Cooking With A Disability

Cooking with a disability can be challenging but a few simple pre-prep steps can make it easier.

Dec 27, 2006 Megan Drummond

Cooking with a disability can be a wonderful experience if you take some crucial steps before you begin. Here are a few tips and tricks I've picked up along the way.

I started cooking five or six years ago. My first few months of efforts were nothing spectacular, but I kept on trying. Perseverance is the key to anything you want to learn to do and do right. This is especially true for cooking.

When I first began my cooking and baking adventures, there was no information available. Today, the Internet will give you a wealth of tips and tricks from experts. But since these weren’t available way back when, I had to devise my own.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to keep it simple unless you’re feeling adventurous and up to tackling a complicated recipe. Simple recipes and meals can always be dressed up after they are prepared by adding garnishes, spices and anything else you like. Two of the easiest dishes to spice up after the fact are Hamburger Helper and meatloaf.

Cooking with a disability is not impossible. It can be just as wonderful and fulfilling an experience for someone with a disability as without if a few simple steps are taken before you begin.

Some of the pre-preparation tips I find helpful:

• If you can’t slice, chop or cut the necessary ingredients, have your attendant do it before she/he leaves.

• Gather all the ingredients before you begin cooking. Open each jar/bottle and line them up on the prep area for easy access.

• Measure all liquid ingredients and pour into large (32 or 64 oz.) cup so you only need to measure once.

• Keep all cooking utensils, pans, etc., within easy reaching distance.

The copyright of the article Cooking With A Disability in Disabilities is owned by Megan Drummond. Permission to republish Cooking With A Disability in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

What do you think about this article?

---

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.

post your comment

What is 8+10?

Comments

Dec 29, 2006 1:05 PM

Barbara Bell :

You can buy your veggies cut to size and very fresh at the salad bar of your supermarket. Buy just what you need. These are usually fresher than buying bags of cut vegetables in the produce department. Your assistant may need to open the packages before leaving, but this is easier and quicker than having to cut up the food as well.

Jan 4, 2007 8:08 AM

Megan Drummond :

That is an excellent suggestions. I never thought of it because I can't eat veggies (medication), so I don't cook with them a lot.

2 Comments