Tarts & Pies

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 […]

April 22, 2016

Low-So Summer Socca Pizza

I had a dream about pizza last night. A thin, crispy crusted pizza slathered with rich, gooey cheese all mixed with creamy sauce. It had all the right flavors and textures. And I couldn’t gobble up enough of it. In my dream. That’s because pizza is just the best. It’s so wonderful, that it even tastes good cold. Like, straight from the fridge cold. And it is one of the foods that people miss most when going on a low-sodium diet. Not just for its flavors and cheese. But for the comfort. And the convenience. The good news is that several low-so […]

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 […]

November 24, 2014

Roasted Lamb Thanksgiving Roundup

Alright friends. Get ready for a roundup of Thanksgiving dishes that is going to be bigger than last year’s 26-pound turkey. Hint: anytime you see anything bolded in orange, that is a link to a recipe or tips. So click away for total Thanksgiving domination. But before we jump into the lentil gravy boat (see how I did that?) and talk stuffing, sides, and other non-traditional dishes, let me say this about this year’s low-sodium holiday feast: break tradition. I give you permission. It’s the easiest way to free yourself from the salty brines and canned soups, and create a whole new […]

March 28, 2014

Weekly Obsessions 3.28.2014

Oh hot damn! Savory salt-free mini tarts. Homemade. Real deal. Let’s talk about it. If you’re like me you live at coffee shops. And while you love your cup of joe, you eye those golden pastries, nestled in the glass shelves, with longing. Maybe sometimes you sneak in a bite (no judgement – if no one sees you, it doesn’t count). But your low-sodium ways keep you from ordering the puffs and popovers and muffins and glazed thingamajigs. Sigh. Now if you’ve read this blog for a while, you know what I’m about to say – make them at home! […]

November 25, 2013

Thanksgiving Obsessions

I hope you’re wearing a loose pair of pants right now because I’m about to STUFF you full of Thanksgiving ideas, tips, and yes, some turkey. We are four days away from the big day, people. So it’s time to get seriously serious about all this holiday cooking stuff. But before we get to mashed potatoes and brine-free birds, I want to pass forward this piece of wisdom. To make the best Thanksgiving feast of your life, you only need to do one simple thing: MAKE WHAT YOU WANT. It’s that easy. Forget about recreating the soggy green beans and […]

November 13, 2013

Pomegranate Blackberry Winter Tart

When the ancient philosophers of times long ago decided how things should work, someone silly came up with the idea that dinner always comes before dessert. And I guess I understand. If you served me caramel filled doughnuts before a hearty helping of vegetables, I might never make it to that cauliflower and broccoli course. Let’s be real. But let’s also break the rules. Because sometimes dessert needs to proceed the roasted meat and sautéed greens. Sometimes pumpkin pies need to be replaced with pomegranate and blackberry tarts. And sometimes, as we prep for the Thanksgiving meal ahead, we need […]

November 8, 2013

Weekend Obsessions 11.08.13

This week’s theme: try it. We are three weeks out until my favorite day of the year, aka Thanksgiving. Usually, on this holy of holy food days, by the time dinner is finally served I’m so stuffed with stuffing and soup and tastes of turkey drippings (don’t judge) that I can barely finish my plate. But somehow I usually manage to finish two. Because did you hear what I said? Favorite. Day. Of. The. Year. Just wait a minute, though. Could things get better? By golly they could. Because on top of gravy and mashed potatoes and yes, turkey drippings, […]

May 10, 2012

Spring Polenta Tart For Mom

You know what mom loves more than hugs? Spending time with her children. And tasting the amazing low-sodium tarts they learned how to make. So when you spend time with mom this weekend, really impress her with this snappy spring onion polenta tart. It’s creamy. It’s savory. It’s crispy. It’s perfect for a mom-centric brunch. And it doesn’t involve making a flour crust from scratch — which to me, is the most awesome part of all. Caramelized onions serve as the salt-free flavor powerhouse in this dish. And when mixed with the creamy, quick cooking polenta, you create a tart […]

August 12, 2011

A Tahini Chocolate Pie for Mikey

It seems that sometimes food bloggers can get a bad rap. Some people are quick to draw a line between real writer and blogger. And many people joke at the enormous number of folks who now own a web address and talk about the delicious nature of food. Which is pretty on point. Because really, who doesn’t own a food blog these days? But over the past two years of being a part of this community, I have witnessed something extraordinary. Whenever a disaster strikes, no matter where or to whom, this group of strangers, all connected by their love […]

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