Over the last few months I have been cooking and delivering meals for an 84 year old women with chronic kidney failure that attends dialysis treatments three times a week.  I don't know much about dialysis but what I do know is the treatment is very exhausting with a diet that is highly restrictive.  The first couple of times when making deliveries she would meet me at the door and we would exchange friendly chit-chat.  However, over the last few weeks our exchanges have evolved.  The door is left unlocked, I let myself in, and then set about making my prepared meals comfortable in her refrigerator.  I can tell she is tired.  Sometimes I find her sitting in the dark and fear that's only because she is too weak to stand to turn the lights on. One look at her swollen feet and I know my job is more than providing her with dinner.  I have a self-appointed side duty of providing small but important creature comforts.  Nothing extravagant, as doing so might burden her with conversation she is too tired to have.  Instead I address a few minor things to make her evening a little more comfortable.  I turn a light on, move the TV remote closer and serve her a meal on the seated portion of her walker so that she can eat at a "table" and have mobility when she is ready.  The last thing I want her to do is stand-up.  "Rest Lori, just rest...  I got this".

Unfortunately, I only provide dinner so what's to be done about breakfast you ask?  Well, let me introduce you to the Dutch Baby!  Whereas pancakes require constant standing and supervision, the Dutch Baby is more like a "set it and forget it" version.  It requires few ingredients and bakes in the oven allowing tired feet to rest while you wait.  This recipe is also free from added phosphates which are often found in store bought mixes.  High amount of phosphates in the blood can cause assorted calcium related issues in the blood, tissue, and bones which is a serious concerns for someone dealing with renal failure.

Something about the crackling sound the Dutch Baby makes when you add the fruit makes me giddy! Throw in the fact that the ingredients are simple, the cooking is low maintenance and it's free from cautionary additives makes this a win, regardless of kidney status. So, go make one and kick up your heels!  The Dutch Baby might quickly become your new breakfast standard.