Elder Care in Wedgewood, WA
For most people, dairy is an important part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Dairy products contain high levels of protein and calcium, and many researchers have indicated that consuming reduced fat dairy products daily can help you control your weight. Choosing the right dairy foods lets you enjoy the delicious, satisfying flavor of these products without the high levels of saturated fat and calories that are found in traditional dairy. This June, enjoy all the benefits and delicious flavor of dairy foods while still taking care of your senior loved ones’ health by celebrating Dairy Month with this sumptuous elderly care recipe.
Trimmed down from the traditional favorite, this healthier macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a side dish for a Sunday meal, or even a frozen option that makes it easy for your aging parents’ elder health care services provider to heat up something homemade and satisfying when your seniors are feeling hungry. For even greater convenience, try portioning out the macaroni and cheese into prepared muffin pans rather than the one larger pan before baking so you have instant individual portions.
What You’ll Need
- 4 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni, shells, or other small pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole wheat Panko crumbs
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- Large onion
- 9 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Food processor or blender
- 8 by 8 baking dish
- Cooking spray
- Large cooking pot
- Small sauce pan
- Whisk
- Large knife
What to Do
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
• Prepare the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions, drain and set aside
• Chop the onion and garlic gloves
• Add these vegetables to the blender or food processor with the water, salt, and pepper. Puree until completely smooth
• Put this mixture, the cayenne pepper, and the dry mustard into a sauce pan and simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently
• When warm, whisk in the cheddar cheese until melted
• Remove the sauce from the heat and carefully whisk in the Greek yogurt
• Toss the cheese sauce with the macaroni
• Prepare the baking dish by spraying it thoroughly with cooking spray
• Pour the mixture into the dish and top with Panko and Parmesan
• Bake until the top is golden
This recipe offers better nutrition but a satisfying experience for many different reasons, including:
• The garlic and onion puree plus the Greek yogurt replace the traditional cream sauce for a boost in flavor and creamy texture without the fat and calories of butter and cream
• Using whole wheat pasta products provides extra fiber for a more satisfying meal. This means your elderly parents will eat less and remain full longer
• Reduced-fat cheese still has rich flavor and wonderful texture, but half the fat and fewer calories
• Panko bread crumbs are crunchy and crispy for a fantastic mouthfeel and more satisfying chewing experience, which has been shown to make smaller amounts of food as satisfying as larger portions.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Wedgewood, WA, or the surrounding areas, please contact SYNERGY HomeCare of Seattle at 206-420-4934.
