February 27, 2026
In senior living, dining goes far beyond a meal. It supports comfort, wellness, routine, and daily enjoyment. At The Montvale Senior Living, we prioritize from-scratch cooking and source fresh ingredients each week. Our culinary team prepares meals that are flavorful, nutritious, and thoughtfully tailored to resident needs. From house-made soups and sauces to freshly prepared entrées and sides, we focus on quality you can see and taste. As Culinary Director, I value how fresh sourcing and scratch cooking strengthen health, satisfaction, and daily comfort.
In my kitchen, from-scratch cooking means using fresh ingredients instead of pre-made products. This approach gives us full control over quality, flavor, and nutrition. It also allows us to serve meals that feel genuinely homemade.
Fresh ingredients help preserve nutrients and support balanced diets. We can manage sodium, sugar, and fat with intention. That level of control supports overall wellness without compromising taste.
I adjust texture, seasoning, and portion sizes to meet senior-specific needs and personal preferences. These changes ensure meals remain safe, satisfying, and enjoyable. Every adjustment keeps fresh preparation at the center of the process.
We balance comfort foods with lighter, health-conscious options. Residents can enjoy classic favorites alongside fresh alternatives. This variety supports both choice and nutritional integrity.
One resident favorite prepared entirely from scratch is our homestyle meatloaf with brown gravy. The dish offers familiar flavor and comfort, often reminding residents of home-cooked family meals.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 small onion, diced
1 cup milk
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Shape into a loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Scratch Brown Gravy
Ingredients
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook to form a roux. Slowly add beef broth while whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Season to taste.
Scratch cooking requires time, skill, and attention to detail. That investment shows in every meal. Freshly prepared dishes support wellness, enhance flavor, and create a dining experience that feels personal and comforting.
At The Montvale Senior Living, our culinary team prepares meals with intention and pride. We use fresh ingredients and maintain a strong commitment to quality. In senior living, food is more than nourishment. It builds connection, encourages comfort, and helps residents truly feel at home.
Montvale Senior Living in Springfield, Illinois provides premier independent living for older adults. Surrounded by history and charm, this community offers three professionally prepared meals daily, weekly housekeeping, and most utilities all for one monthly price. Residents can choose from spacious apartments or private cottages with patio or balcony, walk-in tub, and kitchenette in various floor plans for a single price. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge services, events and entertainment, transportation services, fitness area, game room, and lounge. The daily events calendar keeps residents’ bodies and minds active and socially engaged. Residents enjoy strolling the walking paths and relaxing on the beautiful patio. Customized personal care services are available from trusted third-party providers. Nearby, shopping is available at White Oaks Mall, and history buffs can tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.
Montvale Senior Living serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
