And now for something completely different…
Care partners are busy, often stressed, and trying to keep several balls in the air at the same time. Their elder and their changing needs, other family, perhaps job. They are tired. So tired. Elders are often picky eaters and difficult to please. Or, they want the same three foods every day.
Is it any wonder the planning and preparing of meals is a chore? 
This month, I decided to look at fun, quick and delicious meals which might just make your life easier. This is no hardship for me as I love to cook, especially for others. I’ve noticed the recipe section in my newsletter is popular, so I know care partners are looking for easy recipes.
Hey, want to sign up for my newsletter? It comes out once a month, contains lots of useful information and a recipe! Always totally free.
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Breakfast
I worked in a place where the words “It’s impossible” were seldom heard. So when someone suggested we take the elders for a “cottage experience,” we went for it. The venue, not at all fancy, was totally modified for disabilities. Our elders had campfires, sat on the porch in the sun, and even went fishing. For breakfast, we allowed everyone to wake when they were ready and served them custard crepes for breakfast as they came to the table. No picky eaters that day. I made these several other times when we returned home and they were always a favourite.
Crepes can be made ahead and frozen with a piece of waxed paper between the slices. That way, you’ll have enough for several breakfasts.
Crepe recipe (makes 12)
1 3/4 cups milk
4 large eggs
3T oil
1 cup all purpose flour, sifted
oil or non-stick spray for pan
Combine all ingredients and whisk. Run crepe batter through a sieve. Skillet should be non-stick (but grease anyway) and at medium heat. Pour enough batter to cover the bottom of the pan evenly but thinly. It will only take a minute to cook, then flip. Stack finished crepes with waxed paper between them.
Custard Crepes
Make custard from directions on Bird’s Custard canister (a product probably as old as your elder) or use a vanilla pudding mix. Lay a crepe on a plate, add the custard and chopped fruit/berries of choice. Roll and top with more berries and whipped cream.
This can be made into so many different versions, including a lunch crepe with tuna or chicken salad. The unique presentation makes them fun to eat!
Overnight Oats
Did your elder grow up on oatmeal for breakfast? If so, they might be horrified at the suggestion of instant oatmeal, but who has the time to make the old fashioned kind? Enter overnight oats to the rescue.
Overnight oats are made in a jar the night before with oats, some kind of liquid, and a whole miriad of add-ons to make them tasty and interesting.
To a large mason jar, add 1 cup of oats and 1- 1/2 cups of liquid. Your liquid can be milk, coconut milk, almond milk, juice or yogurt, but my suggestion would be to start with milk. This will make the end product as close to what your elder considers “normal.” Add sweetener to taste, including brown sugar or maple syrup (or nothing, if you prefer.)
Put your jar in the refrigerator over night.
Here is where it gets interesting: The next morning, add raisins, dried fruit, fresh fruit–anything that sounds good. Also, nuts and seeds if desired, and I like a sprinkle of cinnamon. Again, I would suggest you keep it simple at first. You can heat it (because that’s what most elders are used to) but it’s also delicious cold. Quick and simple, easy and healthy. what could be better?
Next week: Lunch suggestions
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Sounds delicious for the caregivers, too!