See one of our new favorite recipes below!

Here at Mt. Hood Adult Day Center we offer a variety of clubs and activities for participants to enjoy. Many clubs focus on cognitive stimulation and therapeutic benefits, while others focus on leisure and fun.

Cooking Club is one that is offered Monday through Friday. Participants help prepare food items used for snacks, desserts, or to accompany lunch. We frequently browse Pinterest and our pantries to find inspiration and new recipes to  try.

 

Cooking Club encourages participants to follow a set of directions (recipe). Dicing, chopping, and assembling works motor skills. Allowing participants to be involved in the process of cooking gives many a sense of purpose and helps them feel like they are contributing to the program, just like they used to cook and contribute to their families. Although not all participants who enjoy cooking club may be able to actively help cook, we still encourage social interaction; to sit and visit with others during cooking club which includes them in conversation, reminiscing and being a part of the finished product.

Pasta salad is one of our favorite dishes because it can feed everyone, and it reminds us that summer is right around the corner. We recently tried out this new Pizza Pasta Salad recipe and it was a hit. The bow tie pasta allows the dressing and parmesan cheese to get into the nooks and crannies of the bow tie pasta for a little bite of delicious-ness. Make it for your family or a potluck and you won’t be disappointed.

Pizza Pasta Salad

  • 1 lb. Farfalle pasta (bow tie) cooked and drained (any pasta will work)
  • 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 3 oz. pepperoni
  • ¾ cup of vegetable oi
  • 2/3 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, green onions and pepperoni. In a small bowl combine oil, parmesan cheese, vinegar and seasonings. Pour mixture over pasta mixture and stir well to combine. Chill in refrigerator before serving.

Let us know how you liked the recipe and check back for more favorites!

-Alisha Van Lom, Program Director

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