Shakin & Bakin Foodie Blog

Hidden salts have become a hidden nightmare in our foods. Too much processed food lets to eating way more salt that is necessary or healthy for our bodies. Becoming aware of how much hidden salt you consume is a great way to start being aware so you can make healthy choices and change for a healthy alternative.

Sunkist has created an awareness programs called Sunkist S’alternative where you can learn more about hidden salt and what foods to find it in. They also have this quick Sunkist Sodium Quiz that you can take to help you find your level of sodium.... I didn't do so well in my quiz. I am a Salt Offender... Oops. But I knew that since I am a salty snack lover... At least I know now so I can look at making some changes. My results are below...

The Sunkist S’alternative is using fresh-squeezed Sunkist® lemons as a healthy sodium-free alternative to salt. Using Sunkist lemons as an alternative to salt can help reduce sodium, increase potassium and enhance the flavor of recipes. This is a great way to start weaning off of salt and the freshness of the juice really makes a recipe pop with flavor. Here is a super recipe for you to try!

Sunkist® Lemon Seafood Paella Recipe

Ingredients: (Makes 8 servings)
*1- 32 oz can low sodium vegetable broth
*1 cup dry white wine
*1 teaspoon saffron threads
*1lb. of firm, fresh pieces of whitefish such as tilapia, bass, halibut and swordfish, cut into 16-21 pieces
*1lb. or 16-21 mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
*1lb. or 16-21 medium sized clams, rinsed
*cup chopped fresh parsley
*3 Sunkist® lemons, zest and juice
*3 Tbsp. olive oil
*1 _ cups minced onion
*3 cloves garlic, minced
*teaspoon crushed red pepper
*3 cups uncooked short-grain rice such as Valencian, Arborio, or Calrose
*1 cup frozen green peas
*1- 8oz jar of sliced, roasted red peppers

Instructions:
• To prepare broth, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.

• To prepare paella, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large paella pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish pieces to pan and sauté 1 minute. Remove fish from pan, reserve and keep warm. Add onion to pan and sauté 5 minutes. Add the lemon zest, garlic and crushed red pepper and cook 5 minutes. Add rice and cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly. Stir in broth, bring to a low boil and cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Stir in the peas and red pepper slices. Add mussels and clams to pan, nestling them into rice mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until shells open; discard any unopened shells. Stir in the reserved fish and chopped parsley and cook 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in lemon juice and check for seasoning. Cover with a towel and let stand 10 minutes before stirring

Come by and take the Sunkist Sodium Quiz yourself and see where you rank. Start making fresh changes today for a healthier tomorrow. I am going to start too.