The COVID-19 pandemic has made eating in an everyday occurrence across the country, but for cancer patients who often have unique nutritional needs, at-home meal preparations can be particularly challenging. Fortunately, culinary experts at the OSUCCC – James are here to help with tips and easy-to-prepare recipes that can help cancer patients and caregivers get the most out of their homemade meals and snacks. “In The James Instructional Kitchen, we work with patients, outpatients and caregivers on personalized nutrition education plans,” says chef Stephanie Urrutia, RD, LD, a senior culinary educator at the OSUCCC – James. “We focus on high-protein, high-calorie and easy-to-eat recipes, and provide information tailored to the patients’ diagnoses.” Today’s Recipe: Vanilla Egg White Oatmeal “The vanilla egg white oatmeal highlights a high protein, high calorie option for patients going through treatment that is nutritionally-dense and pantry-friendly,” Urrutia says. “The consistency of the oatmeal can be adjusted using higher calorie milks or water to preserve the oatmeal’s flavor. Vanilla and maple syrup can be utilized to make the dish sweeter, opening up taste buds for those with taste changes. The higher calorie, high protein option can also be consumed as a hearty, balanced breakfast. “Oatmeal offers a plethora of nutritional benefits — it is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, lending to it anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, blood-sugar-balancing effects. Additionally, oatmeal is very filling, which can help keep up energy levels throughout the day. Each egg white has seven grams of protein, which helps up the protein value per bite while adding a nice silky consistency to the oatmeal. Oatmeal itself is higher in protein grain at five grams per cup. Toasted almonds add a nice crunch as well as seven grams of protein per three tablespoons. Any toasted nuts or peanut butter add great nutritional value to the oatmeal in the form of plant-based protein and mono/poly-unsaturated fats. “As always, it is important to remember that safe preparation and handling of foods is the most important factor for food preparation to make sure that you have lowered the risk for introducing food borne illnesses — bacteria and viruses — into your body.” Ingredients ½ cup old fashioned or quick oats 1 cup fat free milk 2 egg whites, beaten 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp salted butter ¼ cup chopped toasted almonds Cinnamon, pinch (optional) ½ tbsp maple syrup (optional) Directions Add oats and milk to pot on stove top over medium heat; stir Continue to cook until oats have absorbed most of the milk (about 2 minutes) Pour in beaten egg whites and vanilla and mix vigorously with fork until well-blended Stir in butter Reduce to simmer and continue to cook for about two minutes, continuously stirring Once oats absorb all of the liquid, the oats will appear puffy and creamy; cover with lid and remove from heat Let pot sit, covered, for 5 minutes Stir mixture, top with almonds, maple syrup and cinnamon. Enjoy! *Topping mixture with Greek yogurt can increase protein and make a creamier oatmeal