Things that Make: What to Look for

Key Point:

· Products listed were chosen to make preparing food easier to achieve.

Slow Cookers: Small

· Small slow cooker brands include TRU (0.65 quarts), Proctor Silex (1.5 quarts) and

Crock-Pot (2.5 quarts). Prices range from $10-$30.

· Smaller slow cookers make cooking for one or two people more practical. There will be leftovers for bariatric patients.

Slow Cookers: Large

· Crock-Pot, Proctor Silex, Hamilton Beach, Elite, Cuisinart and West Bend slow cookers with 4-8 quart capacities. Prices are less expensive for manual controls when compared to digital/programmable controls. Prices range from $25-$200.

Microwavable Dishes

· Nordic Ware – Makes micro ware to cook eggs (poached, boiled, omelet), heat soup, plates and bowls to heat meals and other containers to cook or reheat a casserole. Check out www.nordicware.com.

· Poached egg cookers also made by Walter Drake and Miles Kimball.

· Look for a variety of microwave cookware that can steam fish and vegetables, reheat food or have protective screens to prevent splatters.

· Plastic storage containers are now more often able to go in the microwave. Check the label to make sure the plastic is microwave safe.

· Pyrex -type cookware and measuring cups are microwave friendly.

Other Stuff

· Spiral cutter for making zucchini pasta (“zoodles”). Helps maintain low carb eating. There are handheld and tabletop versions. Spiralizer and Veggetti are brands to make veggie noodles.

· Good set of knives for chopping and cutting.

· Meat tenderizing mallet. You basically pound your meat to make it thinner, and it helps tenderize the meat making it softer to chew. Nice way to burn a few calories, too!