Clear Liquids Only - Kelly T. Adams

Well, it's Wednesday and I'm still in the hospital. They put another surgical drain in yesterday, and it brought me pretty low. Today was better, but they still have me on a clear liquid diet. Yuck! Nothing more than broths, tea, and sorbet. What I wouldn't give for some real chow. So after torturing myself with Food Network all day, I invite everyone who reads this blog to post your favorite recipe or links to recipes. Nothing with alchohol, since I can't have it-- but believe me, anything sounds good after 4 days of clear liquids only. Have at it!

4 Comments

By Jakki on September 7, 2005 7:26 PM

Here’s my favorite: Sweet Potato Cornbread Dressing with Greens and Bacon. I’ll make it for Thanksgiving! I love you babe, and I know you’ll be home soon!

By Carrie on September 8, 2005 8:01 AM

I remember that bland diet from before when I had my gallbladder out- what fun. NOT! Well, since I developed a food allergy a few years ago (same time as the gallbladder thing…. hmmmm) I do more making my own recipes than follow others. This one which I affectionately call the ‘pantry goulash’ came about when the pickin’s were low and I was too lazy to go shopping. INGREDIENTS ~oil ~1 can your favorite bean (I trade off between red, white, pink, kidney - and I like goya for it’s quality) ~1 onion ~garlic (optional) ~1 serving each of fresh veggies (whatever I have- celery, carrots, peppers, mushrooms) ~1 each of canned veggies (again, whatever I have - water chestnut, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, corn) ~some tiny pasta (like orzo, or those small buttons) ~canned or cut up cooked chicken (optional) ~salt (not much) ~pepper ~1 can beef broth (I use low sodium, because all the rest have what I am allergic to) ~water METHOD Cut up veggies (canned & fresh) into bite sized pieces. Drain the beans & rinse a few times. Pull out the big skillet. Sauté the onion and other hard fresh veggies you have. When they are partially cooked (still crisp, not floppy) add the beans and chicken (if using). After a few minutes add remainding (softer) veggies, garlic , a little salt and pepper to taste. Sauté a few minutes longer - 1 or 2 depending on how patient you are. Add the broth and stir the mix. Bring to a boil. Add the pasta. Cover and simmer on lower heat for at least a 1/2 hour. (this helps the tastes blend and makes the beans less lethal). Stir occasionally and add water when needed as the pasta will soak up the liquid as it cooks.

You can make it the consistency of a stew or a soup depending on your preference. Though it may look dull, I find it quite tasty. You can throw in whatever you like, playing with veggies, herbs, beans and pasta to find your favorite mix. . (Note: stick with beef broth- chicken & veggie broth just don’t have enough flavor). And the fun thing is this dish is never the same twice!

ahh, better living through laziness.

Feel better babe! Kisses- Carrie

By Tim on September 8, 2005 8:02 AM

It’s tough to pick a single favorite, but here goes: Panang Curry. You can substitute water chestnuts for the kafir and basil leaves…just don’t call me late for dinner!
Hang in there, K!
-T

By kb on September 9, 2005 2:13 PM

Hmm, my favorite recipe…