Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts
Episode: In the Kitchen with Vision Loss
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Host: Ricky Enger
Guest: Deborah Erickson, Founder of the Blind Kitchen

Introduction

In the April 24, 2025 episode of Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts, host Ricky Enger delves into the challenges and triumphs of cooking with vision loss. The episode features Deborah Erickson, the founder of the Blind Kitchen, who shares her personal journey, insights from culinary school, and practical tips to make the kitchen a safe and enjoyable space for individuals experiencing vision impairment.

Deborah’s Background

Deborah Erickson introduces herself as a blind individual diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive vision loss condition. Growing up as one of twelve children in Indiana, Deborah explains that her early cooking experiences were limited to basic tasks like peeling potatoes and setting the table, emphasizing that she was "not a good cook" initially ([03:46]).

Notable Quote:
"I was not a good cook, and I really didn't particularly enjoy it. My part was peeling 10 pounds of potatoes, setting the table, and then cleaning up afterwards." – Deborah Erickson ([03:46])

Experience in Culinary School

Deborah recounts her unique experience as the only blind student in culinary school. She highlights the intensive nature of the program—six hours a day, five days a week—and the necessity to adapt traditional cooking methods to accommodate her vision loss. This perseverance led to the creation of the Blind Kitchen, a resource compiling tools and techniques she developed ([02:51]).

Notable Quote:
"When you're in culinary school, it's very busy... I had to learn to solve a lot of problems, and that's how the Blind Kitchen came to be." – Deborah Erickson ([02:51])

One pivotal moment Deborah shares is her experience making a Dutch baby under the guidance of her cooking instructor, Char. Facing the fear of handling a hot pan without sight, Deborah had to confront her paralysis and learned valuable lessons about managing fear in the kitchen ([07:04]).

Notable Quote:
"Sometimes your fear overrides your brain for a little bit. And so that was a gift to me as a teacher to recognize how paralyzing fear can be." – Deborah Erickson ([07:05])

Overcoming Fear in the Kitchen

A significant portion of the conversation centers on navigating fear—both personal and that of others—when cooking with vision loss. Deborah emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between healthy respect for kitchen hazards and debilitating fear that hinders independence.

Notable Quote:
"You have to have a strategy to get around it if you can't see it. Or tools, whichever. Some are both and some are one or the other." – Deborah Erickson ([14:00])

Ricky resonates with Deborah's experiences, relating them to his own moments of anxiety in the kitchen, such as worrying about not hearing everything due to a stove fan running. The dialogue underscores that while fear is a natural response to potential hazards, it can be managed with the right strategies and tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Safety

Deborah shares a comprehensive list of tools essential for ensuring safety in the kitchen for individuals with vision loss:

1. Cut Gloves: Thin gloves worn on the hand holding food to prevent cuts while maintaining tactile feedback.
2. Heat Gloves: Unlike bulky traditional gloves, these allow for better grip and flexibility with silicone designs to prevent slipping.
3. Work Trays: Similar to cafeteria trays, they contain spills and make cleanup manageable.
4. Cutting and Chopping Collections: Specialized tools designed to keep hands safe during preparation.

Notable Quote:
"A cut glove would be one that's a relatively thin glove that you wear on the hand holding the food... And so not only are you getting heat protection, you're also going to be able to trust that you have a more secure grip on it." – Deborah Erickson ([17:53])

Ricky echoes the importance of these tools, particularly highlighting work trays as a means to prevent messes and simplify measuring ingredients.

Techniques for Presentation and Portioning

Moving beyond safety, Deborah discusses the significance of presentation in cooking. She introduces the use of portion scoops—similar to ice cream scoops—in various sizes to ensure consistent and attractive plating without relying on sight.

Notable Quote:
"I'm giving you three times as much rice as I'm. I'm giving your buddy. Your buddy's going to be mad and probably not come back to the restaurant." – Deborah Erickson ([20:27])

By employing portion scoops, Deborah ensures uniformity in servings, enhancing both the aesthetic and fairness of meal portions. She also mentions simple techniques like sprinkling fresh herbs or toasted nuts to elevate the presentation further.

Final Advice and Closing Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Deborah offers valuable advice for individuals hesitant to cook due to fear or past challenges. She encourages breaking down the cooking process into manageable tasks and addressing specific fears one at a time. This approach builds confidence and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Notable Quote:
"Instead of just having this general fear door in front of them... it's too big. Pick a piece of it and then pat yourself on the back when you get it right, and then pick another piece." – Deborah Erickson ([23:24])

Ricky concurs, highlighting the rewarding nature of overcoming fears, especially when the success is tangible—like enjoying a meal one has prepared.

Conclusion

This episode of Hadley Presents offers an inspiring look into the world of cooking with vision loss through Deborah Erickson's experiences and insights. From overcoming personal fears to utilizing specialized tools, Deborah provides a roadmap for making the kitchen a safe and enjoyable environment. Listeners are encouraged to visit TheBlindKitchen.com for more resources and to join Hadley's "What's Cooking" discussion group for further support and community engagement.

Closing Quote:
"Pick a piece of it and then pat yourself on the back when you get it right, and then pick another piece." – Deborah Erickson ([24:29])

Resources Mentioned:

• The Blind Kitchen: TheBlindKitchen.com
• Hadley’s What's Cooking Discussion Group: Connect with other cooking enthusiasts and share recipes or tips.

For more episodes and expert conversations, visit HadleyHelps.org or contact them at podcast@hadleyhelps.org.