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Senior Meals Program Invites Guest Chefs
The Meeting Place receives award for senior meals program
NEWPORT -- The Meeting Place senior lunch program, which recently received an award for “Best Food” from the Area Office on Aging, continues to innovate with its “Guest Chef” program. On Tuesday, November 14th, Guest Chef, Margaret Ann Kerr of Derby Line will prepare a gourmet meal for seniors.
Margaret Ann Kerr moved to Derby Line from Georgia and she now operates the Post Inn Beam Bed and Breakfast on Herrick Road in Derby Line. Before coming to Vermont she ran several restaurants in Rome, Georgia, including Magretta Hall, a facility especially known for wedding banquets and large events.
“I think of my cooking as southern style…with a twist,” she grins. She explains that for her, traditional recipes are only a starting point, and the twist is what makes her meals unique.
On Tuesday, her senior meal will begin with Salmon Cheesecake and assorted fresh vegetables with a dill sour cream dip.
The main course will be Sherried Chestnut Chicken – sautéed chicken breasts served smothered with cream sherry sauce and water chestnuts. Margaret explains that this entrée was popular for wedding reception dinners. She adds, “No one who ever had this at their rehearsal dinner has been divorced.”
Marinated Green Beans, Rice Pilaf, and Southern Tomato Pudding, an old southern family recipe of tomatoes in a lattice-top pastry will round out the meal, with Buttermilk Pie for dessert.
“Having Guest Chefs is bringing a new element of fun to our program,” explains Debra Hunt, Director of The Meeting Place. “I have tasted Margaret Ann’s cooking, and we are in for a treat.”
The Meeting Place operates a state-certified adult day program providing care, activities, socialization and meals to seniors who cannot be left alone or who benefit from the stimulation of group activity. The program is covered by Medicaid for clients who qualify and are otherwise unable to pay. The Senior Meal on Tuesday is offered as part of the Northeast Kingdom senior meals network which provides nutritious meals at various locations. Guests are asked to make a three dollar donation to help offset the costs of the program.
Space will be extremely limited, so reservations are essential. First priority is given to regular day clients at The Meeting Place. Please call 334-7604 to reserve a place.