A Taste of Gracewell

One thing I think is very important for us as a family is to sit down and have meals together. I believe you eat better food and also it gives the chance for us to discuss what we have all been up to that day. I don't deny at times it is quite hard as we have to work around swimming lessons, Guides, parties, volunteer meetings and working away from home.

Whatever your age or living arrangements the importance of meal times should never be underestimated. With this in mind Gracewell care homes are running a Taste of Gracewell this week to highlight the care and food they give to their residents.

We decided to try their recipe for Salmon and Spinach Wellington. It's extremely simple to prepare with salmon fillets brushed with wholegrain mustard (we used some of our Northumberland Crunchy Honey Mustard) then topped with fresh spinach leaves. This is then all wrapped in puff pastry before being brushed with egg and baked. A quick meal but very tasty and full of nutritious ingredients with omega-3 in the salmon plus the iron rich, vitamin packed seasonal spinach. Master JibberJabber refuses upon sight to eat anything green but yet when this was all mixed and wrapped with pastry he gave it go and ate the lot!

I've also got my eye on the Winter Beef Stew recipe. With the weather still cold despite it now being spring I can see this warming dish being a winner. With bacon and beef forming a hearty base it is then filled with vegetables such as shallots, carrots and mushrooms to form a complete meal. It doesn't just stop there with main meals as there is also a selection of puddings with Apple Strudel and a Ginger and Marmalade Sponge. Don't forget as well some of their super smoothies using coconut and almond milk in order to cater for anyone with allergies or intolerances.

If the selection of recipes are just a taste of what Gracewell has to offer then their residents are very lucky people.

I was sent a recipe booklet and ingredients cost. All words, opinions and photos are my own.