We love bringing you monthly recipes, whether it’s a celebratory cocktail or a hearty meal you can share with family. When seeking delicious dining options, would you consider a senior living facility? We wouldn’t either. But Sunrise at Mountain Lakes isn’t your ordinary place, and Robert Parlegreco isn’t your everyday chef.
Chef Parlegreco has spent a lifetime cooking everywhere from high-end restaurants to cafes. As the Dining Services Coordinator, he’s responsible for curating daily menus for the residents, as well as holidays, special events, and family gatherings. And these residents eat WELL. How does filet mignon, baked cod oreganato, elegant brunches, and homemade baked goods sound?
His love of great food is evident in his community engagement. He hosts interactive food demonstrations with residents, like cheesecake bake-offs. Chef Parlegreco and Sunrise at Mountain Lakes also partner with the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, leading “Junior Chef” cooking classes for kids. He prides himself on promoting fresh, seasonal menus for all ages.
He explains, “What I enjoy most is the smile on the resident’s face when they’re enjoying their food. There’s no greater satisfaction than that, to me.”
· 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
· 3 large sweet potatoes
· 1 large red onion
· 2 heads of broccoli
· 2 ripe avocados
· 1 pint of grape tomatoes
· 8 oz. crumbled feta cheese
· 1 bottle of ranch dressing
· brown rice (get the boil-in-a-bag rice)
· salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano
· olive oil for marinade, 1/2 cup divided
1. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into cubes, placing them in a mixing bowl with ½ the olive oil, and seasoning them well with salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano.
2. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Peel sweet potatoes. Cube and marinate like the chicken, and bake for 20-30
minutes at 350°F.
4. Cut the broccoli into small crowns and mix with the grape tomatoes. Cube the red onion and add it to the broccoli and tomatoes. In a mixing bowl, add the remaining oil and season with dry spices. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
5. If you prepare everything at once, you can bake it all together. While cooking, place the rice in boiling water. Plan so that everything comes out simultaneously.
6. In 6 large bowls, place the rice on the bottom, add chicken, broccoli, potatoes, onions, & tomatoes. Cut the avocado and divide it among the bowls, then finish with ranch dressing and enjoy!