Valentine’s Day honors Saint Valentine, a physician and Roman religious figure who was persecuted. He’s the patron saint of romance. While there are several legends surrounding why he became the patron saint of romance, it doesn’t change that his role in helping others find love is the reason this day is celebrated every February 14th.
When your mom lives alone, does anyone have the time to spend with her on Valentine’s Day? If not, consider dropping off a meal so that she has a special treat for the evening. What are some hearty meals that you can make in advance, drop off, and be easy for her to reheat or eat without warming?
Stew
A hearty stew doesn’t take much effort, but it’s filling and easy to reheat. Beef cubes, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, peas, mushrooms, and rutabaga are all vegetables you can add to a stew. Finally, add pinto beans for a boost of fiber.
Toss the beef in flour and brown them first, add some beef or vegetable stock, and slow cook it. Portion the stew into smaller containers that your mom can microwave when she’s hungry.
To go with the stew, look into a hearty dessert, like rice pudding or bread pudding. If your mom likes raisins, you can add that for natural sweetness and cut back on the sugar used in the recipe you use.
Pot Pie
Make a chicken or beef pot pie for her. You can make smaller ones in extra-large muffin tins or custard cups if you want. Make sure they’re filled with plenty of vegetables. Purchase pie crust if you don’t want to make it from scratch. Pre-bake them so that your mom can simply microwave them when she’s hungry.
While making smaller pot pies, consider adding some small apple or raspberry pies, too. If you do, she can follow it with a dessert. Purchase a pint of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt as an added treat.
Soup and Bread
Make a pot of your mom’s favorite soup. If you’re looking for a hearty, healthier soup, then a bean and barley soup is a great choice. Store it in soup containers that she can transfer into a pot and heat up. Add a loaf of homemade or bakery bread to go with it.
What kind of dessert should you include with soup? How about some homemade brownies or cupcakes? You could also purchase them at a local bakery if you don’t have time to make them from scratch.
Senior home care is a great way to support your mom while she ages at home. She maintains her independence while having someone to help. Arrange senior home care after gathering input from your family and getting a list of questions together.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Sun City, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings for Seniors Companion Care at (623) 594-0819.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Valentine
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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