College helps charity launch recipe book for older people

A recipe book has been launched by a County Durham charity with menus specifically designed for older people.

Called ‘Eat Well, Feel Great’, the book has been published by Age UK County Durham in response to calls from older people to inspire and motivate them to try new dishes and make meals more interesting and varied.

Ideas for the recipes came from members of the charity’s Big Lottery-funded project ‘Come Eat Together’ and Bishop Auckland College catering lecturer Graham Kennedy, working with Newcastle University’s LiveWell research programme.

‘Come Eat Together’ offers help with shopping and runs lunch clubs in various venues across the county, including a monthly event at the college where a two course meal is prepared and served by students, followed by choice of activities.

The recipe book features traditional favourite dishes which have been given a modern and healthy twist, inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. It also has a wide range of fresh new recipes which introduce people to delicious snacks and meal ideas that are quick and easy to make.

More than half of the recipes are suitable for vegetarians, and there are suggestions for the use of alternative ingredients to ensure that dishes can be interesting and varied. All are suitable for one or two people.

The recipes include:

• smoked mackerel paté
• baked fish and chips
• Sardinian stew
• tuna Niçoise salad
• roasted vegetable tagine with couscous
• chicken, spinach and potato frittata
• spice roasted fruits with honey and orange sauce.

The book is spiral bound so it can be laid flat, and has large colour photos of each recipe and easy to read text.

The project has been praised by North East nude celebrity chef and ‘Hairy Biker’ Si King, who said: “Come Eat Together is an absolutely brilliant project bringing older people together to enjoy good food and good craic.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get motivated to cook different tasty meals when you live on your own, this recipe book has loads of tasty creative healthy food to get your taste buds going!! I really hope you all enjoy making the dishes in the book, go on why don’t you give them a go! Keep up the fantastic work Age UK County Durham.”

Harriet Gibbon, Chief Executive of Age UK County Durham, added: “We are very proud of this publication with its delicious recipes, colourful photographs and practical design. All the recipes have been tested and tasted to make sure instructions are easy to follow and are full of flavour.

“I would like to thank the members of our ‘Come Eat Together’ project, Newcastle University and Bishop Auckland College’s Catering and Hospitality Department for their involvement in designing this recipe book and their support for the selection of the recipes.”

Information about the recipe book can be found at ageuk.org.uk/countydurham and copies can be purchased from Age UK’s Information, Advice and Trading Office at 68 North Road, Durham City, DH1 4SQ, or its Charity Superstore at Calder House, Mandale Business Park, DH1 1TH. Copies can also be purchased online on Amazon; visit amazon.co.uk and search for ‘Eat Well Feel Great Age UK’.

All proceeds from the recipe book go straight back to Age UK County Durham to support its work with older people across the county.