September Recipes for PALS

The month of September coincides with many cultural events, food celebrations, and religious observances. September marks National Honey Month, National Chicken Month, and National Rice Month. It is also the month of two major Jewish holidays, as well as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Each of these moments are often celebrated with good food. As a nutritionist for ALS patients, it is critical that foods are not only nutritious and tasty, but also easy to swallow. Here are some easy recipes to commemorate these yummy moments:

National Honey Month Honey, makes me think of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. One of the traditions is to dip apples in honey to represent a Sweet New Year. Special food customs and recipes for Rosh Hashanah have developed over many centuries, yet only in recent years have we come to fully appreciate their goodness. For example, while the pomegranate is mentioned many times in the torah, its health benefits of vitamin C, B, Potassium, fiber and antioxidants were only recently discovered. Click here for some traditional Rosh Hashanah recipes modified to make them high in calories and easy to swallow homemade applesauce, pomegranate smoothie, and noodle kugel. Click here for recipies (PDF).

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month and is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of Hispanics/Latinos in America. One indelible contribution has been to the American palate. Food traditions from South and Central America have become common place on the American dining table. What better way to celebrate National Chicken Month, National Rice Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month, than with Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken). Check out this recipe courtesy of Epicurious.com. Also, to wash down this delicacy, enjoy a ‘mock margarita,’ courtesy of Recipe.com. Click here for recipies (PDF).

Each recipe can be modified to make it easier to tolerate swallowing by adding extra gravy/sauce for moisture and then blenderizing it to the consistency that is easier to consume. I hope you enjoy these festive foods.

By Ilene Kapelner, Registered Dietician, ALSA Center at Beth Israel Medical Center