Food has a magical power to evoke poignant emotions and manifest lasting memories. Seasons Retirement Communities realizes how fundamental it is for its residents to enjoy the food served, and they are determined to provide delicious and well-balanced meals. Additionally, plenty of cooking and baking takes place by its talented residents and passionate team members, who adore sharing their intergenerational family foods and time-honoured traditions, some dating back decades.
In the spirit of Seasons’ cookbook series and to celebrate the company’s 15th anniversary this year, Seasons launched “Seasoned With Love: 15 Years, 15 Recipes.” Carefully documenting some of their Alberta and Ontario communities’ authentically delicious dishes so they are not lost over time, Seasons curated this digital cookbook to capture the nostalgia and togetherness that fantastic foods can create.
Below is a sneak peek of the meaning and significance of a few of these scrumptious recipes.
Homemade Granola Bars (Submitted by Seasons Amherstburg Dining Service Manager Beau), Pg. 2
“Years ago, when I moved back home from Ottawa, a friend brought these to an event I attended. They were a huge hit! I asked to use the recipe at Seasons and started making them as a bistro treat. Soon, the requests came from our Leasing team to provide a plate of these for our hot prospects, a change from the cookies and cupcakes we would normally give! There would always be some trimmed ends or crispy bits left behind after I made a batch, and I would share them with the team, leaving a plate in our staff room. I can’t tell you how many times team members approached me wide-eyed and said, “Those bars are awesome! Can I have the recipe?” With that, the staff was hooked. Fifteen years later, they have yet to get old! One thing I really like about the recipe is that you can alter some ingredients to taste: change the raisins for cranberries, chocolate for butterscotch chips, or even substitute sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds. The oats, condensed milk, and butter are your constants. You can even cook them for a little less time for a chewier bar or longer for a crispier version.”
Jamaican Punch (Submitted by Seasons Stoney Creek Resident George), Pg. 5
“My grandmother and mother used to make this punch, and eventually, I took over the recipe and added different ingredients. My family has served it for many generations at family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays!”
Poached Shrimp & Lemon Dill Aioli (Submitted by Seasons Dufferin Centre Fun Manager Adelle), Pg. 7
“This recipe is special to me because it reminds me of my sister, Julia. She lives in Alberta now, and I don’t see her as much as I would like. However, when she does come home to visit, we host big, elaborate family meals with fancy appetizers and drinks. I am passionate about cooking, and Julia works as a bartender and server in a 5-star restaurant. So, we can put together a fine dining experience at home between us! Making this dish reminds me how much I love my sister and her company.”
Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs (Submitted by Seasons Ponoka Dining Services Manager Wanda), Pg. 10
“This is my Mom’s recipe. When my Dad was in curling bonspiels, she would host a delicious dinner for his team and about 15 others. Mom would make these ribs and 6-8 other dishes. It was a whole day event: she would cook Cantonese chicken in our neighbour’s oven because ours had the ribs! I would help her, and we enjoyed mother/daughter time together and always shared lots of laughter. Now that she is gone, preparing these ribs brings back those happy memories.”
Mom’s Orange Chicken (Submitted by Seasons Lethbridge Gardens Resident Lorraine), Pg. 12
“My orange chicken has always been a special part of our family gatherings, whether celebrating a birthday, welcoming friends, or lifting spirits during tough times. The aroma of sizzling chicken filled the house, wrapping everyone in warmth and anticipation. The zesty sauce was so irresistible that my kids often begged me to make buckets to pour over fluffy rice. Each bite felt like a warm embrace, a reminder of the love poured into every meal. My orange chicken isn’t just food; it celebrates our family’s togetherness.”
Cauliflower Bake (Submitted by Seasons Clarington Environmental Services Manager Dana), Pg. 13
“Our family is large, and when we host get-togethers, we do them in a ‘potluck style’ to save one person from doing all the cooking and allow for more time to talk and catch up. This recipe is a perfect accompaniment for a holiday meal in place of scalloped potatoes. You still get the gooey cheese but less carbohydrates than potatoes. Kids even eat it, not really realizing they are enjoying vegetables, so this is a family favourite requested by all ages!”
Peanut Butter Cookies (Submitted by Seasons Strathroy Resident Muriel), Pg. 16
Muriel is very hands-on at Seasons Strathroy, always attending baking sessions. She is super kind and shares recipes for team members to try here or at their own homes. The home has even used this signature recipe for ‘National Peanut Butter Lovers Day’! “I made these cookies as an after-school snack for my children because they loved them,” muses Muriel.
If you are searching for a retirement home for yourself or a loved one during your visit and would like to learn more about the food served at Seasons, please click on the locations tab on our website. In your retirement years, you should expect to preserve the traditions and routines you appreciate most, and enjoying meals should be no exception. Seasons also has spaces that residents can reserve to host events or gatherings for special occasions.