Author: Amy Listermann, MS, CCC-SLP
-
Pregelled Breads: A Key Technique for Safer Eating with Dysphagia
Bread is one of the most common comfort foods in the world, but it’s also one of the trickiest for people with swallowing or chewing difficulties. On its own, bread tends to crumble, stick, or form dry lumps that can be unsafe. That’s where the pregelled bread technique comes in. Pregelling transforms bread into a…
-
What Is Dysphagia or Difficulty Swallowing?
Swallowing is something most of us take for granted, until it doesn’t feel easy anymore. For some people, eating can shift from an automatic, enjoyable part of the day into something that feels uncertain, uncomfortable, or even exhausting. The medical term for this is dysphagia, which simply means “difficulty swallowing.” As both a speech-language pathologist…
-
Comfort Foods Without Surprises: Meals for Texture Sensitive Eaters
Have you ever pushed aside a dish because it felt off in your mouth? Maybe it was too stringy, lumpy, or unpredictable; you’re not alone. For many people, food isn’t just about flavor. Texture can make or break a meal. Sometimes it’s sensory sensitivity, sometimes it’s about comfort, and sometimes it’s just what feels easiest…
-
Asian Chicken Broccoli Slaw
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 minced and moist (IDDSI level 5) Asian chicken salad is a delightful combination of savory and tangy flavors. Made with steamed broccoli slaw, tender chicken, and pregelled ramen noodles, it’s…
-
Banana Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Rising and shining is easy when you’re breaking the fast with this naturally soft and bite sized (IDDSI level 6) and filling breakfast bowl. Add ins can help steer this recipe to any seasonal flavor profile and the natural sweetness and macro balance just make this a no brainer for adding to your family’s morning…
-
Pecan Roll Blondies
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level EC7) Regular foods that are naturally soft and easy to chew, without tough, dry, or hard components. Growing up one of my favorite meals was “breakfast for dinner” as most of my childhood morning meals were on the go for school and sport activities. It would almost feel like we…
-
Dal Garden Curry
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. Dal is more than just a dish, it’s an embodiment of home and comfort for many across South Asia. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family…
-
Fromage Fort
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. Fromage Fort, which translates to “strong cheese,” is a classic French spread that originated as a way to use up leftover cheese bits and rinds. It is typically made by blending various…
-
Apple Cake
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level EC7) Regular foods that are naturally soft and easy to chew, without tough, dry, or hard components. You know Fall has arrived when the trees start to display dazzling reds and yellows, but its not just the leaves responsible for the autumn colors. This easy to chew (IDDSI level EC7)…
-
Red Wine Poached Eggs
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level EC7) Regular foods that are naturally soft and easy to chew, without tough, dry, or hard components. Eggs poached in red wine might sound unconventional, but this dish is a testament to the simple yet luxurious nature of French country cooking. The combination of eggs and red wine sauce creates…