CAROLINE'S SOUTHERN SWEET POTATO SALAD........

George and I recently moved to Franklin, Tennessee, a lovely, historic suburb of Nashville.  We attended our first pot luck since arriving last night and I thought I'd try my "nightshade free" sweet potato salad on my new friends. It seemed to be a hit and since I've updated it somewhat from the recipe in "Caroline's No Nightshade Kitchen" cookbook, I want to share it with you here. Hope you enjoy!!
Be well......with all my best wishes!
Caroline

SOUTHERN (SWEET) POTATO SALAD

Potato salad has been a staple at summer barbeques, picnics, and reunions, in our family for decades. But, without white potatoes? Try this recipe which has everything traditional potato salad has, but sweet potatoes replace white potatoes, making this version “nightshade free.”         Serves 8-10.

4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in large dice

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

2-3 tablespoons dried Italian herb mix

2 cups celery, minced

1 cup white onion, medium dice

                     3/4 cup mayonnaise, or as needed

2 heaping tablespoons Dijon mustard

3 hard boiled eggs, chopped

                     1/2 cup dill relish

1/8 cup fresh lemon juice, to taste

 (Substitute:  1-2 slices preserved lemons, minced)

Place potatoes just covered in water, with salt, pepper, and herb mix. Bring mixture to a boil, then simmer until tender but firm, or about 20-25 minutes.  Drain well and mix with remaining ingredients while potatoes are warm.  Adjust seasoning before serving.

Nightshade free

Gluten free

Lactose free

Want to share a conversation I recently had................

Hello dear friends!  
I recently heard from a woman in North Carolina who had a question about potato starch in fat-free half and half. She had noticed I use this milk product in some of my recipes in Caroline's No Nightshade Kitchen:  Arthritis Diet.  I wanted to share part of what I wrote to her in hopes that this may be helpful to you as well.

I'd love to hear from you too!

(This is part of that recent email.)

I checked my fat free half and half this morning to see if it contained potato starch.  It doesn't, but it does contain corn syrup solids, which may have potato starch.  Food products can be tricky and I'll keep searching.  FF half and half doesn't bother me, but if you're getting a reaction to it, please avoid that as well. I may have mentioned that even a few potato chips sets off a reaction for me, but potato starch in canned soup, for instance, does not. Odd crossover for sure.

Have a question for you though. Do you get a reaction "quickly" after eating certain foods, such as nightshades, or does it take a while. My reactions come quickly and with a vengeance, about 35-40 minutes after accidentally ingesting something.  But I know that's not the format for everyone. Unfortunately, the reactions can be different for many of us, including timing.

I've also found people who are sensitive to nightshades, are sometimes very sensitive to gluten, sugar, and lactose.  Then, I've talked with others who are sensitive to strawberries, spinach, and corn, as well.  I don't find a correlation to the nightshades family, other than causing inflammation (which can be a strong factor), with these particular foods, or with gluten, sugar, or lactose, however. But I know all of these can be destructive and and cause extreme pain. This problem we share is complex and difficult on several levels. Our bodies are very diverse.  

The most difficult situation I have to contend with is eating in restaurants. Even when the waiter assures me that there are no nightshades in the choices I make, and reports that the chef concurs, I often get stung with some seasoning in the sauce, salad dressing. or marinade for the meat or fish. It's frustrating and has a painful outcome. But at the same time, I've had some positive results in talking with the waiter and/or chef about nightshades and consider that my part in the big picture of spreading the word.  I encourage anyone with food allergies or associated problems to bring it to the attention of wait staff in restaurants and with your friends when  you're invited to their home for dinner. 

Well, dear friends.........that's it for now, but I would love to hear from you and talk about your individual situations and how you're doing.   Follow me on Facebook under "Caroline's No Nightshade Kitchen:  Arthritis Diet,"  or email at caroline.thompson101@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing more from you.

all my very best,....and be well!

Caroline