Cincinnati seniors published in national cookbook

Atria Senior Living, one of the nation’s largest providers of independent living, assisted living and memory care services, announced today the release of A Dash and a Dollop. From dishes that came to America by boat in the 1800s to meals that saw families through the Great Depression, the book is a unique collection of Atria residents’ favorite recipes and the cherished stories behind each one, including their role in family legacies, traditions and customs.

Envisioned by Atria Senior Living as a way to gather some of the many untold stories from residents nationwide, A Dash and a Dollop will be available online at Barnes and Noble® later this year. Each of Atria’s 13,000 residents will also receive a gift copy throughout the month of December.

“In Atria kitchens across the country, it’s not uncommon for our culinary directors to recreate some of our residents’ favorite dishes for everyone to enjoy,” said Ronda Watson, vice president of culinary services for Atria Senior Living. “In doing so, we often hear the stories behind the recipe’s significance, whether it’s a favorite memory from childhood, or a dish a resident prepared for their family for many years. That’s where the inspiration for this book was born – through hearing these stories and understanding the meaningful role that cherished recipes can play in a family’s life.”

According to Watson, recognizing the pivotal role of the kitchen in each resident’s unique life story inspired this heartfelt creation. And according to a recent consumer survey, most Americans feel the same connection to the kitchen, with 96% of those surveyed saying that food and cooking are important parts of their family traditions.

The survey also revealed that two out of three Americans’ favorite recipes are connected to memories shared with loved ones, and 65% also make recipes that have been passed down by a loved one.

“Families have been coming together in the kitchen for centuries, and this is our way of sharing our residents’ special memories with everyone both inside and outside of the Atria family,” added Watson

Julie Harding, chief operating officer for Atria Senior Living, sees A Dash and a Dollop as a way to both preserve residents’ memories and honor those who call Atria home.

“These recipes represent an important piece of our residents’ unique life stories,” said Harding. “Some of the stories in this collection are incredible – it’s really amazing what the creation of A Dash and a Dollop has helped us learn about the residents who make their home with us, and now, we’ve given them a tangible way to share their recipes and stories with their friends and family.”

For more information about A Dash and a Dollop, visit www.atriarecipes.com.