Splenda

If you're on a lo-carb diet, you probably know that the Johnson and Johnson Company has developed a sweetener called Splenda.  It's made from sugar, with some changes in the molecular structure.  The product retains its sweet taste but not its empty calories.

Splenda tastes better than the other sweeteners on the market and can be used in cooking and baking.  I'd say it's somewhat sweeter than sugar.  One disadvantage is that in certain situations it does not behave like sugar.  If you try to saute it with butter, for example, it becomes gummy.  And it doesn't cook down and thicken sauces the way sugar would.

More information: http://www.splenda.com

DaVinci Gourmet Sugar-Free Syrup

These syrups are wonderful for making snow cones, Italian sodas (soda water, flavored syrup, and cream), and as a topping for ice cream.  DaVinci Gourmet makes a wide variety of flavors--from Caramel and Butter Rum to Peach, Strawberry, Raspberry, and Chocolate.

More information: 800-640-6779; http://www.davincigourmet.com

Hawaiian Electric Ice Shaver

This little machine turns ice into snow so fine that you don't need to make snow cones in a blender.  Just mix it with sugar-free syrup and cream in a bowl.

More information: 800-742-8334; http://hawaiianshavedice.com/shavicemac.html

Newsoms Peanuts

This company makes wonderful southern-style peanuts that are perfect for munching.
 
More information: 757-654-6564 ; http://newsomspeanutshop.com

Nellie and Joe's Famous Key West Lime Juice

If you love the taste of key lime pie, you'll want to keep this wonderful, tart juice on hand.  I'll be publishing an easy recipe in Fabulous Lo-Carb Cuisine.  According to the label, the juice has no carbs.  I buy it at a local gourmet shop.  If it's not available in your area, you can order it directly from Nellie and Joe.

More information: 800-Lime-Pie; http://www.keylimejuice.com

George Foreman Grill

If you're cooking a lot of steaks, fish filets, burgers, and hot dogs, the George Foreman Grill is a useful appliance.  And it's particularly wonderful for bacon.  A kind of waffle iron for meat, it cooks quickly because the food is sandwiched between two ridged cooking plates.  From my point of view, its most outstanding feature is the super-easy-to-clean teflon surface.  Black teflon--which means that if you miss some charred spots, they won't stare you in the face.  But don't forget to position the
drip pan before you start cooking, or you'll have a counter top mess. Unless you're cooking for one, you might as well go ahead and get the larger model (GR30).

More information:  http://www.saltoninc.com/brands/foreman.html

I'd love to hear what products you've found that make life on a lo-carb diet easier.  Send suggestions to ruth@locarbcook.com . I'll give you credit for any information you send me that I  post in this section of my Web site.