The Wheeling Gourmet» Cooking with a Disability tips and tricks

Storing Items

Nicolas Steenhout — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:01:56 +0000

Store all the items you use together, near the area you'll use them most.

For example, soap, sponges and scrubber in one area, near the sink; pots and pans and oven mitts close to the oven/stove; and so on.

One-Handed Rolling Pin

Nicolas Steenhout — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:01:51 +0000

Using a rolling pin one-handed is tricky at best. You can make your own one-handed rolling pins relatively easily.

Use a paint roller, and mount a wooden dowel in place of the soft haired brush used normally. This will allow you to roll dough one handed.

Using Steamers

Nicolas Steenhout — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:01:49 +0000

Use a "Marguerite" (steamer) to cook vegetables. Most steamers are easier to lift than the whole pot, especially if the pot is full of water.

You don’t have to steam the vegetables, the Marguerite makes a great basket for boiling. Use a wire coat hanger to lift the Marguerite by it’s ring if it is submerged in scalding water.

Measuring Cups

Nicolas Steenhout — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:01:31 +0000

Use exact sizes measuring cups instead of the multi-purpose measuring jugs.

These cups are easier to use with one hand.

Pot Holders

Nicolas Steenhout — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:01:29 +0000

If your pot only has one handle, you can use a camping pot holder to lift pots with both the pot handle and the camping handle.

This will allow you to spread the weight between both your hands.

Mirrors to See in Pots

Nicolas Steenhout — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:01:28 +0000

If you are a wheelchair user, you can use a shaving mirror with goose neck angled above the stove in order to see in the pots on the stove.

Alternately, attach a mirror on top of a long stick (wooden yard or cut off broom stick, for instance) which will allow you to see in the pots.

Multiple Cutting Boards

Nicolas Steenhout — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:01:08 +0000

Keep several cutting boards. It may be easier to change cutting boards than clean one up while in the middle of cooking a meal.

Mixing Bowls

Nicolas Steenhout — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:01:06 +0000

Find mixing bowls with long handles and pour spouts on them. These will be easier to use if you don't have much strength or dexterity in your arms and hands.

Electric Knives

Nicolas Steenhout — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:01:49 +0000

You may find an electric knife easier to use on bread, cooked meat or poultry, and even on some vegetables.

These knives won’t work on raw meat. For that you’ll need a sharp knife.

Turning Tables (Lazy Susan) on Counters

Nicolas Steenhout — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:01:37 +0000

Place a turning table, also known as 'Lazy Susan', on your counter (benchtop) in the corner.

This will allow you to reclaim space you could not otherwise use or reach.