Author: Amy Listermann, MS, CCC-SLP
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Baba Ghanoush
Pureed (IDDSI Level 4) Completely smooth foods/extremely thick liquids with no lumps that hold their shape on a spoon and don’t require chewing. Baba ghanoush is a creamy, smoky, and savory Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, and lemon. For those following IDDSI guidelines, this recipe is modified to suit various texture levels,…
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Sushi Bowl with Edamame Hummus
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5) Soft foods that are finely chopped and held together with moisture so they don’t crumble or fall apart. This altered-texture sushi bowl offers all the beloved flavors of sushi but in a soft, smooth form that’s safe and satisfying. The edamame hummus provides a creamy, high-protein base that compliments…
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Lemon-Thyme Berry Chia Pudding
Pureed (IDDSI Level 4) Completely smooth foods/extremely thick liquids with no lumps that hold their shape on a spoon and don’t require chewing. This dessert layers creamy lemon-thyme chia pudding with a luscious berry fool topping, adding an extra layer of richness and fruity flavor. The smooth, citrusy chia pudding provides a refreshing base, while…
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Turmeric Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6) Tender foods cut into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew and break apart with minimal effort. These soft, pillowy “gnocchi” are made from mashed potatoes and turmeric with no chewy dough required. By adjusting the ingredients slightly, you can prepare them for different IDDSI levels while still…
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Introducing the Altered Elevated Project: Making Dining Out More Inclusive
Dining out isn’t just about food, it’s about connection. Whether it’s catching up with friends, celebrating a milestone, or enjoying a spontaneous lunch with family, restaurants are a cornerstone of social life. But for individuals with dysphagia (difficulty chewing/swallowing) those moments can be inaccessible, even isolating. That’s where the Altered Elevated Project comes in. As…
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Peanut Butter Chickpea Cookie Dough
It is a battle that has gone on for centuries and there doesn’t seem to be a clear winner in sight…sweet or salty? My mom was team sweet all the way. It would baffle me why I was encouraged to ignore the salt listed in cookie recipes…especially when all of the other ingredients were shown…
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IDDSI-Bitsy Speechie-Peachy Yellow Polka-Dot Bellini
Back when I was working in a skilled nursing facility, there was one resident who lit up every room, especially if that room had a view of the sun. She’d often joke, “I’m like a sunflower: my world revolves around the sunlight” and even collected clothes and artwork of her kindred plant. Her favorite spot…