Wednesday
Nov172010
Five things to remember when cooking for others
All over the world, generation after generation, one universal truth has held true … food is comfort. Whether you find solace in cooking, eating or both, chances are you have either given or received the gift of food.
We recently sat down with Gail and Madeleine, our famous soup ladies, to get their take on how family, friends and neighbors can help be part of the support system without adding more stress to the mix.
- Bring the right proportions. If you’re cooking for a couple, and one of them is a patient and the other is a caregiver consider that the patient is probably not eating that much and the caregiver is probably too stressed out to eat much. Bringing the right amount will help make sure the food is not wasted, which means you can bring food more often!
- Include ingredients. Unless you know the person you are cooking for intimately you may overlook a food allergy. Listing the ingredients on a piece of paper will ensure the recipient doesn’t eat food that could make them sicker.
- Include heating instructions. While most people can guess how long to heat something in the microwave or oven, when you’re stressed out you’re not thinking clearly. A quick note will help to make their lives easier and the result makes sure your meal is enjoyed the way you wanted it to be.
- Stay away from high-calorie desserts and creamy things. While it may be your favorite thing to bake the person you are cooking for will more than likely appreciate a hearty meal over a super sweet dessert. Creamy, dairy products often coat your throat and may or may not be a welcome feeling for your recipient.
- Fresh fruit and popsicles are almost always a hit.
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