A Derbyshire care home has released a new cookbook that pairs 18 of its kitchen's most-loved recipes with the voices of the residents who inspired them – in honour of 18 years of service from the home’s head chef.
Head Chef Amy Hazeldine, fresh from a shortlisting as a national finalist for Best Care Home Chef, is marking her 18th year at the independent, family-run home with the release of 18 Years, 18 Plates - a cookbook built around the residents themselves, which sees 18 recipes paired with the voices of the people who love them most.
Each recipe in the cookbook, which is a collection of cherished family recipes and dishes created by Amy herself, is signed off by a resident in their own words.
For instance, 84-year-old Freda Priest's sausage rolls carry her memory of baking for her sons, which saw her say about the popularity of her recipe: "Honestly, the moment they came out of the oven, they were gone." Freda also provided a recipe for her date and walnut cake, which comes with a simple line in the book, saying: "Loved to bake at home and date and walnut cake was my favourite."
Meanwhile, 94-year-old William ‘Bill’ Burton's sweet-and-sour prawns are tied to a weekly ritual from his home life, where he said: "We always had a sweet-and-sour ready meal once a week, so I like to have it again but homemade here."
89-year-old Margaret Wood's Brighton rock cakes are her own recipe, one she notes Amy "likes to borrow" and which she remembers making in the home’s Baking Club the day Amy was interviewed by BBC Radio Derby about her recent award shortlisting – something the entire home celebrated.
Amy said: “Our residents have lived through a century of cooking evolution. This project is about capturing the flavours of their lives, from their family meals and childhood treats to the dishes they still want to eat today and sharing them with others. I love chatting to residents about food and it's been an absolute pleasure to create the cookbook with them.”
Claire Richardson, Director of Coxbench Hall, said: "For a long time, there was a stereotype that care home food was boring, but we're proving that that’s far from the case. In most care homes and especially here at Coxbench Hall, there’s real thought and love that goes into the food preparation – something that’s embodied by Amy. Everything is homemade and freshly prepared in our kitchen, which is something we know means a great deal to residents and their families. This cookbook is about more than just great recipes; it's about using those familiar tastes and smells to help our residents remember their own amazing lives. It's a way to keep their stories alive and make sure they feel truly at home, while celebrating Amy’s incredible 18 years.”
To purchase a physical copy of the cookbook. email: clairer@coxbench-hall.co.uk.
