Simply Cooking

There was a time I knew my way around a kitchen. There was nothing I wouldn't try -- gourmet, international -- fancy cooking was my forte.Then MS entered my life.

Now, without mobility, I cook from a chair and am not so daring or steady in the kitchen. Neither my right hand nor right arm works very well, I have poor balance and no strength, and I no longer am able to lift hot or heavy pans. I cannot cook the way I once did, but I still have to eat, and dinner still has to be good.

Being seated provides a unique perspective in the kitchen, because I'm barely taller than the counter.  The new rule is "Simplify, Simplify, Simplify." The focus at my dinner table has changed from fancy to quick and easy.

I keep these things in mind when preparing a meal:

• It cannot take long – fatigue sets in
• It has to be easy to prepare – no hot or heavy lifting, not too many steps
• It has to be easy to clean up – clean as I go, don't make a mess
• It has to be inexpensive – fixed income does wonders for creativity
• It has to be simple, yet special – personal touches, surprises, tasty

For years, my microwave experience was limited to warm ups and popcorn. Now  the microwave is my main oven. Almost anything cooked on the range can be cooked in the microwave.

My kitchen is half its real size because I cannot reach the upper cabinets. Anything I use is kept in the lower drawers and cabinets. The  cabinets have drawers that pull out to make everything accessible.  Two drawers of specialized cooking utensils have been replaced with a few big-handled general utensils that are easy to handle and grasp. Scissors have become my favorite utensil. They are useful when opening ingredient packets, and they work to cut meat.

Glass bowls are nice, but they can be heavy. Lighter plastic bowls can now handle heat and they don't stain. My favorite is a large plastic mixing bowl with a handle that I use in my lap, steadying it with the handle while I stir. In fact, I do most of my work – cutting, measuring, stirring, scooping out servings – in my lap.

For measuring, I use little plastic cups and a small shot glass labeled for teaspoons and tablespoons. That is easier than trying to pour with one hand while holding a spoon steady with the other and trying to stay balanced the whole time.

Here I am, sitting in my scooter, my abilities considerably less than they once were. MS has changed the way I cook, but I still have to eat and it has to be good. No longer do I take extra steps cooking. Rather, I simply prepare meals without too much time or effort. My kitchen is organized and simplified, and my menus are also. 

With my attitude set to positive, I take a deep breath, smile, and prepare a quick and easy dinner fit for a king.