By Linda K. Bourassa, Special to My Life

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Germantown Plantation resident Eugenia Smith looks over her cabbage dish on the menu with chef Tim Williams.

Ever go to a restaurant and have the chef prepare a recipe from your own collection?

At the Germantown Plantation Senior Living Community, treasured recipes from the residents are regularly prepared by director of catering, chef Tim Williams, and his staff.

A favorite is a cabbage recipe from 106-year-old resident Eugenia Smith. "It came from my niece in Atlanta, a long, long time ago," she says.

The cabbage dish is prepared with mushroom soup, cabbage, onions, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese and mayonnaise. When asked about other recipes, Smith says, "I have oodles more."

Williams meets once a month with residents to discuss their needs, preferences and special requests. Other recipes that have been shared include chicken dishes, pork dishes and a special chocolate sheet cake.

When a resident's dish is prepared, that resident's name is placed next to the dish description in the menu.

"In this way, the meal takes on a special significance for the entire community when recipes are provided by one of their own and everyone involved has a feeling of visiting a friend's house for a meal," said Williams.

The Germantown Plantation is a senior living community offering both independent and assisted-living rentals. For more information, visit silvercreekseniorliving.com .

Linda K. Bourassa is president of Blue Moon Inc.

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