Zucchini

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 […]

continue reading
November 20, 2013

Bringing Hasselback

If you asked me to choose between a baked potato and some baked french fries, I’d have a really hard time coming up with an answers. (Okay, I’d probably pick the fries). But thanks to a little technique called “hasselback” you never have to make that choice again. This is awesome. It’s a game changer. And you may just want to skip the mashed potatoes this year for this simple starchy side that delivers the comfort of mushy potatoes and crispy skin, all at the same time. To make a hasselback potatoes, you simply make cuts along the “back” of the […]

continue reading
August 9, 2013

Zucchini Tortilla Bites

There are exactly three things I am super good at: 1) putting two words together to make one new word; 2) feeding friends during spontaneous gatherings, and 3) finding awesome substitutes for high-sodium ingredients. And low and behold, all three of these highly-useful talents have finally come together in one small bite of food. The Zucchini Tortilla Bite. It’s a snappetizer (snappy appetizer) that can be easily thrown together when unexpected guests arrive, wowing everyone with the pure geniusness (and tastiness) of stringy, melty zucchini used in place of salty cheese. So I’m going to keep it short and spicy this […]

continue reading
September 12, 2012

Joy Bauer and Low-Sodium Lo Mein

When it comes to healthy eating, do you know who’s the boss? Joy Bauer. This little package of high energy and healthy eating advice knows the ins and outs of the foods we love to eat. And in her new series, “What the Heck,” made in partnership with Everyday Health, she’s exposing the good, the bad, and the better choices. From fro yo to hot dogs. While her videos are not salt-intake specific, you’ll be surprised how often sodium makes an appearance. And how much of it ends up in processed foods. Plus, it never hurts to brush up on other […]

continue reading
May 1, 2012

Low-Sodium Commandments

This is no ordinary guacamole. I know it looks like it. Creamy. Green. Ready for a salt-free chip or a spoon. But no. This is no ordinary guac. It has toasted coriander seeds and some fresh cilantro. There’s even diced jalapenos, which got into my eye and yes, stung quite a bit. But none of these ingredients are ground shaking. The real star is in there, though. Hiding, smushed, camouflaged, and bursting with surprising low-sodium flavor. Can you see it? It’s right there, between the avocado and the green onion. It’s the oven roasted zucchini. I know, I broke every […]

continue reading
June 20, 2011

Salt and Stove-Free Pasta

Hi! What did you do this weekend? I set my oven on fire. Yeah. I really did. I meant to make chips. I made a huge mess instead. And I’m pretty sure I’m inhaling tons of chemicals as I’m writing this. If anyone has advice on cleaning this thing out, please let me know. But let’s talk about something with less charcoal flavor and more taste. While my range is taking a brief vacation, I started to think about no-cook meals. Ways that I could eat food full of vitamins and flavor without using any kind of flame. And that’s […]

continue reading
July 28, 2010

Summer Awakening: Tacos

I love a taco. They are quick and comforting and a great way to feed many mouths without too much effort. But after numerous nights of seasoned ground beef, chopped iceberg lettuce, and yellow corn tortillas – you know, the standard – a girl’s palate can begin to desire something more. Something exotic and unexpected. Something like fried squash blossoms and tilapia. As I’ve said in past posts, there are two key tricks to successfully cooking low sodium food. The first is to find flavor elsewhere, whether it is in your ingredients, spices, fresh herbs, or condiments. The second, and […]

continue reading