Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated dining days of the year at Friends Homes, and behind every delicious dish is a team working hard to make the holiday special for residents and their loved ones.
Preparations begin well before Thanksgiving Day, with food orders placed far in advance and cooking beginning the Monday of the holiday week. With everything made from scratch, it's a true team effort!
Just how much food does it take to prepare the biggest meal of the year? According to Head Chef Nick Hunter, the kitchen prepares more than 500 pounds of turkey, 400 pounds of ham, 200 pounds of cornbread stuffing and 200 pounds of green beans. And that's just the beginning! The team also makes approximately 36 dozen deviled eggs, 25 to 30 gallons of homemade soup and more than 100 pies.
Quality is at the heart of every dish. From fresh cranberries used in homemade cranberry sauce to locally sourced sweet potatoes and mushrooms, the team takes pride in using fresh ingredients. Even the turkey is brined for several days to bring out its flavor.
Residents across Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing enjoy the same Thanksgiving menu, complete with all the holiday favorites. While the Routh Dining Room at Friends Homes Guilford offers restaurant-style service, The Cobles by the Farm venue and The Hub at Friends Homes West feature buffet-style dining. Residents can also preorder select holiday treats, including homemade pies, to enjoy at home.
"Our team puts so much care into preparing this meal because we want Thanksgiving to be a memorable experience for every resident," says Chef Nick. "After lunch, we close our dining venues so our team members can enjoy the holiday with their own families, too."
For Dining Director Tim Zuk, the holiday is about much more than the food.
"Thanksgiving is our busiest dining day of the year, but it's also one of the most rewarding," Tim says. "I'm incredibly proud of the way our team comes together to make residents feel cared for and appreciated."
At Friends Homes, Thanksgiving isn't just about what's on the plate. It's about the people, the traditions and the thoughtful touches that make a community feel like home.
By Jessica Ford
Kintura Content Specialist