When I caregived my Mom, I found it super important that Mom and I eat together with a routine so that she would get healthy nourishment and food didn’t get hid or fed to the dog under the table. I discovered that preparing familiar recipes enticed appetite (and memories!) For example, my Mom recalled picking blueberries when she was a girl when I made blueberry cake or a smoothie and shared interesting stories about living on the back road. Having a bird feeder outside the window also inspired meal time conversations. Using dessert plates without patterns and serving small portions and soft foods seemed to work best.

Thought I would share my ‘Ginger Zinger Smoothie’ which was a popular choice at my former cafe. Enjoy!

1 frozen banana (8 chunks)

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

2 tsp. grated ginger

2 cups frozen kale

1 cup almond milk

1 tbsp. chia seeds

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tbsp. raw honey