Entertaining

February 20, 2015

Bacon Spice and Coconut Bacon Bits

We are midway through our month of low-so sausage and low-so bacon, and it’s time to shift our focus from the big bites to the itty bits. I’m talking bacon bits. That crunchy topping that gets sprinkled on top of iceberg lettuce salads, crumbled on top of pastas or deviled eggs, and baked right into the crispy crust of a casserole. Even though they are teeny teeny tiny, these little bits can sure add a lot of sodium to a simple, healthy meal. Like over 200mg per 7g serving (or a few teaspoons). And that’s because bacon bits are (surprise!) mostly made from cured, salted bacon. But you […]

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February 13, 2015

Low-Sodium Homemade Sausage

Two things stand between your love of sausage and your low-so diet. One, the salted casings and two, the salty brines or cures or just plain salt used in the stuffing. So pretty much, the whole shebang. But hold up. Because there are a few, easy, non-salty solutions to this sausage dilemma. Meaning, yes, you can still enjoy your sausage fix by making it at home. Without the salt. And with a ton of flavor. The first step is to make fresh sausage versus cured (or “hard”) sausage. This basically means you will use fresh meat, grind it, stuff, it and, then […]

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January 30, 2015

Low-So Boule, Challah, Challah Buns

I love my daughter’s preschool. But there are two stand-out reasons why it has changed my life: 1) they are helping me potty train a toddler and 2) they make fresh challah every Thursday. Not at the same time. As we’ve been discussing all month, bread can seem like a big low-sodium challenge. The store-bought loaves can equal upwards of 200mg per slice. And because we tend to eat a lot of bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, those numbers can really add up. But with many low-sodium products on the shelves and many more creative low-sodium swaps at your fingertips, you now know how […]

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January 26, 2015

Low-So Bread Swaps

If last week’s baked bow-tie pasta blew your mind, just wait until you see the countless other ways to give favorite bready ingredients a low-sodium makeover. From crackers to breadcrumbs to baguettes, I’ve got you covered with creative low-so stand-ins that will stand up to the original. And satisfy anyone, including salt eaters. Because they’re fun and fresh and way more exciting than, well, white bread. Plus, they’re simply easier to make than a loaf, from-scratch. Which is great for those times when you are in a rush or faced with unexpected guests. Or simply not in the mood to bake. Of course, later this […]

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December 19, 2014

Lots of Latkes

Happy Channannukachhhh! A festival of lights, donuts, and latkes. Crispy, crunchy potato latkes. For those of you, though, on low-potassium diets, this famous pancake can cause a bit of an issue. But fear not as I have several solutions for you. None of which include skipping out on this holiday delicacy. Both which include breaking tradition and starting a new one of your own. Because, well, if you can’t even spell the holiday correctly, then there’s no need to follow any other rules, right? First, there’s the almighty Spaghetti Squash Latke. Packed full of noodle like spaghetti squash strands. Enjoyed with […]

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December 12, 2014

Party Trick: Peppy Chocomallow Bites

Okay, here’s the scene. You have a holiday potluck, party, cookie exchange, FILL IN THE BLANK BAKED GOOD FESTIVITY. And like me, you don’t have a “knack” for baking. Or an oven. Or flour. Or butter. Or time. Or FILL IN THE BLANK REASON FOR NOT BAKING. So what do you do? Showing up empty handed isn’t an option. Nor is buying pre-made treats as most cookies and muffins are filled with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. And really, whose that impressed by a box full or decorated sugar cookies? But do you know what is a solution? Marshmallows covered […]

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December 4, 2014

Sodium Girl’s Holiday Gift Guide

We are officially in the eye of the holiday storm. Party hopping, cookie decorating, and, best of all, PRESENT GIVING! It can get a little overwhelming. But that’s why I’m bringing back the gift guide. Three actually (plus some extras!), full of a few of my favorite things you’d find in my kitchen, my cupboard, and my purse. Because the holidays are the absolute best time to get everything you need for the best and tastiest low-sodium life. And give those you love the tools they need to eat well and be well, too. So let’s get started. And let’s talk about […]

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November 24, 2014

Roasted Lamb Thanksgiving Roundup

Alright friends. Get ready for a roundup of Thanksgiving dishes that is going to be bigger than last year’s 26-pound turkey. Hint: anytime you see anything bolded in orange, that is a link to a recipe or tips. So click away for total Thanksgiving domination. But before we jump into the lentil gravy boat (see how I did that?) and talk stuffing, sides, and other non-traditional dishes, let me say this about this year’s low-sodium holiday feast: break tradition. I give you permission. It’s the easiest way to free yourself from the salty brines and canned soups, and create a whole new […]

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October 31, 2014

Halloween Tricks and Treats

It is officially my favorite time of the year. Today I turn in round two of edits for the new low-sodium guide book (YES!) and I plan to celebrate with some apple cider, a big bowl of soup, and definitely a fistful or two of candy. But before you go bobbing for candy, check out these tips on keeping “healthy” during Halloween. I’m not talking about skipping the candy necessarily, but knowing where sodium may sneak into your sweets. And of course, some ideas of how to get that sugar rush without all the junk. Including this Chocolate Ginger Pomegranate […]

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September 5, 2014

Low-So Broccoli Tater Tots

You may be skeptical, you may be amazed. But either way, behold the broccoli tater tot! (I think I just won motherhood) But before we get into specifics, let me explain something: I’m not a believer of “hiding” vegetables from my daughter or a green-fearing person of any age. But I sure do love the idea of stuffing vegetables in really yummy things, wherever and however possible. Like tater tots. Everybody loves tater tots. This is not up for discussion. And recently I’ve found that broccoli can do a lot more than steam and turn into mush. It makes a great pesto. I love it chopped and […]

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