Creamy mushrooms, scrambled tofu and a banana-peanut butter smoothie were some of the vegan foods offered to residents in a care home this week – all created by V for Life's roving chef, Maggie Lister.
Residents at Gracewell of Sutton Coldfield were able to taste test the plant-based foods as a way to introduce some new ingredients they might not have tried before.
Tofu and vegan cream cheese were given to the group to look at, touch and smell before being included in the final dishes.
One of the residents said she had never thought about a vegan diet before but it had ‘opened her eyes’ to plant-based cooking and she was keen to try more dishes in the future.
Head chef at the care home, Phil Jay, said he really enjoyed the event, and also shared his award-winning vegan chocolate cakes that are suitable for those on a dysphagic diet.
He said: “It was fantastic, and it was nice for the residents to see and be able to try more vegan options.
“I think it’s about changing perceptions of what vegan food tastes like. It was a really positive day.”
Maggie said the event was a great success and is looking forward to more taster sessions in the future.
She said: “It's always a pleasure to meet with the team at Gracewell of Sutton Coldfield, a care home that prides itself in providing quality care for all residents.
“I had the chance to showcase a selection of vegan and vegetarian products with a group of residents for an afternoon tasting demo. The demo was not only a fun activity but also a chance to discuss favourite foods, and for residents to ask questions about plant-based diets. The fortified smoothie came out on top, followed by creamed mushrooms and then scrambled tofu; a range of food that is easy to make, tasty and nutritionally beneficial.
“Earlier in the day head chef at the care home, Phil Jay, took the time to show me how he creates his winning vegan dessert, which is suitable for residents on dysphagic diets; a very calorie dense meal that was beautifully presented and tasted great. Jody Sedgwick, the homes admissions advisor thanked us both for taking the trip. As a long-standing vegetarian herself she was excited to have us visit the home to discuss how they work with residents on vegetarian and vegan diets.”
For more information or to book any of our training please contact Ellie Murphy, Cookery & Training Outreach Coordinator at V for Life.
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