Using Ensure for Enhanced Nutrition in Cooking
For many, nutritional supplements like Ensure are primarily viewed as a drink. However, both the liquid and powder versions can be a versatile and effective ingredient in a wide range of recipes, helping to create nutrient-dense meals for individuals with specific dietary needs, such as those recovering from illness, experiencing appetite loss, or needing to gain weight. Understanding how to properly incorporate Ensure into cooking is key to maximizing its benefits without compromising flavor or food safety.
How to Cook and Bake with Ensure
The key to cooking successfully with Ensure is to understand the different properties of the liquid and powder forms. Heat can denature some of the heat-sensitive nutrients in the liquid shake, which is why Abbott Nutrition, the maker of Ensure, recommends adding the supplement after the cooking process has cooled slightly for hot dishes like soups. For baked goods, it can be added to the batter without significant degradation.
Using Ensure Powder
- For baking: Ensure powder is highly versatile. It can be mixed directly with dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and spices. This works well for items such as muffins, pancakes, and banana bread, where it blends seamlessly into the batter. The powder can replace a portion of the flour, or simply be added to the dry mix for an extra boost.
- For thickening: In savory recipes, the powder can be used as a thickener for sauces, gravies, and soups. To prevent clumping, mix the powder with a small amount of liquid (such as cold water or milk) to form a smooth paste before adding it to the main dish. As mentioned, for hot dishes, it is best to remove from heat and let cool slightly before stirring in the powder.
Using Liquid Ensure
- As a milk substitute: Liquid Ensure can directly replace milk or cream in many recipes, such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and rice pudding. This is an easy way to add calories and nutrients. It works best in recipes that don't require boiling, as excessive heat can break down certain vitamins.
- For cold preparations: This is where liquid Ensure truly shines. It is the perfect base for high-protein smoothies, no-bake puddings, and frozen desserts. Blending it with fruits, yogurt, and other ingredients creates a delicious and nutrient-rich treat.
Ensure in Recipes vs. Traditional Ingredients
| Feature | Ensure in Recipes | Traditional Ingredients (e.g., Milk) |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density | Higher in protein, vitamins, and minerals. | Varies significantly depending on the ingredient. |
| Flavor Profile | Added sweetness from the shake can alter the final flavor. | Neutral or specific to the ingredient (e.g., milk flavor). |
| Cooking with Heat | Heat can affect the potency of some heat-sensitive nutrients. | High heat cooking is standard and doesn't affect nutrient content negatively in most cases. |
| Shelf Stability | Longer shelf life than fresh dairy products (unopened). | Requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life. |
| Dietary Specialization | Offers specialized nutritional profiles (e.g., lactose-free options). | Limited to the natural properties of the ingredient. |
Food Safety and Handling with Ensure
When incorporating Ensure into your cooking, proper handling is crucial. Always follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. For powder, ensure the opened can is covered tightly and stored in a cool, dry place. Once a liquid shake or powdered mix is prepared, it should be covered, refrigerated, and consumed within 24 hours. When heating, do so gently and avoid boiling to protect the nutrients. In hot dishes, add Ensure toward the end of cooking, as outlined in official Ensure recipes. For recipes that contain raw eggs or meat, Ensure should not be used as a substitute for proper food safety measures.
Recipe Ideas to Get Started
Here are a few simple ideas for incorporating Ensure into your meals:
High-Protein Smoothie: Blend a bottle of Ensure with a handful of frozen berries, a banana, and a scoop of peanut butter for a creamy, calorie-dense smoothie.
Nutrient-Packed Oatmeal: Mix Ensure powder into your cooked oatmeal along with cinnamon and nuts for a warm, fortified breakfast.
Savory Mashed Potatoes: Substitute a portion of the milk or butter with vanilla or unflavored Ensure in your mashed potatoes for a boost of nutrients.
Ensured Pancakes or Waffles: Replace a cup of milk with an equal amount of liquid Ensure in your pancake or waffle batter to make a high-protein breakfast.
Chocolate Fudge Pudding: Create a no-bake pudding by whisking Ensure Plus Calories Chocolate Fudge with cornstarch and chilling until set.
Conclusion
Using Ensure in recipes is a practical and effective method for enhancing the nutritional value of food. By understanding how to properly incorporate both the powder and liquid forms into different types of dishes, you can easily create meals that are not only delicious but also highly beneficial for those needing an extra nutritional boost. Always observe proper food safety guidelines to ensure the final product is safe and wholesome. The versatility of Ensure makes it a valuable asset in the kitchen for caregivers and individuals seeking to manage their dietary needs creatively.
