Cooking with Low Vision: Tips & Techniques for Independence

Cooking can be a challenging task for individuals with low vision or blindness, but with the right strategies and tools, it's entirely possible to cook safely and enjoyably. This blog post aims to empower those with visual impairments by offering practical solutions to common cooking struggles, introducing accessible kitchen gadgets, and providing modified recipes for an air fryer loaded potato and oatmeal made in an instant pot. At the end of this article, we have provided links to purchase these cooking tools as well as easy recipes to get you started!

Common Cooking Struggles & Solutions

Many individuals with low vision face various challenges in the kitchen, including forgetting to turn off the stove, difficulty pouring liquids without spills, and the risk of burns or cuts. These issues are often compounded by memory loss or difficulty in distinguishing colors and contrasts, which can lead to overlooking important steps or ingredients.

Solutions:

• Memory Aids: Utilize timers (audible or tactile) to remind you when to turn off the stove or check on your cooking. Labeling appliances and containers with braille or tactile markers can also help in remembering their functions and locations.
• Safety Measures: Use finger protectors or thick gloves when cutting or chopping and oven mitts with enhanced grip to prevent burns. Place contrasting-colored mats or trays under bowls and cups to improve visibility and reduce spills.
• Organizational Techniques: Establish a consistent layout for your kitchen tools and ingredients. Consider using tactile markers to denote the 'home' position for frequently used items.
• Technology Assistance: Employ apps like SeeingAI for reading out appliance settings or instructions. Talking measuring cups and scales can assist in accurate ingredient measurement.

Accessible Kitchen Gadgets

Enhancing your kitchen with accessible tools can significantly improve the cooking experience for those with visual impairments:

• Choppers and Slicers: Equip your kitchen with easy-to-use vegetable choppers and slicers that come with safety guards to protect fingers.
• Audible Timers and Thermometers: Opt for timers and thermometers that provide audible alerts, helping to track cooking times and temperatures without the need to visually check.
• Contrast and Tactile Markers: Use bump dots or tactile markers on appliances to indicate settings or buttons. Choose kitchenware and utensils in contrasting colors to make them more visible.
• Talking Measuring Cups and Scales: These tools verbally announce the volume or weight of ingredients, ensuring accurate measurements.
• Talking meat thermometer: This tool can ensure proper cooking temperatures for non-vegetarian items like chicken and steak.
• Thick gloves: These can prevent burns or cuts during cooking

3. Air Fryer Loaded Potato Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Large Russet Potato, cut into approx ¼ inch thick slices
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2-3 bacon slices, cooked and cut into small pieces (or bacon crumbles)
• 2 Tablespoons green onions for topping, chopped. Can substitute with chives.
• ¼ cup sour cream. For toppings.

Instructions:

1. Prep: Use a finger protector or a chopper to safely cut the potato into slices or cubes, depending on your preference.
2. Air Fryer Setup: Place a tactile marker (bump dot) on the air fryer’s start knob for easier operation. Use the SeeingAI app to read aloud any text on the air fryer, if necessary.
3. Cooking: Place the cut up potato in the air fryer basket. Twist the knob (listening for the audible sound indicating the air fryer is on) and set it to cook for about 20 minutes at 400°F. Set a timer for 10 minutes so that you may flip the potatoes halfway through.
4. Toppings: While the potato cooks, prepare your toppings, using tactile markers to distinguish different ingredients.
5. Assembly: Combine the potato with toppings on a large plate or bowl to ensure an easy clean up.

4. Instant Pot Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats (use a black measuring cup for contrast)
• 2-2.5 cups water or milk
• Toppings of choice (fruit, nuts, honey, brown sugar)

Instructions:

1. Prep: Measure the oats and liquid using a talking measuring cup for accurate proportions.
2. Instant Pot Setup: Locate the oatmeal setting using tactile markers or the SeeingAI app for assistance.
3. Cooking: Add the oats and liquid to the pot. Use the auditory signals of the instant pot to confirm it's correctly set. Cook according to the instant pot’s instructions for oatmeal.
4. Toppings: Prepare your toppings, opting for items with different textures and temperatures to create contrast.

Low vision or not, cuts and burns are part of the cooking process so don’t be afraid to start small and work your way towards more complex dishes. In any case, keep a first aid kit handy for any emergencies that occur while cooking.

Low Vision Kitchen Tools

Cooking Aids and Appliances: https://lssproducts.com/daily-living-products-for-the-visually-impaired/cooking-aids-appliances/

Measuring and Cutting Equipment: https://lssproducts.com/daily-living-products-for-the-visually-impaired/measuring-cutting-products/

Eating Aids: https://lssproducts.com/daily-living-products-for-the-visually-impaired/eating-aids/

Recipe Links

https://dailyyum.com/air-fryer-potato-sliders/

https://minimalistbaker.com/instant-pot-oats-fast-creamy-oatmeal/