Snacks are the best way to ward off hunger pangs in between meals, and during the holidays, it's only natural for our food to reflect the season. Here at Bethesda Gardens, our residents can count on delicious meals and snacks being served every day in the dining hall; however, this doesn't mean they can't whip up a treat themselves when they feel like flexing their culinary muscles. To that end, we've canvased the internet and found 14 Thanksgiving-themed snacks that our residents can fix in the kitchenette of their assisted living apartment.
Microwaving a mug cake is one of the quickest ways to enjoy a warm treat, and the cleanup afterward is just as effortless. This recipe skips eggs, making it even simpler, and the entire dish can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.
Cornbread makes a nice savory snack between meals, especially during the holidays when many traditional snacks are dessert-based. Because it's fixed in the microwave, the texture is different compared to oven-baked recipes, and many reviewers love its light, cake-like feel.
Made from caramels and pretzels, these turkey legs are as fun to make as they are to look at and eat. The original recipe uses milk chocolate, which adds additional sugar. By substituting dark chocolate and relying on the caramels to sweeten the treat, seniors can lower the calorie content and add a deeper, more robust chocolate flavor.
Apples are quintessential to autumn and Thanksgiving. This recipe transforms simple apple slices into a delicious cookie alternative that requires just 15 minutes of preparation in the microwave.
One of the many bonuses of our warm climate here in Phoenix, AZ, is that ice cream is never out of season. This frozen dessert mimics the flavor of pumpkin pie yet is made from bananas and almond milk so it's more nutritious than a traditional bowl of ice cream. To let the pumpkin shine and mask the banana flavor, use yellow, not green, fruit that isn't overly ripe or spotted.
Maple syrup and cinnamon add a rich flavor to this apple butter. While slow cooker apple butter recipes often call for 4-6 pounds of apples and take 10-12 hours to finish, this mixture takes just 20 minutes in the microwave and 2 pounds of apples or roughly eight medium fruits. Remember, the mixture will be extremely hot and steaming, which can cause burns. Be sure to ask for assistance if you need help safely lifting the bowl out of the microwave. Our aides are always standing by and will be glad to lend a hand.
Cheese and crackers are a timeless snack, but their common nature doesn't mean that seniors can't enjoy them in a new way. Though this savory treat looks like a classic slice of pie, it's made from three types of crackers and a swirl of cream cheese for added flair.
Sandwiches are another example of everyday foods that can be dressed up for the holidays with just a few decorative touches. Though the cookie-cutter shapes add interest to the sandwich, normal slices of turkey and cheese work fine for the fillings, and the bread can be trimmed with a knife into a circular head shape for the turkey.
A few mini chocolate chips and candy corn pieces dress up this humble peanut butter toast sandwich and make it into a fun turkey-shaped snack perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a snacking option for visiting grandchildren.
Seniors can effortlessly customize this recipe to suit their palate by swapping out ingredients. The author offers multiple potential additions, including using whipped topping or various creams in the filling and either gingersnap cookies or graham crackers for the crust.
Ambrosia salad is one of the time-tested holiday classics. This version uses a blend of whipped topping and sour cream to achieve its creamy texture. Greek yogurt can also be used, and seniors can add or omit nuts, marshmallows or chopped apples.
Just five ingredients are needed for this memorable recipe, and the entire thing mixes together in about 5 minutes with an additional hour to chill in the refrigerator. While some seniors may not wish to incorporate the pineapple, the author notes it helps dissolve the pudding mixture.
This recipe skips the stovetop and uses a microwave for cooking steps, ensuring seniors can enjoy one of the season's best-known treats in the comfort of their assisted living apartment. Because sweet potatoes are high in nutrients, such as beta carotene, vitamin C and potassium, seniors may want to fix this tasty treat year-round as part of a healthy diet.
Apples, walnuts and celery hidden in the mixture add an interesting crunchy texture. Seniors can choose to follow the recipe and use black-cherry flavored gelatin or switch it out in favor of raspberry, cherry or strawberry.
