Seniors need to stay active. Not just in the physical sense, but to keep their minds sharp and their self-worth evident. The holidays can be a tough time, especially for those who don’t get visitors. If you want to make an instant connection with a senior this Thanksgiving holiday, why not reminisce over happy memories while baking, cooking, or even putting together a family heirloom recipe book?
This week we’ll take a look at three different options for keeping your loved senior occupied and happy. On Tuesday we’ll look at ways to reminisce by using food, and offer a few recipes to keep the conversation going. On Wednesday we’ll look at ways to make a family heirloom, capturing grandma’s best kept secrets so generations after can continue to make the family’s traditional meals. But today we’re going to begin with an American tradition that is sure to satisfy the sweet tooth and open up room for some great conversation: baking.
Today, baking seems to be more of a lost art. Some of the most beautiful pies are found neatly dressed and packaged in our supermarkets. But there is something warming about a hot oven coercing the sweet smell of baked goods from dough and batter made from scratch. To many, there is nothing more beautiful than an imperfect pie, so long as it was made with love and tastes as good as it smells.
Two of America’s favorite pies during this holiday season are the Pumpkin and the Sweet Potato. You’ll find two fabulous recipes further down, but the importance here is not to simply bake the pie, but to make the pie with a senior. Even if they can’t help with it, they can offer advice, share stories of Thanksgivings gone past, and, as my grandmother always does, serve up words of wisdom that actually liven up the conversation. Most importantly, you’re taking the time and showing your senior loved one that you care about them and value spending time with them during the holiday rush.
While the pie is baking, begin asking about some of their favorite recipes and see if they have any secret family dishes they have been holding onto. As you do this, you’re continuing the conversation and encouraging the senior to ponder their past, reliving fond memories. You may even learn something!
When the pie is done, enjoy each others company while sampling your baked goodness. You’ll form a string bond by taking just a few minutes of your time. And now for the recipes:
Autumn Pumpkin Pie
A delicious pumpkin pie, spiced with ginger and cinnamon.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree, canned or fresh
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup evaporated milk, undiluted
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked pastry shell (9-inch)
PREPARATION:
Combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, spices, and flour in a medium mixing bowl. Add eggs; mix well. Add evaporated milk, water, and vanilla; mix well. Pour into pastry-lined pie pan. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 350° and bake about 35 minutes longer, or until center is set.
This pie recipe was taken from Southern Food and is delicious. Recipe was submitted by Diana Rattray.
Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie
A sweet potato pie recipe, made with butter and sweet potatoes, along with vanilla and cinnamon.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 ounces butter, softened
- 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 small can (5 ounces, about 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 prepared pie shells, unbaked
PREPARATION:
Mix butter, potatoes, sugar and evaporated milk until well blended. Add vanilla, eggs, and cinnamon; mix well. Pour into the prepared pie shells. Bake in a 350° oven for about 1 hour, until set. Makes 2 pies.
If you have any good recipes to share, please respond and they’ll post here. Thanks!
