MASSIVE Meal Prep for a Senior! A New Mix & Match Menu to Stock Her Freezer with Easy Meals!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

The creamed spinach portion is missing from the video, I apologize! I've uploaded the missing fragment separately. This is starting at 41:18. This separate footage is only accessible via this link and has no ads. So feel free to catch up on it at your leisure :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXa5iIKVlN1nqdE

[@WYGOWarrior]

I was wondering what happened to the creamed spinach. Thank you for including it as a separate video. You didn't have to do that but I'm glad you did! p.s. I love the mix and match options. Great idea!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I tried editing the video in smaller fragments, because it was 3 hours of footage. And somehow when I went to go put the pieces together I missed one LOL

[@MarciaButler-x6o]

What a great idea! Gives me ideas for myself!❤. Thank you!😊

[@WYGOWarrior]

@@DollarTreeDinners I know YT will let you edit a video after it's been uploaded but I don't know if it will let you add more footage or simply delete. I'm a creator as well so I know all about the 'oopsies' after posting a video. It's all good! ❤

[@The3Storms]

You’re so meticulous, thank you very much!

[@arthrodea]

To the commenters on the butter - for an elderly person with swallowing difficulties, it may be hard to get in enough calories. So adding butter may actually be a very good thing for this particular lady.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Such a good point! She doesn’t eat large meals, her caregiver said one of those 8 ounce containers is about the size of a full meal for her

[@AGee2217]

This is an excellent point. For people who have never taken care of the elderly I can understand why those comments exist. But the truth is elderly need those extra calories. Which is why they’re often given meal replacement shakes in addition to their daily meals, to ensure their nutritional requirements are met.

[@lauraspicks7114]

@@DollarTreeDinners I have a question: Where did you get the containers you use for your elderly lady friend, from Dollar Tree ? If not ,where?

[@Sweetnificantpea]

​@@lauraspicks7114I guess from Amazon, I'm not sure though.

[@debranielsen2002]

@@AGee2217Exactly what I had to do with my mother.

[@stefbolton2266]

Its tough to find variety in a diet such as this lady's new diet. I have worked a nursing home kitchen & I'm well aware what soft and mechanical soft diets are, and its hard when everything has to be easily swallowed we literally had to put everything in a variation of 3 different types of gravy. It all looks and smells the same and it got old preparing it day after day. Your doing a great job with variety and I commend you for caring enough about this lady's quality of life to try so hard to make her food so enjoyable. You are an angel.

[@Joanna-A7227]

My mom had to have mechanical soft food, the caregivers would purée all of the veggies. Protein and starches. That way they said seniors got everything. She lived in a small board and care. The cook made delicious food. Some of the seniors there would pick out what they wanted to eat on their plates😂, but if the meals were puréed they get everything. Mom really enjoyed her food.

[@Rtalbott1]

I am a Certified Dietary Manager and trained in Iddsi. If you ever need any ideas of what a level 5 can have, I have a plethora of ideas as this is my career :) Bless you for creating foods for her that allows her to stay in her home longer!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

That would be amazing! Especially if you have a few that you know are enjoyed regularly by your clients.

[@soniajohnson8896]

I would love some ideas for my father.

[@leelance146]

This is wonderful to hear! ❤

[@robinann19599]

Very kind of you

[@HaveaBiscuitt]

Ayyy my husband just passed his CDM exam!

[@Marigold-m2]

I would encourage you to add 1/2 - 1 cup of pureed (white) beans/recipe to all the white sauces to increase the protein & fibre; unless diet dictates no high fibre due to medical reasons. I always cook dry beans/chickpeas/red lentils & freeze them, (often puree'd in 1/2 c portions) to have ready to add to sauces, gravies, anything creamy & yes, even puddings. Not only do they help with thickening sauces without flour but add nutrition, protein & fibre. The reason I cook beans from dry is because 1) I control the additives like salt 2) I control the gassiness by soaking & discarding the soak water 3) the freezing of the beans seems to also decrease the gassiness, (oligosaccharides - complex carbs) of the beans I love the recipes you have come up with. How very thoughtful & caring of you to do this. Huge respect from Canada & from an RN of 35 years. & a crazy foodie who believes we need solid nutritional fuel/food for our bodies. Wish I could share some of my zucchini, spaghetti squash & other garden produce to help you with your cooking for this Elder & also for your family. Take care.

[@huitrecouture]

1. No added salt canned beans exist - no weird "additives". 2. Stop making people feel guilty over their food choices as if they're ignorant.

[@chanterelledesign8310]

and what about what she said makes you feel guilty? It was a suggestion and then an explanation on why she chooses dried over canned....? There is nothing there about "guilt tripping" over food choices. White beans are actually a good way tonadd fibre and bulk to many dishes that someone might not know or have thought about. ​@@huitrecouture

[@marissaalonzo7997]

Great ideas!!

[@tripletgangcarbajal6522]

TYSM 😊😊 Great ideas

[@ranmyaku4381]

This is very good advice. I'd add another alternative of adding dehydrated and powdered greens and other veggies for even higher nutritional content and variety easily added to soup and sauces. Pureed offal like liver, kidney and heart can be added for higher protein boost and some vitamins often deficient in elderly and those with health issues and dietary restrictions especially vit b12. By themselves these organs often to strong for our modern palate but a little pureed up and added to a sauce or gravy melds into the overall flavour and has been very helpful in boosting the protein without over inflating the portion size and disrupting macronutrient balance in my very restrictive diet.

[@mimismegalife4976]

I cared for my elderly Mother for years before she passed from complications of COVID and a parainfluenza at the age of 90. I could NEVER explain how much I would have appreciated someone helping me like you are doing for the sweet lady you are preparing meals for. Caregiver burnout is something people are ashamed and embarrassed to speak about. GOD BLESS YOUR HEART ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Her caregiver is also with her 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

[@chriswithers8835]

Maybe you could provide her a notebook of handwritten recipes she can share with her next volunteer chef. When you move it will simply be someone else's turn to step up like you did. Maybe you could hook up with an adult family home when you move to continue your calling? Have you considered helping hospice families make meals for their loved ones? I can't wait to see what you discover for content when you get comfortable in your new landing place. You are not abandoning her moving on with your life. She will understand. I promise because I've been in your shoes multiple times in my life.

[@rubyhutchinson9092]

That is a fantastic idea. I've started writing down some of the recipes too.

[@tammyulgen6043]

I worked with seniors a lot when I was younger and still volunteer. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THIS WILL MEAN TO HER! Their diets are so limited and can become boring with all of the frozen, canned otherwise processed foods. THIS IS SUCH A KIND AND GENEROUS THING TO DO. Thank You :)

[@scook5599]

I agree. I get frozen meals from the local Senior Social Service agency and the meals can be boring and lack taste.

[@sherip1270]

I would like to see her make homemade mac and cheese and she could make enough for her family's dinner at the same time. She could even make it into a chili Mac dish. I was just a little surprised at the use of processed foods. But, if the sweet gal likes and eats the food, that is the important thing.

[@GaiaCarney]

Meal prepping as an act of love, kindness, compassion & community ☮️

[@charlottetooth1457]

Apples are a frequent accompaniment to pork... They will go very well with the pulled pork you made. They could even make an impromptu dessert or go with something like oatmeal. I also think the mix & match format is a good one.

[@poketographyyy]

Rebecca, thank you for continuing to do this for her! Your creativity, kindness, and meticulous planning shines through with every video. Having the ability to have a mix-and-match meal prep is so crucial to get seniors to eat. Thanks for working so hard to make sure your community flourishes! 🙌

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I only wish I had thought of it sooner! It would have been so helpful

[@catherineglasow1957]

I think you are such a thoughtful,kind person and someone I would be proud to call a friend.❤

[@bittersweet3-]

Please, never wish U gad. This has been a beautiful learning curve in serving this woman beautiful good foo. Thx 4 taking us along. ​@@DollarTreeDinners

[@lenalyles2712]

If you have an Instant Pot it will not only make the meat tender, but will save you a lot of time. Towards the end of my Father's days he needed high protein and no gluten, the Instant Pot was a lifesaver for me.

[@dorkyvonmunchmunch9912]

Rebecca: Do you prefer lumpy or smooth mashed potatoes? Me: Yes.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

lol I’ll take all of the potatoes

[@taylorashlock6309]

@@DollarTreeDinnerssame! All varieties of mashed potatoes are welcome here! 😂

[@lauraspicks7114]

@@DollarTreeDinners me too !

[@soniajohnson8896]

😂same

[@thatHARVguy]

@@taylorashlock6309 To the stomach, *all* potatoes are mashed. 😉

[@ChibiChula]

This is pretty much how I do my own summer meal prep. It's awesome. 😁👍🏼 Because I live in NYC where most people do not have cooling in the entire apartment (mostly just in the bedroom) I absolutely hate cooking in the summer because it feels more like I'm cooking myself rather than the food. 😅 This means I usually spend the last month of spring cooking for the entire summer and more. I usually make meals that I know will last a minimum of 3 months but could go up to a year or two in my chest freezer (depending on how it's packaged) and generally in between that and cold meals like overnight oats, hummus with veggies and crackers, sandwiches and salads I go the whole summer without needing to cook. 🙌🏻 I do sometimes take advantage of the rare times it's cool in the summer (usually at night) to add to my cooked food stash too but if I start on time and plan correctly I don't really have to. Normally I cook extra portions for one month solid (eat and store everything separately to mix and match later) and don't have to worry for at least 3 months, sometimes up to 6 months later for some meals. 😉 Granted, I have the FoodSaver system so that allows me to safely store food for longer than most people can without worrying about freezer burn. It's fabulous to have though a bit pricey. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Anyway, doing things this way is a great way to always have homecooked meals without having to cook every day. It's awesome enough that I'm contemplating doing it year round honestly. Especially since I'm disabled, live alone and have good and bad days where I can barely get up, much less cook. 😓 I think cooking 8 portions, eating one, putting one in the fridge and storing 6 portions of each item in the deep freezer is perfect and as long as I properly plan ahead and label everything I should always have food I just have to reheat. 🥰 I'm considering making those baked apples actually. I'm diabetic though so I think I'll try it with green Granny Smith apples and coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. It would be much less sugar for me but should taste just as good, I think. 🤔 Thanks for reminding me of another way to get my daily fruit portion. 😊

[@conniewach7872]

This r really great ideas.

[@ChibiChula]

@@conniewach7872 It definitely works really well for the summer. 😁 I think if I change my schedule so that I cook three meals a day (8 portions at a time), every other day, for about two months solid (illness permitting)... I would technically have 6 months worth of mix and match meals stored in the chest freezer because 6 portions go in there and one in the fridge for the next day. That means that if I mix in the occasional cold meal or cook on my good days for the rest of the time, that should last me even longer than 6 months, maybe even up to a year. If I do that twice a year, I'd be set for ages. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Just need to remember to package 3 of the 6 portions with my FoodSaver for extra long storage. 😉👍🏼 Oh, and I have to plan the grocery budget around two major cooking sprees a year which isn't too bad since if you do that you can plan for bulk buying which usually gets you things cheaper in the long run. 🤔

[@Nico-c3c]

Also I know that if you cook pork in a crock pot it turns out VERY tender and juicy. I make it that way and if I want to crisp it up I will throw it on a skillet or in the oven.

[@shellyturner2766]

I agree. When I'm batch cooking a pork shoulder, I put it in the crockpot before I go to bed. It's done in the morning when I get up and I can portion it out from there, then get on to other dishes I'm cooking.

[@davidnorvell6066]

From Sharon, I believe pork is hard to eat, tho, for those that have trouble eating.

[@angiebrown-3390]

I just came across this video in my feed. Thank you so much for doing this. My parents are seniors and my sister and I have struggled to figure out what to fix for our parents. My dad(86) has issues with swallowing so he struggles with eating and my mom(83) is starting with symptoms with dementia so she is being difficult with food. I have written down all these wonderful recipes and we are going to see what might work for them especially meal prepping they can have a variety to choose from. To take the pressure off my sister. My sister and I have been stressing as she works full time and mainly is there in their town to help them. I live out of town by 3 hrs. So we were trying to figure out what to do about their meals. You have been a godsend for doing these videos. Please keep them coming. Love from Michigan❤

[@mhsinalabama9140]

The tomato pepper soup from Dollar Tree that you showed a couple of weeks ago is some of the best soup I have ever had. That might be an option for you to include a container of that in the meal delivery for your lady. The soup was somewhat creamy and wasn't spicy at all.

[@lindawells8167]

I've searched and searched for it in my area, but so far no luck

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I was thinking about delivering a carton or two of that to them next time I swing by :)

[@amateurmom5111]

@@lindawells8167 I’ve been looking for it too with no luck.

[@All.things.grandish]

This is not only a great video, it came at the perfect time. My husband is in later stage Alzheimer’s and I’m his caregiver. I am vegan, he is not, and although he likes my food, we need to get more calories in him so that usually means double cooking (and prep). He also sometimes has trouble swallowing and lately has been struggling with using utensils on solid chunks of food. All of the things you made in this video he would love (except the fish but that can be worked around). And I would love to have them all sitting in my freezer ready to go. The mix and match is genius. Thank you!

[@shellc3509]

Big Hugs to you 💕

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm so glad it was helpful and I wish only the best for you both!

[@az55544]

i cook very differently for my 91 year old mom than i do for myself. instead of all of the containers, i freeze food in silicone muffin "tins". they freeze quickly and i pop them out into large themed zip bags. GRAVY is anything that can bind or go over the top: mushroom gravy, cheese sauce, tomato sauce. HUMMUS: hummus, guacamole, salsa, anything dip or cracker spreadable. MIRPOIX: leftover veg bits that can go into a soup. DESSERT: cooked down fruits. VEG: yup. onion/green pepper, tomato/summer squash, winter squash (thinned for soup) CARB: rice, mashed potatoes, couscous, pilaf. PROTEINS: mostly just as they come from the store because i just chuck in a gravy, carb, etc. She likes canned beans and breakfast sausage so i combine and freeze. Each evening, i combine frozen cupcake sized components into three trays to serve for the next day. that way, they can start to defrost over night. bags of frozen veg come into play. canned chicken, a gravy, canned peas, frozen fruit. i will add in some muffins and apples and other autumn fruit. i aim for high fiber, high rainbow, low calorie as i can't lift her at her current weight.

[@pamela-gw7xo]

Rebecca, the amount of thought, kindness, and care you put into your channels content speaks volumes to so many if us! May God bless you abundantly always!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💕💗🙏🙏💗💕❤

[@janiceh4521]

I love seeing the care you put into making her food. I love the mix n match idea, just to allow her to have a choice. I hope it isn’t too much more work for you. As someone who has had medical issues and relying on others or fixing things in air fryer or microwave, I know this is huge for her not having the same options week in and out. Home cooked food that’s easy to heat & eat. As I’m now healing I hope to find someone to help with meals in the future, your kindness, generosity and care is absolutely amazing and inspiring! Thank you! Added: with mix & match maybe the freeze can be her food bank for when you move to have some random home cooked items saved. That was a lot of food so glad she loved it all ❤❤

[@CarolSmith-k1q]

We eat creamed tuna often in the cooler months. Make a white sauce, add the tuna, serve over toast with cooked frozen peas. Quick and easy and we really enjoy it.

[@lindanelson4526]

I was thinking it would be good for to have over toast, or maybe the mashed potatoes she likes so much.

[@sherrylewis9327]

@@lindanelson4526 The lady can no longer have bread products but yeah, over the noodles OR the potatoes would be great!

[@desireedusseau1769]

I take care of my 91yr old aunt thay insists on living alone in her 1 bedroom house. I consistently fill her freezer with different soups and our leftovers that freeze well. She misses being able to cook pasta and rice, so I'm going to make your buttered noodles and see if she likes them after being frozen. Thank you so much! This is the 1st time I'm seeing your videos and I already trust you as a reliable sidekick!

[@cherylcrozier-garcia8862]

@@desireedusseau1769 regarding your auntie, could she use a simple rice cooker? There are some that are small, 2 or 3 cup capacity, and all they have is a plug and a "cook" switch. Fill the pot, plug it in, press the switch, and it turns itself off then the rice is cooked. Might give Auntie some independence and give you some relief if she can at least make rice or simple instant noodles for herself whenever she wants to. Thank you gor caring for your relative!

[@maryangel4974]

Love the mix and match! How fun that she can get whatever she wants! Butter does so much for the taste of things and seniors sometimes have so little to look forward to so a little sweets or butter....what the heck? Let them enjoy! My mom is 90 and loves Jelly Belly jelly beans and everyone is always trying to take them away from her. I say, she's 90 and if she wants her jelly beans then she should have them and enjoy them! Thanks for sharing. Love the longer videos.☺️

[@TheDecoCottage]

I’m stead of tuna casserole, tuna cakes (using potato flakes as a binder instead of bread crumbs). They can easily pair with any of the sides you made.

[@christines2787]

I was on vacation last week and cooking for our family with only a few basic tools in a partial kitchen. I made a stew in a way I wouldnt have thought of without your channel. It was ridiculously fast and actualy pretty good. Ground beef, and a shallot browned, diced frozen potatoes and a bags of frozen carrots and peas, with a box of chicken broth. I thickened this with a small amount of instant mashed potato. All we had was salt, pepper and a bit of garlic powder. We had spent the day hiking. We were exhausted and starving and this was on the table in no time. It may work for your elderly friend.

[@patpeters6331]

You have given me some new and tasty ideas for my menu, so I thank you for that. I have also shared your meal prep ideas with a young friend who has teen boys at home. Teen boys being bottomless pits that seem to need food constantly, I think your videos will be of great help to her.

[@jomomma1512]

I have grown teens at home. We all work/go to school. Having these homemade “convenience” meals ready to go saves my butt!! That’s why I am here to get more ideas for variety!!

[@lisawallace3124]

If you reduce the amount of chicken broth and milk in the tuna casserole, you can skip draining the canned tuna and include that in your sauce for extra tuna flavor. My family has made a dish like this my whole life, but we don't serve it on noodles, it goes on toast (I realize the lady you are cooking for couldn't have it that way). We call it "creamed tuna" and I use it as the base for tuna casserole instead of "cream of something" soup that so many others use.

[@maryconner71]

Me too. One of my comfort meals from my childhood.

[@patricial8255]

I didn't think this was going to apply to most people because of the lady's dietary needs. I decided to watch a little, and everything looked delicious. I should have known you never do bland. I'm so glad I watched. Thank you for all you do.

[@tkaychandler1964]

The chicken and gravy would be good over stuffing. Sweet potatoes would be soft to eat also. Everything looks good. Bless you for all you do. We could use more caring people like you.

[@SillyMeKimmieG]

i DO THIS with canned carrots too. I worked at cracker barrel for a long time and cooked for part of it. I was a backup cook so we did all the long cook things. and they used to use baby carrots and cook them with salt and pepper brown sugar and butter once done. so I adopted this with canned carrots and it's so good. also if you roast sliced carrots in the over with Ghee salt and pepper, not sweet but they are super good especially in the fall and winter.

[@pamthompson295]

I love all your recipes. I'm going to try all of them. You are so sweet to do this special cooking for her. My husband caterers weddings. He cooks the pork unwrapped until it is the beautiful color then he wraps it in foil and cooks until very tender. I think the idea of writing down your recipes for the next person would be very nice. You are a blessing and an inspiration to all.

[@carolcopley3639]

1. Lumping is good. Love all of your extra additions…cheese, butter. Your efforts must mean so much to your change. So kind and considerate. Like the way you’ve broken things up this go-around. Delightful seeing another post. ❤

[@daisyd90]

Adding the chicken and gravy to my meal plan. Was thinking i could throw in some mixed vegetable and serve over mashed potatoes and would be delicious! Like a chicken shepherds pie! Yum!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Sounds great!

[@TexasBlueBonnet61]

@daisyd90 ~We do that often! Serve it over mashed potatoes, or for us, it's often some quick drop biscuits.

[@arthrodea]

Rebecca has be craving chicken and gravy now too!

[@WhiteOwl6769]

I really really love the mix and match way of doing this. I'm disabled and have been trying to figure out the best way of doing some freezer meals to have when my husband is at work. You are amazing. The meals you are making and taking to this lady and the ideas of what to make have cheered me up knowing I can have something better then the frozen meals from the store that are really just kinda sad to eat. Thank you so much for caring about others!! I can't wait to go back through a bunch more of the videos where you made other foods and instead of everything all together will do them this way!! Again you are amazing!!! Hugs!!❤

[@la_diva_maria]

I love the meal prepping. It gives me ideas. Meal prepping like this will help me when i get home from work and for lunch at work. Thank you for doing this for her. Anyone with dietary restrictions would appreciate this. Hugs!

[@essendossev362]

I also recommend putting date labels on the containers, especially if you'll be restocking some of them in the future, so the caretaker can make sure to use the older ones sooner and they don't get forgotten in the freezer and suffer freezer burn.

[@susanrussell8195]

She said she puts labels on everything with directions on how to reheat them.

[@patpeters6331]

The carrots sound and look delicious. I have never thought to use canned carrots before. 🥕 A suggestion: I make a candied version of fresh carrots by simmering them covered in Catalina dressing for about 20 + minutes; adding a bit of water as needed. It's always a big hit when I serve it to guests.

[@TXJan0057]

That sounds very good. I love Catalina dressing and I have a difficult time finding it. I do make it homemade from time to time but I haven't found the perfect recipe to taste like kraft lol.

[@laurahale9309]

I love buttered carrots with dill. So good.

[@LilyGarden528]

That sounds delicious

[@chriswithers8835]

Never heard of mixing Catalina dressing with carrots. I'm going to try your recipe this week. Been overloaded wit carrots from my garden. Thanks for sharing.

[@egobrain6826]

What an interesting idea! Thanks!

[@bethbrec]

So very kind of you to help her. She will surely miss your cooking when you move. My elderly mother often enjoys cottage cheese with strawberries. Maybe you could mash some strawberries with just a touch of sugar and put that on top of cottage cheese. Also, often there are recipes for frozen fruit salads that have fruits mixed with a sour cream/whipped cream mixture that are frozen then thawed just before serving. Maybe some minced or pureed fruit in that type of recipe and frozen (perhaps in foil muffin/cupcake liners) would be a nice treat for her. I know your focus is in nutritional content, but a sweet treat can round out the meal and help an elderly person get enough calories. Perhaps a soft bread pudding with custard sauce would reheat from the freezer nicely. Also, rice pudding or a minced version of a "glorified rice" recipe would be tasty. Just some suggestions for future cooking. Also, I love the longer video and really appreciate the long hours you worked. Thank you for sharing your ideas!

[@fragilefleur]

My mom loves crockpot pot roast. If you want a recipe let me know. Super easy and very soft and tender. You can do it all in the crockpot and serve it with mashed potatoes or cook the potatoes in the crockpot with it. Take part of it out as if it were leftovers using the meat and juices and make beef stroganoff. My mom used to make that also. Serve that one with egg noodles. Also with apples you can make applesauce as a side. Just cut them up and put in a pan with water, and lemon juice. I like to add cinnamon and brown sugar to mine and cook them to mushy and purée in the blender or purée part and mash part so it’s got a little more texture than babyfood applesauce. My old aunt used to add cinnamon red hots candies to them for the cinnamon sugar flavor as well and it would make pink applesauce which as a child I thought was pretty amazing. She also made a dish with cottage cheese butter and egg noodles which was great also. I think she added some sour cream as well so it was creamier. She served the apple sauce and cottage cheese noodles with some meat like ham I think. Your client will defo miss you. Your making her food and personalizing it to her taste, diet and nutritional needs is amazing and that her grandson was cooked for for awhile was great also so they could eat together. It’s nice to see someone care for someone in need with some heart and not just like I have do it and don’t care like some caregivers do. Poor lady is losing her live in family and now you. I hope she has another support person.

[@janiehowington7622]

You always do a spectacular, thoughtful job in helping this woman. Every elderly person should be so lucky to have you in their lives.

[@carolynm9798]

Hi! My husband has a voice prosthesis in his trach so he eats “minced and moist” as well. Here’s an easy recipe from Frugal Queen in France: Fish pie (I wasn’t so sure about this English recipe but it’s comfort food!) Take your fish filets (3-6 ounces each) defrosted and cut them bite sized into a 13x9 dish. Make a simple 2 cup milk white sauce with 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. ( I do mine in the microwave. Heat 2’ stir. Then heat 2 or more minutes. ). Add 1 Tablespoons of parsley and pour over fish. Make 2 small packages of instant mashed potatoes (I have also made 1 1/2 pounds smashed potatoes in crockpot.). and smear on top. (Any flavor) I usually sprinkle paprika on top and bake 35-40’ on 350. 6 servings.

[@77andsunny]

So good!! The less time the caregiver spends on meals, the more time can be spent on other tasks or companionship.

[@daggettbeaver242]

Cooking is part of a caregivers tasks

[@77andsunny]

@@daggettbeaver242 Seriously? Saving time has value. I fully understand the tasks of caregiving.

[@tammiepowell2818]

These are some great ideas not only for your senior but for anyone doing meal prep. I know I frequently choose one protein for the week and repurpose it in many ways…this week made pork tenderloin so have used in bbq sandwiches, w/ cabbage Hawaiian style, fried rice, w/corn bread, w/mashed potatoes, and as tacos/burritos. We will be doing steak next week since I found a bunch on market down so will really be living the life, lol. And please let me know if you need any other cooking utensils….I sell many and would love to send you a new whisk but with the move don’t want to add to the chaos that entails.

[@kat-napzzz]

I love the mix and match idea. I might try it myself. Also fwiw, I have found the instant pot is great for making tender shredded chicken and beef. Granted an instant pot is expensive brand new, but can be worth it if found used or for a deal.

[@samuelle6788]

I got my 8 quart for 20 dollars and my 6 quart for 12 dollars at goodwill I use them daily, even to make pasta or rice, I made baked beans with bacon the other day, heated up some curry for 1 min on high for lunch yesterday and made 1 pot spaghetti last night. I don't know how I lived without my IPs

[@shell51569]

This video couldn't have come at a better time. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to make meals for my father in-law who is 84 and lives alone. He gets around, still drives but doesn't cook much. I want to stock his freezer and doing this meal portion thing may just be the ticket! Seems easier then making large meals for like a family of 4 and him having to eat the same thing for days until its gone, let alone hoping it doesn't go bad before he can eat the whole thing. He loves creamed spinach and I was looking forward to that part of the video but I missed it. Thanks for all you do for helping the senior citizen with meals and sharing with all of us too!

[@hulapineapple]

If you check the pinned comment you can find a link to the creamed spinach

[@AndeThompson-ex6sv]

God bless you! I am going through a divorce, after 32 years of marriage. I was in an abusive marriage. I am almost out of groceries, and Idk what I am going to do.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I’m so sorry to hear that, but I am proud that you got out of an abusive situation! do you have Venmo or cash app? I’d love to help out

[@deborahconley2009]

The united way can help

[@louisewilliams1258]

Hit the Churches, Food pantries, etc; Better you than an inn vay darr.

[@tinashort9098]

32years in an abusive relationship!!! My goodness. God bless you sweetie!!! Times are awfully tight at my house and all I can do is pray for you❤❤❤❤

[@jillgott6567]

Foodbanks have been a blessing to me in the past when I needed help. I am now able to donate to them as a thank you. Good luck to all

[@debimorsette1685]

You continue to do such a thoughtful thing for this lovely elderly woman; provide meals on a regular basis. Food stability is so comforting. Next time you make a pork butt, trying making it in your crock pot. Just add your rub and cook. No extra water needed. Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

[@arabianknights7391]

For sure. I hope you used all the grease from the pork that was appearing in this video. So useful. I use almost any kind of fat for gravy, or making stir fries.

[@vickypitman5546]

Future reference-- Thicken up the tuna mix or anything else you need to thicken , with the potato mash powder

[@ourmodestfamily]

I cook in bulk all the time but the one thing that spoiled meals for me, was meals made with mashed potatoes. The texture was floury after freezing. The only thing I did differently is I made my potatoes with milk, instead of half and half. Since changing they are perfect.

[@susanchoja6800]

I have seen a lot of videos making things with puréed cottage cheese like a pumpkin pudding idea which would provide some extra protein. They look easy to make

[@jjpetunia3981]

Thank you so much for these ideas. I’m trying to help a friend who has difficulties cooking and is afraid to boil water because she was burned as a child so pasta and rice she can’t do. I was just playing with the idea of cooking pasta for her to use a bit at a time but I didn’t know if it would work so seeing you do it and how you packaged it is a godsend for me!,

[@The3Storms]

That’s very kind of you.

[@jjpetunia3981]

@@The3Storms thank you I just wish I could do more. Have a great day

[@_milkysoup]

How lucky to have you as a friend! I hope she can heal 🤍

[@jjpetunia3981]

@@_milkysoup thank you

[@susanchoja6800]

I have never tried this but I know a lot of people like cottage cheese with canned peaches or even fruit cocktail. Might be nice as a simple lunch or snack. It would be nice and moist and if you diced up the fruit into small pieces it might be a nice change. Another thing I used to have was ricotta cheese with sweetener and vanilla. Just something different to consider

[@debbiekoenig7376]

I always eat my cottage cheese with diced fresh tomatoes. I also add 1/8 cup ( only 30 calories and 3 grams protein) to my scrambled large egg for a 9 g protein egg ( 2 eggs is too much for me).

[@kristin4405]

My grandmother made baked apples any time she had pork! I know that's going to be a hit.

[@MikeKWayne131]

A senior myself who still cooks for myself I enjoyed your recipes. I would like a little guidance on defrosting dishes like the potatoes...just leave on your counter to thaw? I never even tried freezing instant potatoes. And maybe a little guidance on heating things like the pollack? If you just microwave won't the half and half curdle? Thanks much!

[@EricaGonzaSquad]

I’m not sure what everyone else thinks here but I think if you place your selections in the fridge in the morning to thaw you should be fine to warm them up on the stove when it’s time for dinner. Not sure if the pollock sauce will curdle but maybe reserve a smaller portion and try it out in the microwave as a test before you ruin an entire meal portion. Good luck

[@SylviaHarper-p2u]

You are amazing!! My favorite to watch and learn. You're never rude or snarking, as some are. You're caring and understanding of the reality that we're all at different places in life. Great voice... easy to listen to. Can't wait to see what's next! Keep up the kindness❤❤❤

[@daniellenickerson7194]

My mom used to make "tuna noodle casserole", we lovingly called it slop. You make a roux, add milk to thin it to preference. We use a can of cream of chicken and a can of tuna. We use salt, pepper, garlic powder, dill weed, parsley, paprika and some season salt. All dry seasoning and all to taste. I don't know what seasoning your lady likes or can have, but it's definitely a "to taste" meal. Add noodles and your done. I still make it to this day. It's easy, fast and tasty. (Add a little milk when reheating if dry) ☺️

[@AdrienneMcheapo]

Thanks for calling out the quality of store-brand meats. It's not worth the swap (and they're no longer significantly cheaper).

[@Trustbutverify2651]

I have learned so much from your videos. I made the "Last Minute Lasagna" tonight with the recipe from the back of the Knorr Alfredo Sauce packet (also available online). So simple, so fast, so inexpensive, and SO delicious. My husband said he likes it better than regular lasagna. It's definitely a keeper. I also picked up the Chicken a la King from our Dollar Tree - we enjoyed it on rice with some steamed vegetables and sliced peaches. I really am so grateful for meals that are simple and quick, even more so than price for us right now.

[@The3Storms]

I’m sure it’s not just German Americans that do this, but frying 🍎 + 🥔 is Himmel und Erd/Heaven and Earth so I was really happy to see you baking apples as a slightly sweet side. I do my H+E savory, no sugar added, which is also tasty. And for people who can eat bread unlike today’s recipient, unsweetened apples also do great in savory stuffing/dressing.

[@AthenaKeatingThomas]

With all of the meal prep you do, I'm amazed you haven't gotten yourself a box of cooking gloves. They work fantastic when I'm dealing with raw meat! I'm thinking the mix and match might be more difficult for the caretaker; they have to figure out how much from each container to dole out. You have different numbers of containers for each type of meal. Beyond that, the mix and match is a great idea. Good luck!

[@anniemouse9649]

This is wonderful. If you’ve ever seen minced diets in hospitals this is gourmet fare. What a treat for your elderly friend.

[@TexasBlueBonnet61]

Everything looks delicious! I will be trying your pollock recipe because I love fish. And your creamed tuna reminded me a lot of the creamed tuna my mom used to make. She added peas and carrots to hers, and we would eat it over buttered noodles or mashed potatoes or biscuits. Your senior can't have the biscuits but you provided the other two in the mix & match, so hopefully she will like it. May late FIL was on the Level 5 minced and moist during part of his stroke recovery. We bought my MIL a small food processor and when I would go to help with dinner, I would put Poppa's portion of protein into the food processor and mince it fine. One of his favorite foods was chicken fried steak and cream gravy, so I would make the steak, cut it in bites, then mince in the food processor, breading and all, and mix with some gravy. He totally enjoyed it, and was so thankful to be be able to have his favorite foods that way. We did the same for things like pulled pork, BBQ brisket, etc. Any meats we cooked, his portion went into the food processor and was minced into small bits, but not pureed. And I always made sure they had some kind of gravy or sauce to mix it with. Bacon, ham, and sausage to mix with his scrambled eggs, or mashed up fried eggs, we put them all through the food processor to mince them up. It was pretty much left up to DH & me to show Momma how to prepare things for Poppa. I even made her a list of foods to choose from and how to make sure they fit Poppa's dietary requirements.

[@acromantulus]

For the bbq pork if you kept it wrapped for 3hr and started the pork at 425 for 1 hr and then dropped the temp to 300 for the rest of the time it would be fall apart and be easy to eat.

[@hayleyl9396]

Wow! That's a lot of food and done thoughtfully! The mix and match idea is a great one. I'm my 89 year old mother's caregiver and I know that she likes to have options - but at the same time too many choices can be overwhelming. This seems like a great way to offer variety without it seeming like too many decisions to make. Wonderful job.

[@19OJ78]

I also did different meal preps for my husband qhich went from diced to soft and now we are at liquid diet with feeding tube. His strokes caused swallowing problems. I did add tofu to his mashed potatoes and gravy which he never noticed. Sometimes I would mash in some beans in gravy also. It was definitely an experience prepping. Great job , you are more help than you realize. 😊

[@cynthiaoconnor7185]

The tofu idea is great! Good thinking.

[@carolynmills513]

Bless you!! I am 69, disabled and find myself reaching for something quick and easy and maybe not the most wholesome. On my good days, I'm going to try to get some of these put in my freezer. Love the mix and match concept.

[@Marlenesgardens]

Sadly a woman senior in Ontario Canada was reported to have scurvy. That is sinful. Her family did not live far away. To expensive to buy fruit or juice. I’m sure she is not alone in this issue either. See if someone will buy you some multi vitamins.

[@michellebanks5930]

Your comfort delicious food will help her heal at home! ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Aww that is so kind of you to say! ❤️

[@sjferguson]

I always enjoy these videos. It's such a wonderful thing that you're doing ❤️ I wonder if she would enjoy smoothies? I know she can't have yogurt but we have powdered peanut butter and we use that with bananas and strawberries and an apple to make a yummy smoothie. I like green smoothies so I'll use spinach and cucumber and green apples. I typically make a blender full and dividend them up for several mornings. I also made them a little thicker than you'd normally make and in the morning I just add a splash of coconut water or apple juice and use my shaker to mix it up and have it on my commute. My kid likes to freeze his in small containers and eat it like a frozen treat.

[@asc3998]

This is perfect timing for me. I have a friend who is a senior and is newly on a special diet. It's a different type of diet than this one but I'll still get lots of ideas from you. Thank you! She is diabetic, so she has to watch her carbs and also the dietitian said she needs to watch fats as well. If anyone has any suggestions of things I can make for her easily, I would love that.

[@CyndieAmala]

Tuna casserole reminds me of my childhood 😊 we ate it a lot but my mom used to crumble up potato chips on top instead of bread crumbs. So delicious 😋

[@osoniye4209]

I love my childhood memories of tuna casserole too!!

[@vadalia3860]

This is an awesome idea for a video! You never disappoint! I know you said in another video you never have a shortage of video ideas but something I'd love to see a second video of was you following the "how you can use this product" recommendations on packages that aren't the usual thing you'd think to make with that product- that video included making broccoli cheddar soup using a package of pioneer gravy mix (which has become my go-to broccoli cheddar soup recipe!) and making "easy" lasagna with a knorr pasta mix package (something still on my to-do list to try but according to you came out surprisingly good) Hope you re-visit that idea some time because a lot of those recipes came out good and were something I'd absolutely never think of!

[@Back-handedLuck-ul7ms]

@vadalia3860 - I haven't made the broccoli soup recipe yet, but I put the country gravy mix on my shopping list right after her video. I'll be trying it this upcoming werk!

[@lauraclark92]

I wanted to share what I do with carrots and sweet potatoes... I use butter, brown and white sugar then I add orange juice, freshly squeezed is the best but a few tablespoons of the regular orange juice works too... I have made it with and without the citrus and both are great but I prefer that pop of orange flavor for both, my family loves it too. All of this food looks great! My mom is elderly and this gives me ideas on what I could prepare that she would enjoy and be good for her. Thanks for all you do. ❤

[@seafoambeachcomb]

I love baby carrots this way!! Yum

[@momof2momof2]

Outstanding job on this. She will not feel like she's on a special diet with what you have so graciously made for her. Your choices are just wonderful ! Well done Rebecca ! 🥰💐💗✝🇺🇲

[@daniellen4086]

If she likes the apples, one side that I like to make is backed butternut squash (which is soft) with chopped apples and cinnamon. For another dish, what about a lentil stew? Red lentils in particular are small and soft. Also, if she needs more protein, you can mix pudding mix with plain yogurt.

[@traciebecker6669]

Make your Cooked pudding in the microwave. I put mine in my glass mixing bowl, stir in the milk, microwave in 2 minute and stir increments 3 times, then 1 minute twice. It works great! Of course it will still need to cool to set up but to me it tastes so much better than the instant pudding.

[@cynthiagarza5510]

I am on bridge between disability and old age. I often keep some semi-prepped food ready--stuff that can go into a salad or sautee. An egg steamer is onne if my best friends.

[@cynthiaoconnor7185]

To quickly shred chicken (and, maybe, other meats), I saw a good idea in a Chicken Pot Pie Biscuits recipe from Tastemade. They got the meat from large cooked chicken breasts and lightly pulled it apart in a mixing bowl. Then they used a hand mixer to completely fine shred the chicken! I think it's a great idea! Now, I'm not a big cook so double check my instructions. Rebecca, this might be a small time saver for you. Also, I'm a disabled, mostly vegetarian, so your recipes, mix-and-match, freezing ideas are perfect for me. And, I LOVE tuna casserole or creamed tuna so your recipe is perfect. Do you have a video with thawing instructions I can put in the labels for each container? Keep up on the good work you do.

[@lorita3488]

PEANUT BUTTER BREAD The official ingredient list is: 500 mL (2 cups) all purpose flour 60 mL (¼ cup) sugar 20 mL (4 tsp) baking powder 2 mL (½ tsp) salt 325 mL (1 1/3 cup) milk 125 mL (½ cup) peanut butter The recipe’s steps are below: Preheat oven to 160ºC (325ºF). Mix dry ingredients together. Stir in the milk before adding in the peanut butter. Put the mixture into a greased loaf tin, then bake for 1 hour.

[@michellesunshinestar]

I spent 2 years in a rehabilitation center. A lot of seniors. I was put with two other ladies on the lady only floor. It was sad. The one lady was completely blind and stayed in bed or sat in her recliner. I would talk to her. Two weeks after they switched me to a different room, she passed. But she always said, stay as sweet as you are. Food was below par. I looked forward to hot dog day. Porkchops were not edible.

[@Tia-vj9ox]

This was extremely thoughtful. You have given her nutrition and then the luxury of variety something that seniors do not get to enjoy. You are a blessing!❤

[@Tia-vj9ox]

Never seen a pork butt baked like that. I looks delish!

[@Tia-vj9ox]

Pork butt is much easier in a crockpot❤

[@AJDRLD]

I still say try making her a fish pie, the fish is soft and tender and it’s in a white sauce or cheese sauce with parsley and mashed potato on top and grated cheese. Look up ocean pie. She’ll love it! 😁 these meals look great for her.

[@lorita3488]

here is a soup that I think your senior might like, but make it with creamy peanut butter: Peanut Soup North American Indian Serves: 4 From my cookbook: Spirit of the Harvest: North American Indian cooking Ingredients: 2 cups dry-roasted peanuts finely chopped, or 1 cup chunky-style peanut butter Ingredients: 2 cups chicken broth 2 cups milk or cream 2 tsp. snipped fresh chives Salt and ground pepper Recipe instructions: In a heavy saucepan, combine peanuts, broth and milk, Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring. Simmer for 10 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with chives and season to taste with salt & pepper. Peanut soup (China) Serves: 4 From the Kitchen of: Foreign Foods cookbook Ingredients: 1 cup chunky peanut butter Ingredients: 1 cup water 2 cup milk Recipe instructions: Heat peanut butter in saucepan. Add water slowly, stirring frequently, until blended. Add milk; heat through. Do not boil.

[@terryssicntiredusually]

Dear lady, " I'm sorry I didn't catch your name " . If you want your meats to be super tender the easy way , do as the Chinese cooks do . Take your meats rinse in cold water then dry ,next, libraly cover your meat with baking Soda then let it sit minimally for 10 mins. Up to an hour depending on the thickness, then rince well . I think you will be pleased with your terder meats, I was happy when I discovered this trick....Gail

[@pandapoof8798]

My trick to a super tender whole chicken is cooking it in a crockpot. I just put it over veggies or make a rack to elevate it from aluminum foil. Comes out and falls off the bone like rotisserie.

[@marklutker9720]

This DOES make me think about this type of meal planning for my parents, as they are not eligible for meals on wheels. My only, only issue would be finding space in the freezer.. I try and clean it but I get "no, don't get rid of that, we love those enchiladas". Now you think about what red chili pepper sauced enchiladas cause for the elderly. Nuff said. So I have to wait until they are not looking and throw stuff away, like the spicy breakfast sausage from 1992...But the more I clean it, the more they seem to now realize they can get more frozen items at the store....(with no clue how this happened).

[@DollarTreeDinners]

LOL well at least they replace the 1992 sausage with 2024 sausage I suppose ;)

[@bettymotley2224]

Rebbeca, I am 66 & spent 21/2 weeks in the hospital/rehab. I was told to get as many calories as I could & at least 30 grams of protein, I had lost 10# I didn't have to loss. I add vutter & sugar to EVERYTHING! I was a nurse in a long term care facility before I had to quit working due to rhumitoid arthritis. You are a very special to cook for a senior citizen. I also love your videos. Could you do some videos on cooking for 2 people? It's hard to adjust to that after raising kids. 0i have always loved to cook & frim scratch, but, as I've gitten older & disabled I can't do as much from scratch as I would like to.

[@4LuvOfGAIA]

I work in assisted living in a small 8 bed facility. These senior meals are great and have given me some good ideas. I cook 3 meals a day and changing things up will be helpful. Thank you.

[@Trustbutverify2651]

If you take a warm rotisserie chicken right from the store and put it in a large zip loc bag and roll it around on the table, the meat will fall off the bones and it's much easier to pull off the skin, remove the bones, and then chop up the chicken right then. Way faster.

[@Alicia_1970]

No don't do that, the little bones get mixed in with the chicken.

[@Trustbutverify2651]

@@Alicia_1970 Actually. I've done this for a very long time with no problems with the little bones getting mixed in - maybe because I pick through the chicken very carefully to remove any skin and gristle, too. I always get two rotisseries chickens and do this right away when they are warm and then pack the cleaned chicken in zip loc bags and put into the freezer in recipe-size portions. Time consuming in the moment, but saves me hours putting together a quick meal later.

[@tinashort9098]

This is one lucky little lady to have you in her life. She’s most definitely going to miss you when you move!! It would be nice if there was someone that’s in a position to take over could step up. ❤❤. I wish I had just a little love for fish. I just can’t!! I love shrimp, crab legs and even crawfish but any other kind of just regular fish gives me the shivers😂. It cooks so pretty!! I think salmon is a beautiful dish but the smell!!!🤮

[@MelissaThompson432]

I don't eat fish, but I used to fix it for my mother with butter, garlic, and rosemary, then squeeze lemon over it after plating. I believe I was out of rosemary once and used either thyme or basil. But rosemary is better. It has a nice, warm flavor profile.

[@leighanneboles6609]

I wish someone cared enough to do this for me....God bless you

[@tanyagibbons133]

When you buy a cheaper cut of meat cook in the crockpot ,always comes out so tender ,even store brands

[@tperry1963]

I have made 100’s of perfect roasted birds. You can also make a perfect roasted chicken every time using this recipe: 1 whole chicken (2-4 lb) pat dry with towels 1/4 cup (more or less) salt to cover bird inside and out Bake uncovered on a pan with a wire rack in a 450 degree oven for 1 hour. Remove let rest 15-30 minutes. Juicy perfect every time. *Note: if the bird is on the larger side turn oven off leave in for half of the resting time then finish resting on counter.

[@TheMotherDucker]

Try bariatric meals stage 3 & 4 for ideas for mechanical and minced. Also since you did the egg bites, "ricotta bake" it's basically lasagna without the meat or noodles. I have added seasoned Italian turkey from Walmart that was very good, I've used sausage, beef etc too and i usually add an extra egg all for the protein. You need ricotta eggs cheese is optional but highly recommended and italian seasoning. That's pretty much it. If you cook meat just blitz it in the blender with about a teaspoon of the fat, mixed with a few tablespoons of water. It tastes like a stouffers lasagna to me, again sans noodles. I also do the mix and match, no stomach so i eat small portions frequently. It works best, no wasted food!

[@Budz4uz]

Love your videos. It is challenging to prep meals for elderly mature adults. A tip for store brand meats is to get a 3 quart instant pot (pressure cooker). You could make that pork butt in 30 to 45 minutes and it will be amazingly tender. You can make a whole chicken in about 30 minutes better than store bought and cheaper. The flavor infusion cannot be matched doing it in the oven.

[@annewignall2995]

I slice fresh apples into a 3L bowl, cover it and zap in the microwave for 10 min on high (1100 W machine). I don't add sugar or water. If they're not soft enough I put them back for another 5 minutes. You could cube your apples, add your flavourings and thickening stuff like you did for the oven, but microwave instead. Pureed pumpkin can be hidden in cheese sauce or mashed potato for added nutrition, and grated zucchini hides well. Someone unable to eat ordinary rice might be able to eat baby rice, which had been ground to a powder and reconstitutes in water like mashed potatoes.

[@jessicay8033]

So prefacing this with I know it’s not healthy…. But I like to put the chicken skins in the air fryer for about 15 minutes to turn them into ‘chicken chips’ it’s my guilty pleasure

[@maryhartley3346]

I cook pork roast in Instant pot, too, and it is soft and tender. Just a thought so maybe you would not have to pick out hard bits later. But yours looks delicious!

[@shaynecarter-murray3127]

I just got a 10lb pork butt for $1.49/lb. Its been ages since ive seen it that cheap!

[@SusanHendrix-h4d]

We all need to remember the elderly.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Also, if you're going to puree the soup potatoes, too, just use more of the packets of dried potatoes. I've been doing that since the 70s, when they didn't even really taste like fresh mashed potatoes. And now, they do.