Sweet Memories at Magnolia Gardens

Magnolia Gardens residents Mary and Shirley relived their times in the kitchen last week at the Bake and Taste event. Messy berry juice, nearly forgotten flour and clumpy brown sugar couldn’t stop them from creating a delicious dessert enjoyed by all.
seniors baking
seniors baking

By Ellysa, Guest Writer

Taste and smell are among the most potent agents of memory. These sensations revive our best moments: the delicious dinners and desserts shared with those we love. Memories of warm, flaky apple pie, soft shortbread, golden berry crumble with a side of ice cream.

Magnolia Gardens residents Mary and Shirley relived their times in the kitchen last week at the Bake and Taste event. Messy berry juice, nearly forgotten flour and clumpy brown sugar couldn’t stop them from creating a delicious dessert enjoyed by all.

Sweet-Memories-Magnolia-Gardens_002Aubrey, the activity coordinator chatted with the ladies about their favourite recipes. While the Internet is now the main resource for most recipes, Mary remembered consulting her treasured Edith Adams cookbook. Shirley used to enjoy making fresh rice pudding. “But the pudding they have here is almost as good as mine,” she noted mischievously.

True to her familial duty, Mary always made her grandsons a rhubarb pie every summer. They delivered bundles of fresh rhubarb and strawberries to her door, eager for a slice of Grandma’s home baking.

While the days of cooking and baking are largely behind them, Mary and Shirley prepared the berry crumble with gusto, dropping nuggets of hard-earned wisdom at every step. Thank you to Mary, Shirley, and Aubrey for lending their expertise and making Bake and Taste truly memorable.

Mary and Shirley’s Baking Tips

  • All metal kitchen tools are the best, especially for peeling perfect apple spirals! Remember to use a sharp paring knife, not a peeler.
  • Frozen berries not cooperating? A potato masher makes a perfect berry crusher.
  • Don’t be shy! Use your hands to separate sugar clumps for an even crumble.
  • Add lemon juice to your berry mix for extra tang.

Happy baking!

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