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 Sage Glendale Senior Living in Glendale, California, food is about so much more than comfort. It’s a way to honor residents’ tastes, elevate everyday dining, and create meaningful moments of connection. For residents in both assisted living and memory care, thoughtfully prepared meals help turn each day into something to look forward to.

As the holidays approach, our culinary team brings extra warmth and creativity to the table, delighting residents with flavors, aromas, and experiences that celebrate tradition while embracing fresh, seasonal inspiration. From locally inspired ingredients to carefully crafted menus, every dish is designed to bring joy, comfort, and a true sense of home.

Cooking with Heart and Creativity

“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 at Agemark Senior Living

Great meals begin with understanding the people you’re serving. Every resident at Sage Glendale has unique preferences, traditions, and dietary needs — and our culinary team takes the time to learn them.

Whether a resident craves comforting classics, lighter California-inspired cuisine, or a modern twist on a favorite recipe, we blend familiarity with elevated flavors to ensure every meal feels thoughtful, satisfying, and nourishing.

Meals That Reflect the Individual

Our dining experience prioritizes choice, quality, and personalization. On any given day, residents may enjoy:

  • Chef-prepared meals crafted from scratch using fresh ingredients

  • Menu options that support individual tastes and dietary needs without sacrificing flavor

  • Specialty dishes inspired by resident requests or family recipes

  • Creative presentations and seasonal touches that make dining feel special

Often, it’s the small details — the perfect seasoning, a familiar aroma, or a beautifully presented dessert — that create moments of comfort and delight.

The Magic of Holiday Culinary Traditions

Holidays are a time to reconnect with memories and share joy with neighbors and friends. At Sage Glendale, our culinary team elevates the season through:

  • Hands-on cookie decorating and baking days filled with laughter and warmth

  • Menus featuring cherished family recipes prepared with care

  • Festive meals that blend tradition with modern flair

  • Seasonal drinks and treats like mulled cider, hot cocoa, or freshly baked rolls

These traditions bring residents together and help the holidays feel joyful, familiar, and full of meaning.

Elevating Everyday Moments

In senior living, meals are more than just nutrition. They’re opportunities to:

  • Celebrate individual tastes and preferences

  • Explore new flavors and experiences

  • Reminisce and share stories

  • Feel known and valued

  • Enjoy the simple joy of thoughtfully prepared food

When a resident smiles at a dish that delights both their palate and their spirit, that’s the heart of our culinary mission.

This holiday season, we’re proud to create dining experiences that bring residents together, honor tradition, and enhance everyday life at Sage Glendale — turning every meal into a cherished moment of connection.

As our gift to you, enjoy two special holiday recipes curated by Maya Wilson, Culinary Services Manager at Agemark Senior Living, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with Old Bay, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Add the shrimp.

Once the water returns to a boil (about 3 minutes), the shrimp should be pink and cooked through. Immediately drain and transfer to the ice-water bath to stop cooking.

To make the sauce, combine ketchup, horseradish, Sriracha, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, 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 chocolate morsels and butter.

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

Refrigerate until set. Remove from pan, slice into bite-size squares, and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.