A Caregiver’s Quest to Heal with a Meal
Walnut Creek resident Lisa Rubino has had a challenging journey with Alzheimer’s and the grief that came with losing her husband. Yet she found the strength to channel her emotions and passion for cooking into a cookbook with more than 300 shortcut recipes, and advice on how to eat well while enduring depression.
Lisa says proper nutrition is important to keep the body strong and healthy… As a caregiver and a chef, she also used food to nurture her soul, and create a sense of belonging by sharing meals with her family. Here are three of her shortcut recipes.
Kiss Me ‘Cakes’
- 1 cup baking mix
- 3 eggs
- 4 oz. jelled cranberry
- 4 oz. yogurt- your favorite
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp. olive oil
Using a mixing bowl, all the above ingredients and beat with a fork. Preheat your nonstick skillet and pour batter into 5-inch rounds. Wait until patty bubbles, and turn. Cook on other side for 1 to 2 minutes.
Options: Substitute cranberries with: crushed pineapple, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, etc. If batter looks too thin, add a dash more baking mix. If too thick, add more milk. Consistency should be like a thick cream sauce.
Egg Me On Spread 
- 2 Whole Waffles, toasted (or low carb-bread/crackers)
- 4 hard- cooked eggs, peeled
- 1/4 Cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoons sweet-hot mustard
- 1 Teaspoon sweet-pickle relish
- 2 Tablespoon paprika (prefer smoked)
Cut toasted waffles into fourth. Set aside. Using a mini-chopper, mix eggs, mayo, mustard, and relish. Spread 2 Tablespoons of egg mixture on each waffle/ bread. Sprinkle with paprika.
Serve right away or make ahead for next day’s snack. This makes a great appetizer, too. Keep in fridge and store in a plastic container with lid.
Bean Bag Special
Buying the cabbage ready-to-serve and preparing the dish in a re-sealable plastic cuts down prep time to two minutes.
- 3 cups ready-to-eat shredded cabbage
- 1 (15-onuce) can three-bean-salad, drained
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Using a large resealable plastic bag, add all ingredients. Shake it silly. This helps to release anxiety.
(Optional) For a flavorful variation, try adding a dash of either curry, ginger, dried, or diced garlic.
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