  Mix cheddar into softened cream cheese and work well using hands.  When mixed add Worcestershire sauce and chopped onion, mix into cheese mixture.  Form into a ball and cover with beef and pecans.  Chill before serving.  Serve with party crackers.

A tray of celery sticks stuffed with peanut butter and some with pimento cheese.

Now you have a group of appetizers to please anyone, and plenty of options for any diabetics attending.

Party on and ENJOY!