Cooking Despite the Hurdles
Kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter, leaves are changing colors on the trees and we have cooler nights. Fall is in the air! With all this set up, it’s also time to begin thinking about cooking all those wonderful smelling, and yummy tasting comfort foods!
As we are drawn indoors because of the change of season, we don’t want to forget about those wonderful ingredients that are unique to the garden this time of year. Foods like pumpkins, apples, squash and root vegetables.
I don’t mind cooking, but it’s not my ‘love’, but I like to eat. I like that it’s the season for soups, stews, and casseroles, warm breads and other slow cooker meals which provides amazing smells wafting through the house with a fair amount of ease.
There seems to be quite the range of ‘cooking levels’. There are those who live to cook, those amazing chefs who create incredible and exquisite meals. Then there are those who enjoy cooking for their families and honestly enjoy spending time in the kitchen. Others like me, are quite adequate at cooking, but cook mostly because eating is a ‘need’ of survival, even though there are days we do enjoy what we’re doing and loathe the idea of eating out often. Then there are those who don’t like to cook at all, and prefer eating out whenever possible.
Photo Credit: Cooking while disabled
There is another level of cooking many never (or at least very little) have given thought to! The elderly or widowed person; or especially one with a disability has a unique view on cooking depending on their disability. Sometimes, it may be a person in a wheelchair, or someone whose ability to stand is limited, who suffers from arthritis, or even sight related. Sometimes it’s a arm or hand that creates a handicap, and there are other very diverse reasons where cooking becomes a struggle.
There are ways and hacks to circumvent some of these drawbacks to working in the kitchen. Begin with these and add your own as desired!
Photo Credit: Prepping Food
Make list of what you like to eat.
Note those on the list which creates hurdles.
Make special notation on what accessories you may need to complete these.
Make a list of those ingredients required to make your favorite dishes.
Shop as needed; use ‘home delivery’ if available
Create a list of preparations you can make well before you plan to cook.
Prep as much of each dish as possible when you feel your best.
Ask for help if necessary.
There are tips online on how to use a stove from a wheelchair or using a small portable stove. Additionally there is much information on using the microwave whenever possible. Others suggest using cobblers as a simple dessert using fresh, frozen or canned fruit. If preparing a large amount, consider splitting it up into several pans to aid with weight and preserving. Using muffin tins to create single serve portions is yet another incredibly helpful idea.
Photo Credit: Enjoying Food
While attending to all the short cuts, easier way of doing things, one of the greatest thing you can do for yourself is to remember gratitude in even the small things; remember to take rest, and accept help or aid from those around you.
You are a very special person, regardless of circumstances. Eating is necessary for survival, but exotic cooking is not required. Sometimes it’s necessary to say, I’m not cooking tonight and just place a frozen meal in the oven, including but not limited to, a pizza or other favorite dish.
Recipes which are created for ease if needed for those with a disability, an elderly person, or even the widowed or those who live alone, are available. Use these ideas, and rejoice in our very human need of nurturing our bodies.