Debbie Button

Being the caregiver to my youngest son for nearly 25 years,  I saw the difficulties he experienced in chewing and swallowing, as well as choking and aspirating on food.  He was afflicted with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 or SMA (progressive genetic disease affecting the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement), as well as advanced scoliosis (curvature of the spine).  Both of these conditions seriously impaired his ability to obtain adequate nutrition.  His greatest desire was to manage nutrition without surgical intervention.

I attempted to alleviate the problem for Joe by choosing very soft foods and pureeing others.  These methods would have probably solved the chewing and swallowing issue for some but Joe didn't want his food to look any different than the rest of the family.  He wanted everyone to eat the same foods.  Therefore, the recipes contained in this book are just simple foods which we found to be successful in our daily life.  They are not gourmet and all required items may be found in any community grocery store.  My family was unaware when I began adapting our meals around Joe's chewing abilities instead of creating separate meals for him.

In addition, my oldest son experienced traumatic injuries in a car crash requiring his jaws to be wired shut for four months, as well as a head injury which interfered with his swallowing for a period of time. Thankfully, these situations are resolved.

Individual Pumpkin Cheesecakes

18 gingersnap cookies

12 oz. cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon corn starch

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

2 eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup corn syrup

Place 18 baking cups in muffin tins.  Put 1 gingersnap cookie in each cup.  Beat cream cheese, sugar, corn starch, and pumpkin pie spice with an electric mixer until well mixed.  Add eggs and blend well.  Add pumpkin and corn syrup and beat 1 minute.  Pour filling into cups, dividing evenly.  Bake in a preheated 325 F. oven for 30-35 minutes until just set.  Chill for 1 hour before serving.  

My four-year old grandson and I love to make this recipe together.  So simple, but so delicious!

This book is packed with simple and delicious recipes appropriate for all members of the family. 

Meal time should be enjoyable and is the basis for this compilation of recipes geared to families who want to sit down to meals together and enjoy the same foods as their medically-impaired loved ones.

Be sure to contact your physician if you have chewing and swallowing issues.

To purchase a copy of my cookbook

Recipes include...

    Chicken Pot Pie,

     Deviled Eggs,

     Individual Pumpkin Cheesecakes,

     Potato Soup,

     Apple Butter,

plus many more comforting foods you will enjoy.

Copies are available at Kefauver's Lumber Company (Forest Hill) and Jarrettsville Pharmacy.