Food Shopping

July 14, 2010

Fancy Food Show

Two weeks ago, I was literally a kid in a low sodium candy store when I was lucky enough (slash: I bought a ticket) to attend the Fancy Food Show in New York City. Although I didn’t think I would find too many salt-free products in the endless aisles of food booths, I actually ended up discovering a handful of wonderful artisans and manufacturers who are based throughout the US (from Cali, to Wisconsin, to NYC) and who are making delicious and shelf-safe products, without the salt. Although I had my camera with me and was prepared to take some […]

July 12, 2010

Big Food, Small People

Today, we’re talking baby. Not because I’m having one – although I’m sure I just gave my parents and fiance a brief heart attack – but because babies know a lot about low sodium food. Feast your eyes on the picture above – a bowl full of creamy puree of sweet potato, corn, and apple, enhanced with a few shakes of Herbs de Provence, red pepper flakes, chili oil, and sliced scallions. All of this flavor (except for the enhancements) came from one, simple package that I bought in a store. And not just any store, nor your run of […]

June 28, 2010

Pasta Gina

Because of my dietary sensitivities, there are certain foods that I avoid when dining out: pizza, dim sum, Philly cheese steaks, and most Italian food. True, my choice to not eat these delicacies is based on culinary stereotypes. But they are not unfounded and the majority of these dishes, especially when prepared by someone else, will be full of cheese, cured meats, soy sauce, and other salty ingredients. So if you’re thinking about picking up some ravioli take-out, fuggedaboutit! But as it often happens, I was wrong. And no, I’m not afraid to admit it. Thankfully, after seven plus years […]

May 14, 2010

An Altered State of Mind

For some reason, we have no problem buying a pair of pants (that are obviously too long in the leg and trail dangerously past your shoes) and taking them to the local tailor to be shortened, cuffed, and fitted. But when it comes to following a recipe, we seem reticent (if not frightened) to change any detail to fit our needs, as if altering instructions from Julia Child’s cookbook is akin to telling Coco Chanel she got her pantsuit all wrong. But we have to get over that fear for two reasons: (1) adaptation is essential to low sodium cooking and […]

May 3, 2010

Sushi Me

Go ahead. Dig right in and take your pick of the sodium-free sushi you see before you. Handmade by yours truly. I know what you’re thinking. Sushi? But that’s super high in sodium? And you’re right to wonder what I’m doing with a fistful of rice-y rounds as most sushi, that you will find at your favorite neighborhood haunt, does contain an enormous amount of sodium. This is because most nori (or seaweed) is high in sodium and traditional sushi rice is made with water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Then add in soy sauce for dipping and you’ve got […]

April 16, 2010

Good Morning America

For many, preparing a hearty breakfast is as easy as snap, crackle, and pop. But for those on a low sodium diet, achieving a balanced morning meal poses a bit of a challenge. By the time you’ve hit the snooze button, packed up your gym bag (just in case), and headed off to the day’s first appointment, there’s barely enough time to tie your shoe laces, let alone fry up some scrambled eggs. As a result, that all important first meal of the day tends to fall into the dine and dash category. Bagels, cereal bars, and delicious danishes – […]

March 22, 2010

Be A Boar

Today’s post is brought to you by Boar’s Head. Well, not in the traditional sense – no advertising money here – but this deli meat powerhouse is launching an “assault on salt” and they want you to know about it. Boar’s Head understands that keeping a low sodium diet is difficult. With over 2,300 mg of sodium in one teaspoon of salt, it is easy to reach your upper daily limits, especially when noshing on prepared goodies. But these foods – like a delicious sub sandwich – are quick to purchase, making lunch and life easier. So instead of sayingy […]

March 5, 2010

Little Miss Muffet

Wait. Is that…? No, it couldn’t be. Right? I mean, do they even make such a thing? They don’t, do they? But it looks exactly like…no. There’s just no way. That’s not even chemically, mechanically, culinarily possible. Is it? Well my friends, don’t second guess yourselves. You’re eyes were correct. That beautiful little bowl of creamy curds and whey is just what you think it is. A heaping half cup of no salt added cottage cheese. I know. It’s like saying that cats can talk or that hover crafts exist. Which, at least for the hover craft, I hope is […]

February 23, 2010

A Question of Spice

It was a wonderful discovery to realize that a “low sodium diet” did not mean a “no spice” diet. Removing salt from my bag of tricks did not limit me from using the spectrum of flavors from around the world, but instead, made me more aware of their existence and willing to try their taste. Most spices are seeds or roots that are roasted, toasted, ground, or used whole which means they are naturally sodium free. But be careful, not all spices are created equal. Most commercial spice blends will add salt as an ingredient and even some of the […]

February 9, 2010

Cooking with Kaz – The Novel

I’m sure none of you could sleep well last night, awaiting today’s big reveal of Kaz’s five-course, Shojin feast. I think I’m personally working on about four hours of sleep. So let’s jump right in and get to the good stuff. I just can’t wait any longer. Last Friday, I invited three friends over to share in my low sodium, Japanese cooking project and our evening with Kaz couldn’t have been more special. He is one of the warmest people I have ever met and Kaz immediately made himself at home. He regaled us with stories from Japan, LA, and […]

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