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With a Skilled nursing population of almost 140 residents in our community, modified food textures play an important part of our daily production. On my first day as Dining Director at Christian Rest Home, Chef Grant came to me and said: I want to have the best puree program in the region. With that goal in mind, we brought clinical and culinary together by creating a new position, a “Culinary Tech”. This needed to be someone that understood the needs of our residents, which lead our search to the front of the house.
Sandy Baumgart has been a dietary aide with Christian Rest Home for over two years, and expressed an interest in the fledgling position. With help from first cook Caitlyn Hastings, she quickly learned her way around a Robot Coupe, and with guidance from Chef Grant in Culinary preparation, and modified textures from Cathy Walter RD, she developed our program into the success it is today.
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What we didn’t anticipate was Sandy’s dedication and attention to detail. Not just pureed textures, but combinations as well. Rice pilaf with a tri-color blend of pureed rice, carrots, and peas, flavored with soy sauce and vegetable stock. And a layered Shepherd’s Pie with mashed potatoes and seasoned meat. Her molds are beautiful, and nutritious. Residents and their families, remark on how delicious the meals look and taste. Sandy makes the whole department shine, through her dedication to quality and serving the needs of our residents.
Christina Bodanza, CDM, CDP
Director of Dining Services
Christian Rest Homes
Director of Dining Services
Christian Rest Homes