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Whether the kitchen has been remodeled or not, it's almost time for dinner. What now? Today I am talking about counter-top appliances and kitchen utensils. These small appliances broaden our cooking experiences and make cooking easier. You can use the same devices as anyone, but first decide if there is a reason you should be careful, and if it is worth it to you.

If you experience fatigue, weakness, unsteadiness, lack of balance and sitting in a wheelchair, you want to plan your cooking times. When you're feeling good is the time to cut, chop, grate, separate and store extra ingredients. Then when you are not up to the task you can use some of those saved ingredients, skip the work but still eat. When you are feeling fine, it may be helpful to plan preparation in stages — gather your ingredients, heat, and clean up — to guard against wearing out. Prepare a super meal only on those days you're feeling super. Always be willing to take advantage of help. That way, you can enjoy your meal, your family's company, and have a nice evening. Also, be willing to stop any time your MS says it is time for a break.

Now, let's start with counter-top appliances.

Counter-Top Appliances
Counter-top appliances help make kitchen tasks easier.  Many of these devices are very helpful for everyone; however, some are heavy and awkward, and you may need help when using them. Plan to use the awkward ones only when you have willing help available. When help is not available, it is time for a simpler meal.

Here are some popular counter-top appliances that are functional for all of us:

• Food processor - This may take the place of several separate devices.
• Meat grill - Some grills have replaceable plates to perform as sandwich makers, griddle, waffle irons, and other devices. They are getting much easier to clean, also.
• Crock-pot - A meal can be prepared one day, stored in refrigerator, and slow-cooked the next day.
  
• Stand mixer - A table mixer with a bowl firmly in place is often a better choice than a hand mixer.
• Electric skillet - Heavy and hot, helpers recommended, but with the right placement, this may be safer than stove burners.
  

There are also many small table appliances with specialty functions, such as boiling eggs. Of course there are standards like toasters, coffee brewers and can openers that are made in easy-to-handle styles, if needed.

Preparation Dishes
Preparing meals requires consideration of pans and bowls used, especially when your abilities are limited. Let's look at them separately.

Pans
If you prefer the range and oven, and have the strength and dexterity, use whatever cooking utensils you choose. If you have a problem with strength, however, be sure they are light and easy to handle. I still use a light skillet and medium sauce pan as well as baking utensils, but I rely pretty much on the microwave.

Containers
Bowls are useful for storing ingredients, dishes that are cooked ahead, and leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. These same containers are also used for cooking or heating in the microwave. Glass bowls are nice and at one time essential for heating cheese, but glass bowls tend to be heavy. Plastic bowls are lighter, but long microwave cooking times, sauces or heating cheese can cause the finish on a plastic bowl to become scarred or scratched. I have found that Tupperware and Rubbermaid grades of plastic do well with long cooking times, and Rubbermaid has a line of clear plastic bowls called Stain Shield that stay like new. I use both glass and plastic, but all my bowls are lightweight.