When my MIL was in her last years, what appealed most to her was soup. And the dietitician at the returement facility said that very often the elderly have a lack of saliva and lots of foods seem dry to them. Lots of creamed soups...potato soup was a particular favorite...made with real cream!..Cream of chicken soup, cream of spinach, home made cream of mushroom....and things like creamed eggs on toast. A very creamy rice pudding would be good as well as bread pudding with dried fruits. Breakfast doesn't always have to be eggs, toast and pancakes... and meals out don't always have to be non healthy. I had dinner out last night and I had a piece of fish...I could have had broiled salmon, but i chose fried flounder and a roll and a side of a huge portion of what they call "Normandy" which is steamed veggies, broccoli, cauliflower carrots and squash. There are lots of good things to eat at a restraunt...grilled meat, baked potato, salad with dressing on the side, a burger with slaw, soups...pasta. Just tell them to stay away from things like fries and the fish I had!...but it was good! Linda C

I apologize I'm just now getting back to this. Liriodendron - Thanks for the info about the Jarden jars. I'm going to look into them. I'll also check out Tractor Supply. I didn't realize they carried some of the things they do. When I first saw read how the girl on that blog froze the ingredients without blanching I figured it wouldn't taste right but she never mentioned it so I thought I'd give it a try. We have a Food Saver and seem to use it in spurts. I do like how fresh it keeps the food though. I also much prefer fresh or frozen and can is used as a last resort for us. I just realized I have a copy of the Ball canning book someone gave me the other year. I was planning to can tomato sauce but we didn't have enough tomatoes at the same time and I never got around to it. I'm going to have to flip through it. I'll also check out that website. Thanks! Marie - "I love it when I don't have to cook and can take home made soup or stew out of the freezer." Me too! Especially now that DS is here. It's just so much easier for me to have things already made. Lyfia - I noticed while out that there are a variety of smaller glass containers with lids available. I have a set of Pyrex ones that came in a set but I use them often enough that I need to pick up others for the freezer. Lyban - Good idea about the individual slices! Deedee - I haven't done cookie dough yet. I love the idea of freezing them on the tray and putting them in bags to bake later. I would like to have some desserts in the freezer at times for guests. We typically don't have junk food in the house (because we eat it, lol) There's a store close by when we're in a crunch but I'd prefer to whip out something home made vs. a bag of chips. Camlan - I'll have to try the cookies baked too. I've cooked pancakes and froze for later and they were good. I'd like to get into making my own bread but haven't done it yet. I'm still using the ice cube trays a lot but he's a toddler now so really go through the cubes. I should pick up more trays so I don't run out as often. Ever since we stopped mashing, not much fits in those tiny cubes! I'm thinking we'll start doing a combo of ice cube trays and other containers. This post was edited by sheesharee on Mon, Aug 5, 13 at 23:55

Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses to this thread. I enjoyed reading every one of them. Interesting that on a cooking forum, so many of your posts are more concerned with the people around the table rather than the food on the table. Is it a coincidence that a lot of us have chosen what could be called comfort food? Dukerdog, it sounds lovely and I wish it could happen. Sissyfran, a wonderful picnic! I might have to try gingersnaps and Pepsi. I love gingersnaps and coffee on a cold morning. Daylilydayzed, hugs to you in the loss of your mother. Lpinkmountain, your post cracked me up. Thanks for the chuckle. Teresa nc7, your post reminds me of a Seurat painting. The best part is that noone would be texting anyone or saying, "Excuse me, I need to take this call." (What is Chicken Foot?) Dixiedog, could I be invited to the Crab Seafood Fest? Sounds wonderful. Girlsingardens, youÂre going to need a lon-n-n-g table for all those grandbabies. Rachelellen, what a beautiful, loving thought. Chase, our Thanksgiving dinner is very much like my mother used to make. I wish I could ask her how she did some things, though. Triciae, I donÂt think the coffee would be noticed, either. So hereÂs to all our missing family members. Buon appetito!

Chicken Tortilla Soup -- Crockpot 15 minutes preparation, 8 hours cooking 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves 2 (15oz.) cans black beans 2 (15 oz.) cans Rotel tomatoes with chilies . 1 (14.5 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies . 1 cup salsa, your preference as to strength (I use medium) 1 can Niblets corn Rinse chicken and set aside. Without draining, place beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chilies and salsa in crockpot and stir until mixed. Submerge chicken in the mixture. Cook on low for 8 hours. Remove chicken from crockpot and shred with two forks. Return chicken to pot and stir in corn. Heat 10 -15 minutes, or just long enough to get corn and chicken hot. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Using the Rotel tomatoes with chilies will produce a slightly spicy soup  for a less spicy soup, use regular diced tomatoes and mild salsa. This recipe freezes well  itÂs like money in the bank! Enjoy! :o).