Cooking on One Functioning Brain Cell
When summer does its worst, there’s still garlic. And yoghurt.
Summer is a Bitch—and she bites.
I know, I know… I’ve been whining about the heat a lot over the past couple of weeks, but this is my current reality. Summer and I don’t get along.
It has been stealing my spoons ever since I was little, and as if that alone weren’t enough, it also seems hell-bent on melting my brain.
All my little grey cells. Melted into a large, muddled puddle.
Hi, I’m Daan 👨🍳! I’m a wheelchair-rocking foodie, sharing gluten-free plant-based recipes and low-spoon kitchen strategies for Spoonies. I also write about accessible home design where beauty and comfort are just as important as function. Because every Spoonie deserves beauty and good food.
Cooking? You’ve Got to be Kidding!
During summer, you’ll only find me in the kitchen to grab a drink. A quick bite to eat. But real cooking? That’s just not happening.
Developing new recipes?
Recipe testing?
Go away!
And yet… there’s the blog.
Substack.
I still wanted to publish something. Something actually helpful. Because how could I live with myself if I let my fellow-spoonies down? 😉
Garlic Yoghurt Dressing to the Rescue
Then, as I was whipping up a quick garlic yoghurt dressing to drown my cucumber and cherry tomato salad, I had this light bulb moment.
I’d been making this delicious dressing for years. So often, I could make it with my eyes closed. And on just one functioning brain cell.
It’s been tested a hundred times already—by my partner, daughter, and very picky son. By friends and family. And nobody (except my garlic-hating sister) has ever withheld their seal of approval.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to pretty much any dish you could think of. (OK, maybe not pudding. Or biscuits.)
Have a look:
✅ Cucumber-and-tomato salad
✅ Oven-roasted potatoes
✅ Sheet-pan veggies
✅ Falafel
✅ Over pizza
✅ On wraps
✅ And much, much more
What better recipe to share with you than this one?
This Week’s Question
What do you eat when your brain has melted?
Thank you for being here.
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From my kitchen to yours,
Daan👨🍳
Your friendly spoonie chef
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Shredded carrot salad: shredded carrots (duh) and anything salad-y or fruit-y on hand, with toppers like croutons or French fried onions from Ikea, if feeling fresh and fancy.
Your garlic yogurt dressing would be yummy on it!
Funny you should ask, because I just finished eating some - my go-to for one brain cell is instant mashed potatoes. (Add dried chives and lots of seasoning)