Kidney Diet Tips

Today’s Kidney Diet Holiday Cookbook is Here!

With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching it’s time to start planning holiday food for upcoming events. Whether you are planning for guests,  a potluck or bringing a holiday appetizer, we have just what you need. The Today’s Kidney Diet Holiday Gatherings cookbook is here. This new cookbook features recipes to serve at holiday events—small gatherings as well as large ones.

Some of the holiday recipes in this cookbook include Are You Kidding Me Artichoke Dip, Easy Cranberry Salad, Pumpkin Cranberry Bread and Hot Wassail. These low-potassium, low-phosphorus, low-sodium recipes are so tasty that friends and family will never guess they were created for the kidney diet.

Making Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini

One of my personal favorites is the Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini appetizer. I started with a French baguette that I sliced, coated with a butter and olive oil mixture, and then toasted in the oven. Next I spread a teaspoon of fig spread on each crostini. I used the Trader Joe’s Fig Butter, but any fig spread, jam or preserves will work. Next, I sprinkled a teaspoon of goat cheese crumbles on top of the fig spread. That small amount is just enough to give a cheesy flavor without making the appetizer high in phosphorus.

Since fresh figs were still in season I added a small half-moon slice of fig to each crostini. This is optional when fresh figs are not available, but it does add a pop of color. Finally I drizzled balsamic vinegar glaze over the top. This too is optional—I omitted the glaze on a different batch and did not miss it at all. My taste testers (family, next-door neighbors and our recipe photo shoot crew) all loved these crostini. I hope you try this recipe—it’s so easy and festive!

In addition to the great holiday recipes, the TKD Holiday Gatherings cookbook contains tips for doing a cookie exchange, ways to enjoy your favorite holiday foods without going overboard, and suggestions for how to communicate your kidney diet needs when attending events. We’ve even included ideas for creating a festive holiday table.

To get your copy of TKD Holiday Gatherings cookbook go to DaVita.com, scroll down on the page to find the cookbooks link and click on download. Once you log in or create your myDaVita account you will have access to 20 of our past Today’s Kidney Diet cookbooks.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES

Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES

Sara is a renal dietitian with over 30 years experience working with people with diabetes and kidney disease. She is co-author of the popular kidney cookbook "Cooking for David: A Culinary Dialysis Cookbook". Sara is the Manager of Kidney Care Nutrition for DaVita. She analyzes recipes and creates content, resources and tools for the kidney community. In her spare time Sara loves to spend time with her young grandson, including fun times together in her kitchen.