We are looking for a reliable and capable in-home cook to prepare a variety of home-cooked meals for a retired family member. He lives near the downtown area in London, Ontario.


TYPE OF COOKING:

The ideal applicant will be comfortable preparing a wide range of traditional Canadian-style meals and familiar home cooking. Examples include:

Meatloaf, pork chops, roast beef, and other roasted meats

Lasagna and other traditional casseroles

Potatoes, gravy, and a variety of cooked vegetables

Fresh salads and homemade soups

Desserts, cakes, pies, and other baked goods

Desserts are particularly important to him, so the ability to prepare a good variety of homemade desserts would be a definite asset.

We are looking for traditional, familiar meals rather than spicy foods or ethnic cuisines such as Indian or Thai, which are not to his taste. No spicy foods, please.


SCHEDULE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Approximately 9 hours per week (with some flexibility) plus time spent grocery shopping

Visits three times per week on weekdays, with the specific days negotiable.

A kitchen will be available for meal preparation

Responsibilities will include preparing meals, planning menus, organizing ingredients, and cleaning the kitchen and work area after cooking.

Meal planning should provide a good variety of dishes throughout the month, avoiding unnecessary repetition.

Beyond preparing meals, he would greatly appreciate someone who is willing to sit down and enjoy a meal with him from time to time. Sharing a meal and having a friendly conversation would make the experience more enjoyable. We are looking for someone who values both good home cooking and a little companionship.


COMPENSATION AND GROCERIES:

Compensation will be fair and negotiable, depending on the applicant's experience, proposed arrangements, and responsibilities.

The cost of groceries will be reimbursed or paid for separately from the cook's compensation. The cook will not be expected to cover food costs personally.


IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT FOR APPLICANTS:

Serious applicants must submit a proposed one-month meal plan in a format of their choice.

The purpose is to understand your approach to meal planning and the kinds of meals you would prepare. Please include enough detail to demonstrate the variety and thought you would put into the menu.


Your proposed plan should ideally include:

A four-week menu showing the meals you would prepare.

A good balance of meat dishes, vegetables, potatoes and other side dishes, soups, and salads.

A selection of homemade/purchased desserts and baked goods.

Variety from week to week, using familiar Canadian-style cooking.

Any additional thoughts you have about planning, preparation, and making meals enjoyable.

You are welcome to submit a sample menu with recipes, or another format that clearly demonstrates your ideas. A grocery list with estimated monthly costs would also be appreciated.


HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested, please email zane_khan@hotmail.com.

Please introduce yourself, describe your cooking experience, and include your proposed one-month meal plan.


We look forward to hearing from qualified applicants who take pride in preparing good, traditional home-cooked food. Thank you.