It seems increasingly difficult to find sugar-free, whole grain pastries anywhere. There was a sugar-free craze a few years ago, when so many people were trying low carb diets. You could find sugar-free cookies, candy, cakes and pastries in regular supermarkets. Several different areas of the store would feature sugar-free treats.

Of course, then as now, you should check to see which sugar substitutes are used. When you eliminate the undesirable sweeteners, the available universe of worthwhile goodies shrinks even smaller.

Until the next sugar-free trend emerges, the best way to get sugarless treats is to make them yourself.

Okay, people — let’s get serious. If you want change to happen, you have to help make it happen. You know the old saying: "If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting." So if we want to have healthier options available at fast food eateries, we have to encourage it.

One thing that fast food places seldom offer is a whole-grain bun option. I’m not saying that they should toss all their denatured white buns into the dumpster — although that would be great. I’m suggesting that they have 100% whole-grain buns available as an option. Imagine going to Burger Thing and making this order: "Give me the roasted chicken sandwich, no mayo, extra pickles, on whole wheat!" That would be great!

A lovely, rich-tasting Dutch favorite.

Dutch Breakfast Bread/Cake (Ontbijtkoek)

2 cups homemade self-rising flour (see below)
1/2 cup xylitol
1/3 cup molasses
1 cup milk (dairy, soy, rice, etc)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Pinch of cloves
Pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients into a smooth batter.
Grease an 8" x 8" x 3" cake pan.
Fill pan with batter.
Bake at 300 F for 40 - 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely.
Wrap, and keep at room temperature for 24 hours before serving.

The Dutch serve it plain or buttered, with breakfast or at teatime.

Homemade Self-Rising Flour

1 cup white whole wheat flour
1 & 1/4 tsps baking powder
Pinch of salt

Mix all thoroughly.
Makes 1 cup.

An all-purpose recipe. You will use it often!

Biscuits

2 cups white whole wheat flour
3 tsps baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup shortening, butter, or margarine
3/4 cup milk — dairy, soy, rice, or nut milk

In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
With a fork or pastry blender, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Add the milk, and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough in the bowl until it reaches a texture that can be rolled.
Roll it out on a floured surface to 3/4" thick.
Cut into circles or squares.
Put on a baking sheet.
Bake at 400 F for 12 - 15 minutes, or until edges are golden.