At Sanctuary Care, we believe that food is so much more than nutrition. It’s a source of comfort, a way to stay connected to the past, and a joy to share in the present.
Mealtimes in our care homes are moments to look forward to — not just for the food itself, but for the memories it stirs and the conversations it inspires. Whether it’s a family recipe brought to life, a baking session filled with laughter, or simply the daily ritual of sitting down together, food has a remarkable ability to nourish both body and soul.
We’ve worked with residents across our care homes nationwide to compile a cookbook of meaningful recipes, celebrating their joy of cooking and passing these stories and meals on to future generations.
This cookbook is a beautiful example of how we support our residents to stay connected to who they are. Each recipe reflects a life lived fully – and a love for food that hasn’t faded.
- Louise Palmer, Director of Operations at Sanctuary Care
This cookbook is a heartwarming collection featuring treasured dishes from our residents passed down through generations, each one filled with flavour and memory. Sanctuary Care residents from all walks of life and ages have shared these recipes as they continue to play an important part in key moments of their lives.
The food we serve is deeply personal — it’s one of the most powerful ways we support wellbeing, dignity and happiness in later life.
— Mark Ord, Head of Hospitality Services, Sanctuary Care
Recipe Spotlights
Malcolm’s Cornish Pasty
Malcolm, St Breock - Cornwall
Malcolm began baking from the age of 10 and eventually took over the family business from his grandad. Malcolm loves to show residents and carers how to make their famous Cornish Pasty, filled with succulent steak, onions, potato, turnip and fresh herbs. Malcolm now runs cooking sessions with fellow residents - kindly sharing his wonderful knowledge and skills! Malcolm once cooked his delicious pasty for celeb-chef Gordon Ramsey.
Barbara’s Apricot and Sultana Cake
Barbara, Redhill Court - Birmingham
A keen baker, Barbara would fill her home with the scent of freshly made cakes after work each Friday. Whilst she enjoyed experimenting with different recipes, her favourite was always the apricot and sultana cake, Barbara passed the recipe onto her daughters Jayne and Wendy, who now regularly bake for their own families. More than just a sweet treat - this comforting cake is a slice of family history, lovingly preserved across generations.
Lyn’s Cheese Scones
Lyn, Nunthorpe Oaks - Middlesborough
A resident at Nunthorpe Oaks Care Home near Middlesbrough since 2021, Lyn fondly recalls the happiness she felt from cooking with her mother throughout her childhood.
Lyn's personal favourite dish is her cheese scones, that she still makes to this day using her mother's recipe.
Enriching Lives
While this cookbook celebrates the sense of Continuity - helping residents carry on the traditions, recipes and experiences that bring them joy - this is just one of the many ways we enrich lives every day.
At Sanctuary Care, we believe an enriched life is built on so much more. Alongside continuity, we create a sense of:
Security
Feeling safe and cared for.
Belonging
Building meaningful relationships.
Continuity
Continuing the activities that bring joy.
Purpose
Being part of something special.
Achievement
Celebrating personal milestones.
Significance
Being treated with dignity and respect.
This mural is more than just art—it embodies these values and offers a lasting tribute to the strength of community. It will serve as an inspiration to residents, families, and the wider public, highlighting the connections that truly enrich our lives.
Share your experience
We want you to experience and share these recipes with your own family, and we want to see how you get on! Whether you’re looking to try a new recipe or want to spread some joy through food, we want to hear from you. We would love to hear your experience of cooking and eating these recipes.
To share your experience, follow Sanctuary Care on social media and use hashtag #RecipesToRemember when you post.
More on Sanctuary Care
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Being not-for-profit means that any surplus income we get, we continually reinvest to improve the care we provide.
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For further information about life at Sanctuary Care's not-for-profit care homes, our Enquiry Support Team are here to help. Call us on 0800 046 4812.
