Special Book Helps Disabled Shop, Cook

The developmentally disabled have a hard time shopping, let alone cooking, for themselves. A well-thought-out book called “The Instant Chef” makes both activities as easy as possible for them.

The ingredient list for the 10 recipes - basic American stuff such as tuna casserole, meat loaf and chicken cacciatore - includes color photos of the ingredients required. The same photos appear on “shopping cards” that can be marked, taken to the store and matched to the labels on the shelves.

The procedures are fully illustrated at every step, and each cooking instruction is accompanied by a photo of the relevant range or oven switch setting. Everything is printed on sturdy, plastic-sealed board.

The book was produced by Project Independence, a group of parents and advocates for the developmentally disabled based in Orange and Los Angeles counties. To order a copy ($12 plus $3 shipping), call (714) 549-3464.