By: Kelsey Wichman, Executive Director, Woodstone of Hutchinson
Today was our first Kitchen Corner here at Woodstone. Residents, Kristen (Food Service Director), Aimee (Lead Care Manager), and Kelsey (Executive Director) all participated. There was much discussion about the upcoming summer menu. Kristen treated us to a fun Pinterest inspired summer drink which was Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade, which was given mixed reviews. Renee, (Woodstone Resident) said it was different but good. Lucille (Woodstone Resident) stated “I will stick to the watermelon and eat it as a fruit.” Kristen, said I will be bringing different items to taste at each monthly Kitchen Corner for something new and fun to experiment with.
At today’s Kitchen Corner we discussed foods we grill and what the residents would want to see and not see. Kristen asked the residents what they would like to see being served off the girl. Residents agreed chicken, hamburgers, pork chops and hotdogs are good grilling foods. Then Millie stated “don’t forget the gravy with the pork chops, lots of gravy.” Many residents agreed with Millie that we can never have enough gravy. Donna, (Woodstone Resident) said potatoes cut up on the grill are also good. Kristen then asked if the residents were open to having vegetables on the grill. Renee said “I’m open to anything if I don’t have to cook, clean it up, or shop for it.” Most residents agreed while laughing.
We also discussed summer salads, pasta salads, and broccoli salads due to the residents wanting to see more of this. When talking about soup and sandwiches the residents like to have sandwiches but they want the option of lettuce and tomatoes. Kelsey said we can have the kitchen assistants go around with a plate of cut up lettuce and tomatoes and you can take what you like. Lucille said, “That would be wonderful.”
Lemonade was brought up and Kristen asked the residents if they would want to try Blueberry Lemonade, and explained what it all entailed. Donna (Woodstone Resident) said, “We don’t need anything too fancy.” So the agreed upon plan is “plain” lemonade.
Our first Kitchen Corner was a success here at Woodstone as we reminisced about foods and exchanged many laughs about new ideas.
