Ask anyone what makes a place feel like home, and food almost always comes up first. A favorite soup. Fresh bread from the oven. A holiday recipe handed down through generations.

At The Terraces at Via Verde in San Dimas, food is so much more than comfort — it’s a way to spark positive memories, provide reassurance, and create meaningful moments for those we serve in both assisted living and memory care. Thoughtful dining experiences help residents feel safe, understood, and connected, especially during the holiday season.

Where Familiar Flavors Meet Exceptional Care

As the holidays approach, our culinary team brings warmth, creativity, and heart to every dish. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully crafted menus, we create meals designed to bring joy, comfort, and a true sense of home.

For residents living with dementia, familiar flavors and comforting aromas can evoke cherished memories, encourage engagement, and spark meaningful conversation — making mealtime an important part of daily life and emotional well-being.

Cooking with Heart, Creativity & Understanding

“Food has a way of opening doors. When you prepare someone’s favorite dish, you’re not just serving a meal — you’re honoring their story.”
— Daniel Spicer, VP of Culinary Services, Agemark

At The Terraces at Via Verde, we take time to learn each resident’s preferences, abilities, cultural traditions, and dietary needs. Whether a resident loves hearty comfort food, lighter California-style cuisine, or a modern twist on a familiar favorite, we tailor every meal to feel comforting and satisfying.

And because dementia can impact appetite, taste, and independence, our dining approach is always supportive, encouraging, and centered on dignity.

Dining Designed for Those With Memory Loss

Our dining experience meets each resident exactly where they are. On any given day, residents may enjoy:

• Chef-prepared meals from scratch using fresh ingredients
• Menu options that honor personal tastes and cultural backgrounds
• Modified textures (soft, chopped, puréed) that maintain dignity and flavor
• Smaller meals throughout the day for those with changing appetites
• Visual cues and color-contrast plating to enhance recognition
• Beloved family recipes brought to life through our culinary team

Small sensory details — the smell of cinnamon, the taste of warm soup, or a favorite dessert — often unlock joy, comfort, and connection.

Holiday Traditions With Heart

Holidays can be especially meaningful for seniors, particularly for those living with dementia. Seasonal flavors, familiar smells, and festive traditions can spark warm memories and a sense of belonging.

At The Terraces at Via Verde, our culinary team embraces the season through:

• Hands-on baking and cookie decorating
• Menus inspired by residents’ treasured family recipes
• Special holiday meals featuring elevated presentation and festive touches
• Seasonal beverages and warm treats like cocoa or cider

Each experience is designed to help residents feel included, comforted, and connected — no matter where they are in their memory-care journey.

Moments That Nourish the Heart

At The Terraces, mealtime is never just about nutrition. It’s an opportunity to:

• Provide comfort through familiar flavors
• Support independence, dignity, and choice
• Encourage engagement and conversation
• Reduce anxiety with predictable routines
• Spark memories that bring joy and connection

When a resident smiles at a favorite dish or recalls a holiday tradition from long ago, we’re reminded that food truly has the power to bring people together.

Holiday Recipes From Our Kitchen to Yours

This holiday season, we’re honored to create meaningful moments through food and tradition. As a gift to you, enjoy two festive recipes curated by Chef Maya Wilson of Agemark Senior Living – delicious additions to any holiday gathering.

Shrimp Cocktail with Sriracha Lime Cocktail Sauce

by Chef Maya Wilson, Agemark Senior Living
(8–10 servings)

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• 2 pounds jumbo raw shrimp, tail-on, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sriracha Lime Cocktail Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• Juice of two limes
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small clove garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro

Instructions

Place a large bowl of ice water in the sink. Then, put a large pot of water over high heat and season the water with Old Bay, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. When the water is boiling, add the shrimp.

When the water returns to a boil (after about 3 minutes), the shrimp should be done — they will have turned pink and opaque. Immediately drain the shrimp and submerge them in the ice-water bath to prevent overcooking.

To make the sauce: Combine ketchup, horseradish, Sriracha, lime juice, Worcestershire, garlic, and cilantro in a food processor. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Serve the shrimp over ice with the Sriracha lime cocktail sauce and lime wedges.

Quick and Easy Candy Cane Fudge

by Chef Maya Wilson, Agemark Senior Living
(Yields 24 squares)

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1 cup milk chocolate morsels
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 peppermint candy canes, crushed

Instructions

Spray a 14×5 tart pan with non-stick spray. Add the sweetened condensed milk to a saucepan, then top with the chocolate morsels and butter.

Place over medium-low heat and stir with a wooden spoon until melted and smooth. Spread evenly in the prepared pan and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Refrigerate until set. Remove from the tart pan by pressing up from the bottom, slice into bite-size squares, and store in a covered tin in the refrigerator.