As a consultant registered dietitian nutritionist in long-term care communities, I plan menus and develop recipes that meet the nutrient needs of those residing there. Knowing that it’s not enough to meet nutrient needs, but that food also needs to meet the emotional and cultural needs of those eating it; my goal is to serve flavorful, nutritious food prepared with fresh and wholesome ingredients. The flavors and aroma and the comfort of nurturing food stimulates the appetite of even the pickiest person.
Group homes are private residences for children or adults with chronic disabilities requiring specialized care. Typically there are 6 to 8 residents of different functional ability living with trained caregivers. Some residents require total care and others are able to perform simple self-care tasks, including supervised simple meal preparation. This recipe book is written in response to many of my group home clients as well as families caring for their own members with disabilities. Busy schedules require nutritious simplified meals, and this recipe book meets those needs.
Group Homes promote a home-like, non-clinical environment and therefore the menus are liberalized with few restricted diets. Since all recipes are complete with nutrient analysis and include carbohydrate, protein and fat levels, so called “diet” foods are not needed. These are real food recipes just like you use at home. All the recipes are made from common readily available ingredients while still offering some conveniences and ease of preparation. Meals prepared using these recipes meet most health guidelines, providing less than 30% fat, using only heart healthy fats, and containing moderate sodium levels. Yet these recipes are not lacking in taste.
The recipes are so simple and delicious many of my clients purchase an extra copy to use at home. Who can blame them? These recipes have been tested in my own home with my family and friends during the last 5 years.