Creativity, Cooking-Style!

Recently, I was put on a strict renal diet to help reduce the strain on my transplanted kidney, and lower my phosphorous, potassium and sodium levels.  I also need to watch how much protein I consume.  You know what foods that leaves? Not many!  And definitely no pre-made or pre-packaged foods.  It's pretty much fresh foods only, that I have to prepare myself.  Have I ever mentioned that I don't particularly like cooking?

Here's the strange thing, though.  This new diet is making me have to be creative with my meals.  I like things that make me have to be creative.  In fact, I LOVE them! So I'm actually finding that this diet isn't too bad.  I do miss bacon though...

I thought today I'd share one of my new favourite recipes.  I adapted this from a recipe we got several years ago from a family friend in order to make it more kidney-friendly.  I've included the original ingredients in brackets so you can make this recipe either way.  However, I do highly encourage you to try my version - it's really good, if I do say so myself!

Honey-Glazed Snack Mix
5 cups Crispix (5 cups Crispix)
5 cups air-popped popcorn (2 cups mini pretzel twists)
2 cups plain goldfish crackers (2 cups peanuts + 2 cups Cheerios)
1/2 cup melted margarine
1/2 cup honey

Mix cereal, popcorn and crackers in a large roaster or baking pan.  In a large measuring cup, mix together the melted margarine and honey.  Pour over the cereal mixture and stir until everything is coated.  Bake in the over at 300 degrees for 10 minutes.  Stir, and then bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, stiring every 5 minutes, until cereal mixture is glazed and honey mixture has been completely absorbed.  Spread mixture on waxed paper and allow to cool.  Break into pieces and store in an air-tight container.

Note 1: If you can't find Crispix cereal, corn or rice Chex will work just as well.
Note 2: The first time I made this, I did a straight-across ingredient swap (i.e. 2 cups of popcorn for the 2 cups of pretzels).  After I added the goldfish crackers and the cereal, I realized it wasn't nearly enough popcorn, so I added several more handfuls.  I'm not sure how much popcorn I actually ended up with though.  5 cups is only an estimate, and you may find that you need more to have a balanced mixture.  You may also need to add a little extra butter and honey.

Jen