The silly season is upon us and there is no better time to indulge in some tasty treats!
Some people living with MND require modifications in food texture and consistency to make it easier to chew and swallow. MND can cause weakness to the mouth and throat muscles, it can also cause saliva issues all of which impact the way food is consumed. A Speech Pathologist and Dietitian can support with modifying meals and advice about nutrition.
These modifications and changes don’t mean food needs to be bland and uninteresting. Modified meals, including pureed foods, done well, can be delicious.
For more information about eating, drinking and swallowing check out the MND Connect webpage or contact your regional Advisor.
Food Moulds
Have you heard the common saying – We eat with our eyes? Well, it couldn’t be truer when it comes to pureed foods. If it looks delicious, chances are, it will taste delicious.
Try using specialty moulds for any pureed foods to help the food look more palatable. You can buy moulds from your local cooking shop or from stores such as Flavour Creations and Puree Food Moulds. They can be expensive, so shop around or perhaps they might appear on your wish list for Santa.
Cookbooks
Hammond Care offer a range of cookbooks that provide yummy meal ideas that cater to an array of dietary and swallowing needs. The books are written in collaboration with a chef, Speech Pathologist and Palliative Care Specialist and aim to provide practical advice so food can remain a pleasure and a comfort.
‘It’s all about the food not the fork!’ tackles meal ideas for people with swallowing difficulties and ‘Lobster for Josino’, provides advice and tips about preparing food for loved ones at the end of life. ‘Don’t give me eggs that bounce’ is tailored for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia in mind to encourage appetite.
These books have recipes that the entire family can enjoy and would make an excellent gift.
The books are available on the Hammond Care website individually or sold together as a bundle. If you would like to purchase a copy, Hammond Care are providing a 25% discount to MND NSW community members, using the code MNDAUST.
Something tasty to try
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
This recipe idea was provided by one of our MND community members.
Ingredients:
Melted chocolate, ripe avocado, melted butter, dutch cocoa powder and a sweetener. They also added sour cream and honey, and the top-secret special ingredient, ground salt and a bit of pepper.
Their other top tip was, if you use dark chocolate (80% cocoa content), season with salt as it makes the dark chocolate even sweeter!
Method:
You can find several versions of this recipe online and modify it to your tastes and thickness needs. Essentially you blend all the ingredients in a blender, pipe into serving dishes or coffee cups, and top optionally with double cream or custard or both and grate nutmeg over it and devour!
Tiramisu Coffee
This recipe has been copied from the MND Association UK Eating and Drinking with MND Guide and Recipe Book p. 129 MND Association UK Eating and Drinking with MND Guide and Recipe Book p. 129. From meat, fish and veg dishes to deserts, smoothies and fruit purees, this guide has something for everyone.
“If the sponge is difficult to swallow, use a little extra coffee to soak and soften. You can also try it without sponge (the ice-cream, cream and milk froth are still lovely on their own). If you prefer, use decaffeinated coffee (caffeine can stimulate the bladder).
Preparation time: 5 -10 mins, serves 2.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of coffee (espresso).
- 1 scoop chocolate ice-cream.
- 2 sponge fingers.
- Milk, frothed.
- Grated chocolate or chocolate powder.
Method
- Place scoop of ice-cream in a tall coffee glass.
- Place pieces of broken/crushed sponge over the ice-cream.
- Pour coffee shot over the ice-cream and sponge fingers – if you find thin fluids difficult to swallow, ensure the coffee has been absorbed by the sponge before eating.
- Spoon milk froth on top, and sprinkle with grated chocolate or powder.”
Disclaimer: Recipes included in this article are for information purposes only. If you are experiencing changes to your swallow, always consult your dietitian and speech pathologist for food texture and diet recommendations.