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 [6]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.
[7]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 
[8]
- 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
[9]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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