jessg23

April 1, 2011

Serious Spice

Readers, meet Furikake. Furikake is a magnificent Japanese seasoning made of sesame seeds, bonito flakes (dried fish), nori, and that enigmatic fifth flavor, umami. And guess what? While most Furikake mixes contain MSG, you can find no-salt, no MSG versions at your favorite Asian market. With just a few shakes, you can infuse dishes with exotic Eastern flavors. And your new friend, salt-free Furikake, can be used to spice up pickling blends; home-made sushi; or as a decorative and delicious topping for a simple rice bowl. Furikake can even help you more accurately recreate low sodium versions of traditional Japanese […]

March 30, 2011

Hawt Dawg!

Yesterday, I arrived in New York. And from the moment I touched down, I was filled with excitement. Perhaps it was the hustle, the bustle, the sights, and the sounds that sent a bolt of energy through me. Perhaps it was the fact that I was actually wearing real clothes for the first time in months – not a matching two piece made from spandex and cotton. Or maybe it was just the smell of sidewalk food carts. The wafting mist of fresh pretzels, candied nuts, and what I had always thought was the aroma of steaming hot dogs. “I love […]

March 28, 2011

Always Use a Condiment

One of my favorite questions to ask people is, if they could only have one condiment for the rest of their life, what would it be? Mine is honey mustard. Obviously. Luckily, though, there hasn’t been a condiment shortage in the world, quite yet. And thanks to one of my favorite restaurants in town – Frjtz – choices aren’t limited, they are extensive. I love Frjtz not just because of their perfectly crispy french fries, which they make salt-free. But mainly because of their large menu list of condiments. They are loaded with salt. But they are also inspriring. Thai […]

March 25, 2011

Back to School

Somehow I graduated college. It was a miracle, really. Not because I was partying so hard that I forgot to go to class. I always remembered to go to class. It was a miracle because I spent the majority of my Junior year at a different, not often visited part of campus – the Hospital. And even though I shouldn’t have graduated on time, my professors, my classmates, and my parents all made sure that if I wanted to get my diploma with the rest of my friends, than that is what would happen. I wrote essays while hooked to […]

March 23, 2011

Low Sodium Taquitos

This is a Taquito tower. These are two taquitos, spooning side by side. And this was all that was left after the photo session. Here’s where the story begins: I’m eight. I’m hungry. And all I want to eat is a soft taco filled with spicy meat, crispy shreds of lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. Fast forward twenty years, and not much has changed. Except I’m taller. As a Bay Area native, eating Tex Mex was just part of life. Like believing in Santa (even as Jew), learning how to drive, or electing celebrities as Governor. If there was […]

March 21, 2011

Zest Friends

You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose. But you can’t pick your friend’s nose. Because that is gross. Unless that friend is a best friend. And then, if they ask you to pick their nose – because both of their hands are in a cast or are currently caught in a drain – you’d totally do it. Because that is what best friends are for. They are there in a time of need. They are there to scratch your back (or that itch in your nasal cavity). They are there to brighten your day. And when […]

March 16, 2011

Disasters and a Difference

I’m not a baker. This woman is. It is even in the title of her blog. But I? No, I’m not a baker. I’m an experimenter, an adventurer, a thrower-inner. I am an expert low sodium cook. And when it comes to the exact science of baking, I am short-cuts, I am messy, and I am always surprised that my cookies turn out looking like this. Let’s just say Monday was a good day to not go sky diving. Because in my little kitchen, it seemed like one disaster was followed quickly by another. I celebrated like a fool when […]

March 14, 2011

Counterfeit Curry

I really liked growing up as a little sister. As the number two to my big brother’s number one, I was privy to Superman pajama hand-me-downs; slightly broken-in parents (who needed less convincing when it came to eating chocolate cookies for breakfast or going to my first middle school dance); immediate protection against loser boyfriends; and of course, all of big bro’s sage advice. And his good looking friends to swoon over, too. But there were moments when I cursed the day that I was born second. Like when my older brother, seemingly sweeter than me, took advantage of my trusting personality. When he […]

March 11, 2011

Gimme A Beet – The Remix

Full disclosure. Today, we are going to embark on a hot topic. Something that often makes people uncomfortable and in some circles, may even be deemed controversial. Beets. Sigh. I said it. Those round, oddly-shaped little buggers that give many eaters – healthy, adventurous, curious, and beyond – major pause. They look strange. They seem like they’d be difficult to peel – if that is even how you are supposed to prepare them. And when it comes to actually cutting into the tubers, well you better prepare for a blood bath. Those suckers will happily dye everything around you a […]

March 9, 2011