One of the challenges we face in Assisted Living, or any other senior housing environment is trying to appeal to everyone’s preferences and palate at meal times. The generation of seniors that we have the honor and privilege to care for, were wonderful cooks, and look to us for the same type of dining experience. They lived in an era where restaurants were not as freely available and depend on us as Assisted Living providers to provide a home style, nutritious, and tasty meal. Although it is difficult to please everyone, we certainly do our best as residents join our community to interview each resident to determine their likes and dislikes so that when planning meals we meet everyone’s expectations. In addition to accommodating likes and dislikes we take pride in offering a variety of choices as nutritious alternates for our residents. Our Assisted Living communities, in Georgia and Tennessee, recognize these needs and involve our residents in various programs surrounding our dietary department. Residents participate in meal planning, have dietician consults, and engage in Cooking Classes at our Assisted Living communities. A Food Committee meeting which encourages residents and their families to suggest ideas, share recipes, and taste test new items is part of our routine life enrichment activities. One of our most treasured events involving meals is when a new resident moves into our Assisted Living communities, we ask for their favorite recipe, either their favorite meal or a favorite item they prepared for their family, and within the week we try to incorporate their special dish into our menu and recognize them (sometimes they even help us in the preparation). This is an opportunity to welcome residents and provide the comforting feeling of home through food. Many of the recipes from our residents, families, and employees are highlighted in our recent cookbook – The BBQ Doctor Cookbook – A compilation of classic recipes from the Senior Solutions Communities.
Having the BBQ Doctor as a competitive BBQ team that represents our communities, also involves our residents. The residents are as excited as the BBQ Doctor is when it comes to competitions! They are proud to share the anticipation and joy as the team competes in cook offs, and the wins are always a huge celebration! Here is a sample recipe from the cookbook and our highlighted recipe of the week –
Fried Confetti Corn submitted by
Shanan Johnson – Controller of Senior Solutions Management Group
8 Bacon slices; 6 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 8 ears); 1 cup diced sweet onions; 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper; 1/2 cup chopped green pepper; 1 (8oz.) pkg. Cream Cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup half and half; 1 tsp. sugar; 1 tsp. salt; and 1 tsp. pepper
Cook bacon in a large skillet, over medium – high, heat 6-8 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon, and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Coarsely crumble bacon. Sauté corn and next 3 ingredients in bacon drippings in skillet over medium – high heat 6 minutes or until tender. Add cream cheese and half and half. Stir until cream cheese melts. Stir in sugar, salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with crumbled bacon. Delicious!