Food that keeps you warm is exactly what you need during the cold days of the winter. Take a look at the recipe suggestions we put together for your loved ones living with dementia. We’re bringing you recipes that are ideal for people who have difficulty swallowing or using cutlery. These recipes are high in energy and nutrition – perfect for people living with dementia.

 

Steamed leeks and peas with herby vinaigrette
People with dementia sometimes develop difficulty swallowing, so it’s best to either puree vegetables or over cook slightly to make them as soft as possible.

 

You will need:

  • 6 even-sized medium leek
  • 350g frozen peas
  • 3tbsp olive oil
  • 1tsp clear honey
  • 1tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 1tbsp chopped mint

Method:

  1. Trim the outer leaves from the leeks and cut off the top down to where the leaves split.
  2. Cut the leeks into 3-4 chunks, then wash really well to remove any grit.
  3. Heat a steamer, add the leeks and cook for 8 mins.
  4. Add in the peas and cook for 2-3 mins more until both are tender.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk the oil, vinegar, honey, mustard and seasoning together in a serving bowl to make the vinaigrette.
  6. Add the hot vegetables and herbs, and mix well.

 

Butternut Stew

 

You will need:

  • 1 large onion in small chunks
  • 2 peeled or unpeeled sweet potatoes in bite-size squares
  • 1 small butternut squash in bite-size squares
  • 4 carrots peeled and sliced thick
  • 2 parsnips peeled and sliced thick
  • 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • Dash of pepper
  • 1 cup of water

Method:

  1. Place vegetables in order listed into a large soup pot
  2. Add water and seasonings
  3. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for one hour.

 

Low-Fat Banana Bread

You will need:

  • 3 Cups all-purpose flour (or 2 cups white and 1 cup whole-wheat)
  • 1 ½ Cups sugar
  • 2 ½ tsp. Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 4 egg whites
  • 4 small or 3 larger mashed bananas
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

Method:

  1. In one bowl, combine egg whites, bananas and applesauce.
  2. In another larger bowl, stir flour, sugar, powder, soda, and cinnamon.
  3. Add the wet bowl to the dry bowl and stir until just combined. If thick, add TBS. hot water
  4. Pour batter into a greased 8 inch X 4 inch bread pan and bake 45-55 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on a wire rack.

 

Crustless Spinach Pie

 

You will need:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 eggs (large)
  • 1⁄2 cup flour
  • 1⁄2 cup milk (1%)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced, or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder)
  • 1⁄2 tsp. baking powder
  • 4 ounces mozzarella
  • 2 cups spinach (chopped, fresh)

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Melt butter or margarine in an 8 inch baking pan.
  3. Beat eggs well. Add flour, milk, garlic and baking powder. Pour into baking pan. Stir in cheese and spinach.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until firm and the cheese is slightly golden brown.