Effort

January 12, 2012

Low-Sodium Microwaveable Lunch Challenge, #2

It’s chilly. Which means it is time to make chili. And while I am quite devoted to my black and red beans, I thought these blustery days deserved something a little lighter. A little whiter. So I traded the darker hues for some creamy Cannellini (or butter beans). But just because the beans are pale doesn’t mean the dish has to be colorless. So I added yellow corn, green jalapenos, red onion, red tomato, yellow and purple potatoes, and some matchstick zucchini and orange carrots. All of this could easily go in a pot, with a little water, to steam […]

January 10, 2012

Low-Sodium Microwaveable Lunch Challenge

Wouldn’t it be extraordinary to simply unpack a pre-made meal from its cardboard box. Rip off the plastic. Throw it in the microwave. And have your lunch ready and hot in minutes? That would be nice. But on a low-sodium diet, these “open and heat” dishes are filled with sodium (not to mention other non-food unmentionables). So to stick to the diet, one must either (a) quit your job and work and cook from home or (b) bring leftovers with you for your noon-time chow fest. I’ve tried both. And while working from home definitely lets me (over)feed myself great […]

December 8, 2011

Cabbage Rolls for Tony

Tony played the trumpet. Tony played the piano. And often, with enough cajoling, he would play a round of scrabble or dominoes too. Especially if his odds looked good. Tony came into my life when I met my husband–an added bonus to our relationship that I often joked was what kept me around. He was full of spunk, good stories, and always perfectly timed words of advice. He had the impeccable ability to command a room in a most casual and comfortable way. And spending time with him felt bubbly like champagne mixed with the excitement of a lucky lottery […]

December 1, 2011

By The Slice

Most people get their pizza at the local pizza joint. Or from the pizza guy. Or from the pizza counter that offers up hearty pieces of pie by the slice. I got mine in the mail. A few months ago, the lovely couple Tom and Sue of GalloLea Organics sent me an email to ask if I wouldn’t mind trying their low-sodium pizza and new low-sodium pizza sauces. It was like asking me if I wanted chocolate for dinner for the rest of my life. Obviously the answer was a resounding yes, and a few weeks later a little paper […]

November 9, 2011

Jess Do It

As if one marathon wasn’t enough, my wonderful dream friend, Natty, decided to put on her running sneaks and tackle that 26.ridiculous mile New York course again this year. All in the name of Lupus research. All so that someday, people like me won’t have to feel tired, run-down, or kidney-less because of this chronic disease. While Natty ferry’d over to the starting line, the rest of us bundled up and leisurely walked across the Island, bundled up of course, to await her passing. And as we slowly strutted our way uptown, I reflected on this wonderful dream friend of […]

October 14, 2011

Low-Sodium Collard Sandwich Wrap

It usually starts with a big flappy sheet of lavash or a soft tortilla. Those flat, towel-like breads that so easily twist and snuggle around your sandwich fillings. And while I’ve bought salt-free lavash and no-sodium corn tortillas before, they are either special grocery store items that only show up once in a while (lavash) or they tend to crack and break apart when you roll them (tortilla). Which means a sturdy, low-sodium sandwich wrap is difficult to make for a simple Wednesday lunch. Le sigh. But you didn’t think I was going to give up that easily, did you? […]

September 19, 2011

Carrot “Cheddar” Chili

It is finally football season again. And even though that means Sunday afternoons (and my living room) have been taken over with grunts, guffaws, and (hopefully) giddy explosions of team spirit, it also means that my kitchen and belly are full of my favorite tailgating treats. In the short period between pre-season fun and the real deal, the likes of ribs, beans, dips, fries, and chips have all already made game-day appearances. And you better believe that these simple dishes are just a warm-up for the real masterpieces to come on my second favorite day of the year–the Super Bowl. […]

September 2, 2011

Kohlrabi Chicken Salad

Here we are on our last day of the kohlrabi adventure. Most of our kohlrabi has been enjoyed in the raw. Or as art. But it’s time we enjoy this green veggie in a sandwich. With some curry and paprika. Some Greek yogurt. A pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Some quinoa (for texture). And of course, juicy chicken thigh. Cooked. I just popped these suckers in the oven at 375 dg F for 45 minutes, until the inside was no longer pink, and mixed it in with the kohlrabi cubes and other ingredients. And in less time than it […]

August 31, 2011

Kohl Slaw

It’s officially day two of the kohlrabi fest and today, we’re mixing up something quick and simple: Kohl Slaw. It’s raw, it’s juicy, it’s full of flavor, and no salt. And this would be a stellar dish to bring to any potluck or BBQ you plan to attend this weekend. You only need two bulbs of kohlrabi, two pears, an orange, and maybe a little spice to feed a whole army. Of eight or ten people. So get this low-sodium kohl slaw marinating and chow on. Ingredients 2 kohlrabi bulbs, antenna and bottom rough spot removed 2 pears Juice from […]

August 10, 2011

Chicken Thighs and Pineapple Relish

Cooking Light created a party on a plate and they’ve invited you to all join in. And eat. And enjoy. Party hats optional, but dancing pants required. Thanks to a little blogger love from the wonderful magazine, I get some of their latest dishes before they go to print. And the best part is that I can then share them with you. It’s like looking into a culinary crystal ball and seeing your dinner future. Which, this week, is a quick fix of Southwestern Chicken Thighs topped with a snappy Pineapple Relish. Beyond being glad that they didn’t call it […]

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