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 Symphony Pointe Senior Living in Elkhorn, Nebraska, dining is both an experience and a comfort. Thoughtfully prepared meals bring residents together, elevate everyday living, and create meaningful moments of connection. Across independent living, assisted living, and memory care, our culinary program reflects care, creativity, and an appreciation for exceptional food.
As the holidays approach, our culinary team delights residents with flavors, aromas, and presentations that celebrate tradition while embracing innovation. From high-quality ingredients to carefully curated menus, every meal is designed to feel refined, welcoming, and memorable.
Cooking with Heart and Culinary Craft
“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
At Symphony Pointe, great dining begins with knowing our residents. Our culinary team takes the time to learn individual preferences, traditions, and dietary needs, ensuring meals feel personal and intentional.
Whether a resident enjoys classic comfort cuisine, lighter seasonal fare, or an elevated twist on a familiar favorite, we blend approachability with culinary craftsmanship so every dish feels satisfying and thoughtfully prepared.
Dining Experiences That Reflect the Individual
Dining at Symphony Pointe prioritizes choice, quality, and presentation. On any given day, residents may enjoy:
- Chef-prepared meals crafted from scratch using fresh, premium ingredients
- Menu options that accommodate individual tastes and dietary preferences
- Signature dishes inspired by resident favorites or seasonal inspiration
- Creative plating and thoughtful details that elevate the dining experience
It’s often the refined touches — a beautifully plated entrée, balanced flavors, or a favorite dessert prepared just right — that turn everyday meals into something special.
The Joy of Holiday Culinary Traditions
The holidays offer an opportunity to slow down, savor, and connect. At Symphony Pointe, our culinary team brings the season to life with elegance and warmth through:
- Holiday baking and festive culinary experiences
- Menus inspired by classic holiday recipes, thoughtfully elevated
- Special meals designed for gathering and celebration
- Seasonal beverages and treats like mulled cider, hot cocoa, and freshly baked breads
These traditions create moments of celebration while maintaining the comfort and familiarity residents cherish.
Elevating Everyday Moments
At Symphony Pointe, meals are about more than nourishment. They’re opportunities to:
- Enjoy elevated dining in a welcoming atmosphere
- Explore new flavors alongside familiar favorites
- Share stories and conversation with neighbors and friends
- Feel known, valued, and cared for
- Experience the joy of exceptional food, prepared with intention
When a resident looks forward to their next meal or lingers at the table enjoying conversation, it’s a reflection of how meaningful dining can be.
This holiday season, we’re proud to create dining experiences at Symphony Pointe Senior Living that honor tradition, celebrate creativity, and enrich daily life — turning every meal into a moment worth savoring.
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 the chocolate morsels and butter.
Place the saucepan 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.