Author Archives: Melinda

Handling Holiday Frenzy

Well, the countdown has officially begun; the holiday season is rapidly approaching. For some of us, that equals lots of activity, more time in the kitchen, and stress. In the last few years I’ve made a concerted effort not to let myself get bogged down by the idea of a perfect holiday. I have accepted…

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Pear Cranberry Crumble

Here’s a recipe for a delicious and easy crumble, a good alternative for those at your table who do not enjoy pumpkin pie. Fall is a wonderful time to make use of pears and cranberries; they are at the peak of freshness at this time of year. Ingredients Crumb Topping: 1 cup pecans 3 Tbs….

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Opportunities for Learning and Reconnecting

These past few weeks we’ve been swamped with school projects, meetings, and sick family members. It’s been difficult to stay connected as a family and to find activities that help keep the kids engaged and excited. This week we decided to put together some activities that we could do as a family that provide opportunities…

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GFCF Stuffing

This week, we’re talking stuffing. For me, turkey and stuffing are like peanut butter and jelly; they’re two elements that are good on their own, but make beautiful music when paired together. I modified my old (pre-GFCF diet) stuffing recipe so that my whole family can eat it. Since I’m usually short on time during…

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Look Into My Eyes

One of the things I noticed about Zoe when we first suspected she had autism was the lack of eye contact. When the neurologist and the developmental pediatrician evaluated Zoe, frequency of eye contact was one of the many things they asked about. Ask most parents of autistic children and they’ll tell you that getting…

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GFCF Pumpkin Pie

All this month Cooking for Special Needs is focusing on holiday favorites. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this week we’re taking on a classic…pumpkin pie. GFCF Pumpkin Pie (Recipe from About.com) 1 15 ounce can pumpkin 1 cup soy milk 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup corn starch 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 2…

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“The Sibling Problem”?

I stumbled upon this article by Amy Leonard Goehner in Time Magazine about autistic children and their siblings. Specifically, the article talks about the challenges neurotypical siblings of special-needs kids face and gives some strategies to help families develop a positive relationship between siblings. The author states that the neurotypical sibling “commonly has very negative…

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Split Pea Soup, and a New Theme

Welcome to the final installment of our month of one-pot suppers. I hope you’ve enjoyed these recipes, and were inspired to try something new. In November, Cooking for Special Needs will be devoted to remaking some Thanksgiving favorites. If you have a holiday recipe you’d like to make over, send me an email at [email protected]

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I Heart Handipoints

Like most parents, I sometimes struggle to get my kids to keep their rooms clean and help around the house. Zoe also went through a period where she was stimming without using her therapeutic fidget toy, which is damaging to her hands. I looked for a system to get the kids to do their chores—and…

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Crock Pot Beef Stew

Here’s another slow-cooker recipe, this time for a hearty beef stew. This is perfect for a cold evening indoors; just add a DVD and you’re all set! Ingredients: 3 carrots, roughly cut 3 potatoes, cut into large cubes 2 lb. stew beef ½ cup water ½ cup canned tomato sauce 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (Lea…

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