I never dreamed I would be printing a “poop type” chart so that the team had a picture for a method of communication.  “A big one” meant something different to everyone on the team and I do not want to go into details.

We tried teas, Metamucil, laxative powders and kept a detailed diary of this exciting process.  Never had there been more discussion on this delicate subject.  I also printed information sheets on high fiber foods and we stuffed Mom with raspberries!

In the end these two recipes were a lifesaver.  The fig whip could be spread on toast, added to yogurt, mixed in a smoothie or just licked off a spoon.  Mom loved to eat the cookies as did the team.   I would make a big batch of everything and always have the freezer stocked. Cooking was a way that Mom showed us love and it has been passed along to everyone in our family!

 

Fig Whip – Beverley-Travis Natural Laxative Mixture

Ingredients: One cup each of raisins, pitted prunes, figs, dates, currants and one cup of prune juice concentrate. Check for random pits in the prunes and dates.

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until a thick jam. Store in the refrigerator.  I liked to make a double batch in a food processor and fill sterilized 8 oz jam jars and store those in the freezer.

Dose: Two tablespoons twice a day.  Increase or decrease the dose according to the consistency and frequency of bowel movement.  Refer to that handy chart!!!

High Fiber Cookies 

Ingredients and Method:

Beat:                     1 cup butter

Add:                      2/3 cup white sugar  and 1 cup brown sugar

Add:                      3 eggs and 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Mix in large bowel:          2 cups old fashioned rolled oats,  ½ cup whole wheat flour, ½ cup all-purpose flour,  1 cup ground flaxseed (store leftover flaxseed in the fridge or freezer), 2 cups wheat bran, 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 2 cups raisins

Add dry ingredients to butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Mix just until even.

 

Scoop large spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Do not press. Bake at 350F for about 10 min.  Pull out when still a bit moist. Over baking just makes these cookies dry.  I have switched out the raisins and cinnamon for dried cranberries, orange zest and ginger. And original recipe calls for chocolate chips. Yummy.

Makes 36 large cookies each with approximately 3.9 grams of fiber per cookie.