DIY Take-Out

January 12, 2017

2017 Low-So Reboot

Happy 2017 dearest internet friends! With the new year, I’m entering my 34th year of life and my 13th year living with lupus and kidney disease. And while the past 365 days have had their ups and downs. And downs. And more downs. They also brought a renewed faith in food and its power to heal. See: 34 years old with the same stage 4 kidneys. Still kicking! As you may remember, last year, I welcomed January with a big anti-inflammation overhaul of my diet — no wheat or gluten, no eggs, no dairy, no sugar, no soy, no nightshade vegetables, NO […]

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 […]

August 4, 2016

Low-So Pizza Party

These days, most people have some sort of dietary requirement. Maybe it’s an allergy or an intolerance. A new food fad or a simple dislike. But the point is, when hosting a dinner party, you will most likely not be the only one with a special food request. And the list of ingredients you cannot use may runneth long. But here’s the thing: You can’t ignore these needs (because you would never want anyone to ignore yours). And you also cannot break your back (or the bank), making separate dishes for Tina, Ivan, Susan, and Uncle Frank’s new girlfriend that he never told you was […]

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 […]

July 13, 2016

Low-So Cabbage Shumai

I’ve thought a lot about this post. I’ve written it and rewritten about a dozen times in my head. I’ve questioned how much to share, how personal to get, how much to keep this post free from deep thoughts and politics. And I can promise that after today, things will return to their regularly scheduled food programming. But I want to risk something. The truth is, I’m white. I take Soul Cycle classes. I shop at farmers markets and Whole Foods. Although I’ve hit the glass ceiling a few times as a woman, I’m treated with respect and I’ve been raised to believe my […]

July 1, 2016

Low-So Asian-Inspired Pantry

HOW IS IT JULY!? I feel like we just started to celebrate the arrival of cherries and figs and tomatoes (and my new book, LOW-SO GOOD). And suddenly, the big mid-summer holiday is upon us. One filled with burgers, grills, red-checkered potlucks. And of course FIREWORKS. But this Fourth, don’t just look in the sky for something explosive. Look in your cabinet. Because if you are well-stocked, you’ll find some banging flavors to play with, full of color and surprise, that will leave you in “ahhhh” (get it? bad firework/food joke.) So instead of typical BBQ fare, play with your food and spice things up […]

June 10, 2016

Genmaicha Microwave Noodle Soup

Last week, I had the TOTAL JOY of taking over the WHOLE30 recipe account for all seven days. And if you don’t already follow them, you should definitely head over now, because I posted over 20 recipes. All low-sodium and full of flavor. And all so easy that you could make them on a busy Wednesday. OR…even your office kitchen. Which brings me to the GENMAICHA MICROWAVE NOODLE SOUP. One of my favorite recipes from my new book, LOW-SO GOOD: A Guide to Real Food, Big Flavor, and Less Sodium. Which will hit stores and your mailbox next week!!! So […]

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 23, 2016

Low-So Dukka-Spiced Salmon Patties

With Memorial Day around the corner, I wanted to fill up your arsenal with low-so good BBQ dishes. And while you can always stick with traditional mains and sides, your special food needs are always a good excuse to get a little more creative. To mix things up. And serve low-so, gluten-free fish patties instead. This recipe and photo comes from my new book (which you can PREORDER NOW!). Which I hope gives you all the tips and tools (including recipes), to cook with flexibility and confidence. And while you can use the recipes just as they are written, I hope […]

May 4, 2016

Two Low-So Hot Sauces & A Taco Bar

Tomorrow, you will most likely be invited to a fiesta or maybe even host one yourself. So to make sure you’re completely low-so prepared, I wanted to give you some recipes (or non-recipes) for your arsenal of ultimate Cinco De Mayo Flexible Feasts. For tomorrow or any taco tuesday. But before we dive into the main meals, let’s first dip into a few literal hot sauces. Three to be exact: Roasted red pepper/chipotle, roasted poblano/tomatillo, and roasted tomatoes. By having one or all of these on hand, you can quickly spice up any dish, from a simple bowl of rice to grilled skirt steak to roasted butternut squash. […]

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