Super Bowl

October 7, 2016

Low-So Purple Sweet Potato Empanadas

It’s October which means it’s time for Halloween-themed treats, made freakishly colorful by super natural ingredients (see what I did there?). So let’s start out with these purple sweet potato empanadas that were scary easy to make (I did it again!). I mean, seriously, I had these in the oven and ready-to-eat in less than two episodes of Project Runway. And the dough (THE DOUGH!) came together in a literal stir and snap. So don’t be afraid to try it. Now, I’ve been meaning to try empanadas ever since my daughter became obsessed with a book about empanadas. But the […]

July 24, 2016

Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps

When I was about six, I saw my first live musical. I think it was Les Miserables, which looking back (and with a kid of my own) seems like a rather strange choice for a tiny human who could barely tie her own shoes and thought her stuffed animals came alive at night. For the sake of the story, though, let’s just say it was something grand. And during intermission, I turned to my mother with wide eyes to ask, “when can I do that?” She answered, “not until you’re eight.” And while everyone thought the passing months would erase this date from my […]

May 27, 2016

Low-So BBQ Pantry

On the eve of this long, BBQ-filled weekend, I wanted to give you one last tip (or, I guess, a pantry-full of tips) to make sure you stay well-fed and low-so satisfied throughout the holiday. Above are a few of my favorite pantry items to use/bring at your next grilling gathering — whether you host or attend as a guest: (1) low-so mustard; (2) salt-free ketchup or (3) salt-free canned tomatoes to make your own ketchup replacement (just don’t forget to add your own spices, vinegar, or even jam for extra flavor!); (4) smoking chips for extra smoky flavor — add directly to […]

May 18, 2016

Low-So Bacon-Spiced Ribs & Relish

I’m actually wearing a tank top and shorts. Sandals. And sweating glistening. Which means we are officially entering BBQ season. And I’m a huge fan of BBQs, for a few reasons: (1) With a little prep, the grill does most rest of the work, like a hot sous chef, while you mix and mingle with friends or make guacamole. (2) You can accomplish some genius batch cooking by cooking extra meet and vegetables (and FRUIT!) for the week ahead, all while the coals are still hot. (3) The grill itself gives food an extra smoky flavor, adding something special to everything it touches. […]

October 29, 2015

Unprocessed Purple Sweet Potato Cupcakes

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: low-sodium diets have a major branding problem. Many people — with heart disease, kidney disease, menieres disease, and other health issues — can stand to benefit from eating less salt and sodium. And yet no one takes the bait. Because the bait still sounds pretty boring and bland and more like a prescription than something you want to eat. Here’s the thing, though: A low-sodium diet is food. FOOD! And while yes, it can be boring, any kind of food can be boring. So it’s up to you to make it exciting. To use spices […]

June 12, 2015

Low-So Cheesy Guacamole

Let me begin by saying that I never thought I’d write this post — one that features goat cheese. Real goat cheese and not some sort of cauliflower/nut/faux-cheese concoction. Along those same lines, I never thought I’d be putting said goat cheese (or any cheese, for that matter) on top of guacamole — an already rich and creamy delight. Because for a long time, real cheese has been on my low-so, do-not-eat lis. But low and behold, it has happened. I’ve eaten goat cheese. And I’m so glad it did. And I’m actually doubly glad I get to share it with you. Because (1) this […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

August 15, 2014

Quick Cracker Hack

I will never forget how I felt when I discovered my first bag of salt-free potato chips. It was a low-sodium snacking revelation! Then came salt-free tortilla chips, beet and sweet potato chips, and finally, salt-free rice crackers. All products that increasingly improved my ability to stay fueled and well appetize’d throughout the day and evening. But what about feeding others? Most of the time, my guests were surprisingly pleased with the taste and texture of these salt-free options. Many starting to opt for the salt-free versions. But as for the flavor options — well, they all fell to the blander […]

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