Christie Gardens Launches Inspiring New Cookbook for a ‘Good Life’
Christie Gardens launched its cookbook The Fuss About Food at a Grand Event on November 29 at 7 p.m. at its 600 Melita Crescent location (just south of Davenport on Christie). Guests were able to see select signature dishes from the book, and enjoy some taste sensations. Grace Sweatman, CEO was on hand together with Executive Chef Joseph Stephens and his culinary team to meet and greet attendees.
What would be your ideal recipe for a good life? Entertaining friends and family with savoury appetizers, healthy super foods, super healthy healing herbs? Would it be Magic Beef Stew? What about Chicken Picasso? Maybe Angel Apple Cake or even Aunt Doe’s Lemon Squares? For residents and staff at Christie Gardens, Toronto’s Distinctive Retirement Community, the fuss over food continues with a unique collection of favourite recipes.After months of research, testing, tasting, cooking and writing, the result was an inspiring new cookbook entitled, The Fuss Over Food, featuring contributions from staff, their Executive Chef Joseph Stephens and of course, the residents.
The Fuss Over Food can be purchased at Christie Gardens for only $25 with all proceeds going to the Christie Gardens Foundation which helps to make a ‘vital’ difference in the lives of residents and their families, providing financial relief for residents unable to cover the cost of assisted living services and accommodation.
The Fuss Over Food can be purchased at Christie Gardens for only $25 with all proceeds going to the Christie Gardens Foundation which helps to make a ‘vital’ difference in the lives of residents and their families, providing financial relief for residents unable to cover the cost of assisted living services and accommodation.
The ‘fuss’ over food at Christie Gardens has been going on since its inception more than 25 years ago with the goal of creating a fine dining experience for all who lived in and visited their community. Today, residents enjoy regular socially inviting, nutritionally satisfying dining experiences which they are proud to share with their family and friends – and now through the publication of The Fuss Over Food.
“A few times each month, we invite residents and staff come together to make a meal. Sometimes it’s for dinner, other times it’s for lunch, but it's always a great excuse to stay connected,” said Ann Peachman-Stewart, a resident who contributed her recipe for Magic Beef Stew. “Our Life Enrichment Coordinators go to extremes to make these special lunches and dinners happen. It’s not unusual for them to lug crock?pots to work on public transit, ‘borrow’ eggs from the kitchen, and rally all interested residents to chop meat, wash vegetables and lend their expertise to the art of making dinner. Residents feel the value inherent in their contributions and get to enjoy the benefits of their hard work with friends, volunteers and staff,” she adds.
Not only have the residents contributed to the creation of The Fuss Over Food but they are also active members in their community. Resident Bruce Schaef is known for his delicious lemon squares, which make an appearance at this event. He also hosts cooking demonstrations with his wife, Dianne, in his apartment, for fellow Toronto assisted living seniors.
Sodexo Canada, world leader in food services is proud to have contributed to this worthwhile project. Sodexo and Christie Gardens just recently celebrated a 25 year partnership of working together to meet the cultural and nutritional needs of residents and staff.
No matter your age, all can agree that the dishes presented in this inspiring cookbook will enrich your taste for a Good Life. The Fuss Over Food is the perfect cookbook for those who appreciate the comfort and joy of great food. People are invited to purchase this book by visiting or calling Christie Gardens at 416.530.1330.
Christie Gardens has been serving residents physically, socially and spiritually for over 25 years; bringing a quality of life to all who choose to call Christie Gardens home.
For more information contact: Susanne Simic, Simic Public Relations, (416) 622-3358 susanne.simic@sympatico.ca.
Article courtesy of Christie Gardens (TORONTO – November 20, 2012).
