This season, we all pause to think about what is most important to us—and to give thanks for our blessings. It is an especially exciting time at the Delaney of Bridgewater senior living community, where residents will have the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their new extended family.
The Delaney, which opened last March and has more than 200 units for independent living, assisted living and memory care, is gearing up to make its first Thanksgiving one residents will remember. The festivities they have planned can give families some creative ideas on how they, too, can engage with loved ones close and far away and share love, gratitude and, of course, great food.
“We will never replace family, but we become an extension in so many ways. We will begin making our own traditions and memories as we grow together,” says Julianne Mackey, executive director. “We will begin by having a delicious Thanksgiving dinner—complete with all the favorite dishes—that will be shared by our residents. The halls will be filled with familiar aromas that remind us of beloved family traditions, which will create a warm, cozy, fall atmosphere. The festivities will be kicked off with a special cocktail.”
The Delaney’s goal is to connect residents to each other and to the broader community to help both thrive and flourish. It stays true to the meaning of its name, which is derived from the French surname deAunou, which means “of an alder grove.” “Alder trees are special because their roots actually improve the soil around them. So, an alder grove is not just part of the landscape; it makes the landscape better,” Mackey says. “This is likewise our mission.”
As an homage to the name and in the spirit of giving thanks, the residents will write what they are grateful for since their move to the Delaney on cards with their photo, which will be used to build an “Alder Thanksgiving Tree” that will be revealed at the community’s Thanksgiving dinner. “Whether they give thanks for the food, friends, comradery, peace of mind or being closer to their adult children, this ‘family tree’ will remind us of the true meaning of Thanksgiving through their messages of gratitude,” Mackey says.
Serve up some of the Delaney's delicious side dishes with the recipes they provided and learn more about The Delaney of Bridgewater at thedelaneyofbridgewater.com.
Macaroni and Cheese
Serves 24
2 quarts water
1 tbsp oil
1 lb elbow pasta
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp butter
1 ½ lb shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
1 tbsp shredded mozzarella
6 fresh eggs
1 ½ c milk
½ tsp granulated garlic
Pre-heat oven to 375°.
Put oil in the water and bring to a boil.
Add elbow pasta on lower flame and cook for 11 minutes.
Drain water off pasta, pour into a mixing bowl and sprinkle black pepper and butter. Mix evenly.
Add cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses and mix thoroughly while hot.
Transfer to appropriate-size casserole dish, which has been sprayed with no-stick spray.
In the same mixing bowl, crack eggs, pour whole milk and add granulated garlic and black pepper.
Whisk thoroughly, pour into casserole dish and stir.
Baked uncovered in convection oven, stirring and returning to oven when half-way done.
Bake until golden.
Candied Yams
Serves 16
5 lbs yams
½ lb sweet butter
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon extract
3 tbsp brown sugar
Marshmallows or whipped cream
Mint leaf
Pre-heat oven to 350°.
Peel yams and cut into medallions. Boil for 15 minutes.
Remove from pot and place evenly in casserole dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt sweet butter. Add nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon extract and brown sugar.
Evenly ladle mixture over yams and bake until caramelized.
Remove and top with marshmallows or whipped cream and mint leaf.
Cornbread Stuffing
Serves 20
4 celery sticks, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
½ tsp sage
1 tbsp chicken stock
¼ lb butter
½ gallon water
1 lb cornbread stuffing
Pre-heat oven to 350°.
Place celery, onion, sage, chicken stock and butter in a medium pot and water and simmer for 20 minutes.
Pour cornbread stuffing mix in a large mixing bowl, then pour the other ingredients on top in small amounts at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Place in casserole dish and bake until the crust is golden brown.