Meals in Minutes for Seniors

By Arlene Bascom

As we grow older and our energy wanes, it is a temptation to slack in our meal preparation. Especially those living alone tend to rely more and more on convenience foods or fast foods—which may be short on the nutrition they need to stay healthy. Since “we are what we eat,” this column will regularly feature ideas that are nutritious as well as easy to prepare. We’ll even have ideas for those of you who find it difficult to cook at all. 

Using a Slow Cooker

First, let’s explore the convenience of the slow cooker, or crock-pot. Most seniors  find that their energy is highest in the morning hours; late afternoon food preparations are a burden. It’s no fun to be hungry and have no idea what you are going to make for dinner! If you start a meal in your slow cooker in the morning, you are much more apt to prepare good, nutritious food, rather than resorting to frozen or packaged meals. Another advantage is having crock-pot leftovers to warm up. However, you can purchase a small crock-pot and cut recipes down to size if you don’t care for leftovers. 

Slow cooker meals are also perfect for days when you will be out and about and want a good, hot meal when you return home--especially on cold winter days. 

Try Out a Recipe or Two

NAPA VALLEY BARBECUED CHICKEN

I found this recipe in a magazine almost 45 years ago, and it became our family’s all-time favorite chicken dish. It is now a good choice for Sunday dinner, when we are having company, or for just the two of us, with plenty of leftovers.

To Prepare Chicken:

1 cut-up fryer 

flour, seasoned with salt and pepper 

approx. 2 Tbsp. oil, for frying

Coat chicken pieces with seasoned flour. Fry in oil until evenly browned. Place chicken in a 5-quart crock-pot.

To Prepare Sauce:

1 c. catsup 

1 T. brown sugar

1/3 c. water 

2 Tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar

2 Tbsp. melted butter