As we present recipe ideas, we want to make sure you are enjoying something healthy while also cooking safely. The recipes we share are intended to be 5 steps or less, and 5 ingredients or less; not including oil and seasonings. Sometimes this includes things like microwaving vegetables, using precooked rice, or relying on premade sauces. If you are the type of person who used to spend hours cooking from scratch, we want you to know that this new method is okay! Our goal is to help survivors get nutrients and feel empowered.

We will also do our best to indicate ways a recipe can be simplified even further. We also created a rating system using the brain symbol. Recipes will range from One Brain (very easy) to Four Brains (challenging). Please keep in mind that every brain is different, and these ratings are based on the abilities of Team Middle People.

Below are some key things to remember as we cook.

🥣 Lay out EVERYTHING: put out every piece of food and equipment you will need.

🥣 Preparation: if it is helpful, consider doing some preparation ahead of time, such as seasoning meat or chopping vegetables.

🥣 Use ALL of your senses: taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing. This includes watching where you are putting things, smelling if something is burning, even using pot holders when you don’t think you need them.

🥣 Minimize distractions: do not listen to music, have a phone conversation, or try to do too much.

🥣 Have a buddy: have a friend or family member on standby to help if you get overwhelmed. This may be in person or on video.

🥣 Pause & review: pause between steps to refocus. If everything is complete from the last step, then it’s safe to move on to the next.

🥣 Wrap up: when you are done cooking, make sure the oven or stove is off, the refrigerator is closed, pot and pan handles are not sticking out beyond the edge of the stove, etc.

🥣 Emergency preparedness: know where your fire extinguisher and baking soda are. Baking soda is great for putting out small contained fires.

🥣 Consider adaptive equipment: if you have new limitations that make things more challenging, it may be helpful to get things like large grip utensils or cutting boards with prongs. Links are provided below.

Please refer to this often to ensure your safety in the kitchen.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Jenns Additional Resources

Maine adaptive technology, “try before you buy” program.
Adaptive kitchen equipment for sale.
Adaptive kitchen aids for sale.
Adaptive eating equipment for sale.

Now, let’s get cooking!