regional inspiration
In Italian culture, seniors are deeply respected and are highly involved in their community. Italians are very social no matter their age. Seniors can often be found spending time with friends and family while enjoying a meal together.
We all know that our seniors love Italian food! So, if you can’t take your residents to Italy, why not bring Italy to them? Take them on a tour of some of Italy’s most famous regions while enjoying Italian-inspired cuisine using the following products and recipe ideas from Maple Leaf.
Northern italy
Starting in northern Italy, the Bologna region is best known for its Bolognese sauce. Classic Bolognese sauce is made with beef & pork, however, our Vegan Bolognese featuring Maple Leaf Field Roast Italian Crumble will satisfy any resident looking for a vegan menu option.
Tuscany located in northern-central Italy is best known for its art and architecture and was home of some of the world’s most famous artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Brunelleschi. Not only are bread, olive oil and beans staples in Tuscan cuisine, sausage is also a key food from this region. Delight your residents by featuring Tuscan Style Sausage on a Bun, featuring Maple Leaf Italian Sausage or Italian Griller Pasta, featuring Maple Leaf Pork Country Sausage.
Southern Italy
Aside from meatballs and pasta, pizza is perhaps the most popular and recognizable Italian food enjoyed worldwide. Born in the western coast of southern Italy in the city of Naples, pizza was a fast, affordable and tasty meal for working-class Neapolitans. Feature any one of the following pizzas as part of your Italian Tour; White Pizza with Green Zucchini Basil Pesto Roasted Red Peppers and Chicken, featuring Maple Leaf Premium Thick Carved Chicken Breast Strips (or use Maple Leaf Chicken Breast Strips), Pulled Chicken Alfredo and Mushroom Pizza, featuring JMS fully cooked Natural Pulled Chicken, or Vegetarian Pizza Casserole, featuring Maple Leaf Field Roast Italian Crumble instead of the traditional pizza. Or have your residents create their own mini pizza using their favorite Maple Leaf ingredients.
Rome
Next stop is Rome! When we think of Rome, we think of some of the most famous attractions like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, to name just a few. But did you know that Alfredo Sauce first originated in Rome in the early 20th century? Maple Leaf’s Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake, featuring Maple Leaf Fully Cooked Diced Chicken is a new twist on an old favourite.
Any Italian meal would not be complete without Meatballs! The first meatball could be found in ancient Rome and were enjoyed by the upper class. The Romans prepared them by mixing minced meat (beef or pork) with breadcrumbs, wine-soaked bread and a variety of seasonings. Pasta Rose Meatballs, featuring Maple Leaf Broiled Meatballs is a great addition to any Italian menu.
THEMED ACTIVITIES
In the spirit of the Italian culture, invite friends and family to participate in the following activity suggestions with your residents:
- Venetian Mask Photo Booth – print some Venetian masks for residents to colour, have them decorate and take pictures with them and hang throughout your home.
- Bocce Ball Competition either indoors or outdoors.
- Italian Bingo.
- Play Italian music during the day and in the dining areas.
- Enjoy classic Italian movies such as ‘Roman Holiday’ starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn or ‘The Godfather’.
