Half Hour Meals

Featured Community Member: Romaine

Written Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 by Theresa H Hall

In October I came across a blog that made me slow down, look twice and take my time when I visited. The catchy name is Salad in a Jar, and the writer is Romaine. Really, her name is Paula Rhodes, but her blog is as fresh and crisp as the lettuces she has purposefully placed into jars. I’m certain that she will tell us her secret.

How did you come up with this brilliant concept of putting salad inside glass jars?

After working in a hospital with a cheap salad bar, I learned that eating a big salad everyday for lunch helped me control my weight. When I left that job, I quickly realized I did not want to make a big salad every morning. Buying bags of prepared lettuce that was questionably fresh when I bought it and didn't last long after opening seemed a huge waste of money.

I already had a Food Vacuum machine and it came to me to try packing lettuce in a jar. When I saw how long it lasted, I decided to pack enough for a whole week. With a little practice, I was able to prepare 6-7 jars in less than 30 minutes. Being able to grab one out of the fridge every morning makes it so easy. And the lettuce is fresh and super crisp. It's also super easy to carry in a jar as opposed to a bag or other container. I pack a LOT of lettuce in each jar.

After doing this for 5 years, I will admit I occasionally get tired of preparing the lettuce. But I never get tired of eating it since there are millions of variations. And I have been able to keep my weight where I want it--so it's worth the trouble.

I saw you went to a cookie exchange and baked Chocolate Espresso Cookies.  Then I saw a different cookie called Volcano. Is this an original recipe you created or is it a borrowed one?

Yes, they are original. The Cafe Volcano cookies are from Dorie Greenspan's cookbook, “Baking,” and I made those as part of my participation in that group.

Did you live on a farm and did you grow food, and raise animals? What were some of your chores?

Yes, I lived on a large farm in Indiana. We did have a very large garden. We had feedlot cattle so I did not do much hands-on with the livestock but I did a lot of work, i.e. driving tractor, pulling weeds, picking up rocks, spreading manure (yuk!), etc. That's why I'm a very happy city girl these days.

How did you get to blogging about your food and lifestyle? How long has Salad in a Jar been around?

My blog is new--started in August 09. Years ago, my techie son bought a domain name for me, without my knowledge. When I found out about it, I wanted to start a blog in response to all the people who ask me almost daily how I stay skinny and would I give them some of my recipes. It’s Paula Rhodes.com.

I know you are married. Do you have children? How does your blogging fit in with family life?

Yes, married for 33 years. Two married children who live close-by and frequently show up for dinner. I am often serving them food I've prepared for my website.

Are you on Twitter?

Yes, but I don't use it much.

Do you see yourself blogging in a year or two from now?

Maybe--depends--hope so--don't like to make rash statements about what I'll do in the future. :D

Two of your recipes, Tamale Pie and Monkey Bread are really inspired. How do you come up with these dishes?

I've been making those two recipes for years with accompanying mutations. Most of my recipes come from my huge collection of cookbooks but I revise and make them mine rather quickly. I got a lot of my inspiration and recipes from working at the Greenhouse (a luxury health and weight-loss spa--at that time, connected with Neiman-Marcus) as a kitchen supervisor before I had children.

I really like how you have categorized your dishes because it makes choosing your recipes easier. Was this your concept or did it come with the programming of your website.

Not sure exactly what you are referring to here. The "Recipes" tab at the top of my home page is my creation. The archives and categories you see in the sidebar are a function of the wordpress theme I use.  Would like something better actually.

I have to praise you on your sister’s Gingerbread Church House. What a great display and instructions you both have provided your readers. How long did it take her and did she have anyone helping her in the kitchen?

Not sure how long it took her. She lives in Alabama so I wasn't there. I know her grandchildren helped but I imagine she did most of it. Her daughter took some of the pictures. She has been making these for many years.

Name seven of your favorite ingredients that you use to cook or bake.

I use my homemade Greek yogurt, cilantro, Ghiradelli Bittersweet Chocolate, bay leaves (I have my own tree), basil, cinnamon and cardamom.

What are some of the ways you celebrate the month of December? Do you like to entertain?

Yes, family get-togethers but don't do as much now that I work full-time.

How and when did you earn about Half Hour Meals?

Maybe from Blog Catalog, can't remember for sure.

Why did you decide to join Half Hour Meals?

I joined to get more exposure for my food blog, and to see other food lovers’ blogs.

What are some of the features you like?

Easy to see new blog posts I might be interested in reading.

Have you tried any of our members’ recipes yet?

No, too busy perfecting my own at the moment.

If asked what would you tell others about Half Hour Meals?

Good place to see and be seen.

Your blog is quite lovely and I want to thank you for sharing with us. The cyber world is a better place because of you and your website.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 02:37 am and is filed under Featured Member, Writing. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.