KindCasseroles for Seniors!

KindCasseroles For Seniors

For some seniors, food assistance packages filled with staples are not an optimal solution to their food insecurity because they do not cook.  KindWorks is starting a pilot program to provide ready-made meals to senior citizens serviced by the Gaithersburg Cares Hub and living in the Hillside Senior Apartment Homes in Gaithersburg.

THE PLAN:

• MAKE a casserole of your choosing.  (We will suggest a recipe each time, for those who prefer not to have to decide, or like to try something new!)
• Enjoy some for your own dinner.
• FREEZE 4 servings in single-serving plastic containers. Label each container with: date, your first name and last initial, what you made , and mark it with any relevant food info including common allergens  or preferences.  (Use the template below to print KindWorks labels off your own printer – 6 to a page labels needed for this template). Label your delivery box “For Hillside Senior Apartments”
• DELIVER ON THURSDAY the frozen servings to the Gaithersburg Cares Hub @ Seneca Creek Community Church  (13 Firstfield Road, Suite 100 Gaithersburg, MD 20878)  301-944-2920; 9:30am-4:30pm

Contact Denise Schleckser (dschleckser@verizon.net) for further info.

KINDWORKS  LABELS:    https://www.dokindworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Kindworks-Labels.pdf

APRIL 29, 2021 suggestion:     Roasted Veggie Mac N Cheese Casserole     (adapted from thecomfortofcooking.com)

Roasted Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese

• 2 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 c. baby carrots, thinly sliced
• 16 oz. whole wheat pasta elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, etc.
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ c. + 2 T. all-purpose flour
• 3- 1/2 cups milk
• 2- ½ cups cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp. panko breadcrumbs
• optional:  can add a shredded rotisserie chicken!

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Set a medium pot of salted water to boil. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining with aluminum foil and coating with a little olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
2. Toss broccoli, red pepper, squash and carrots onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until vegetables have softened. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. Once water is boiling, lower heat slightly and add pasta, cooking according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until well distributed and melted. Add salt and pepper. Add cooked macaroni and vegetables (and any shredded chicken if you want to add it to your casserole).
5. Place mixture in a large casserole dish and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs. Place under the broiler in your oven (500 degrees) for 3-4 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Before you sign up, please be sure that you can make the drop-off date of Thursday, April 29 (anytime between 9:30 and 4:30) at the Gaithersburg Cares Hub,13 Firstfield Road, Suite 100 Gaithersburg, MD)

THANK YOU!