CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS: POPCORN AND CRANBERRIES

The residents and activities staff spend a day in November preparing the garland for our Main Dining Room Christmas tree.  Stringing popcorn and cranberries is a tradition of the past and we have been doing here for many, many years.  It is beautiful and our residents are very proud to have participated in making it!

YARD SALE!

The activity calendar for November included the ever popular yard sale that is enjoyed by many residents.  Some come for one or two things, others come and have a leisurely, lengthy shopping experience.  Everyone has fun and all items are purchased with "CKM dollars."  The activities department receives donations of items from various sources so if you have items you would like to donate, please consider CKM activities for items of interest to our residents.   Thank you!

VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION

Our annual Veteran's Day celebration always draws big crowds and lots of emotion.  This year was no exception as we honored 33 in-house veterans as well as The DuBois Honor Guard, Sgt. William Dixon Detachment Marine Corps League, DuBois VFW, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, all of whom participated in making our Veteran's Day at Christ The King very, very special.  

HOMEMADE MEALS

Autumn brings changes to our activity schedule and one thing we find time for is making home-cooked meals for our residents.  Each month thru spring the activities department schedules a day to prepare a special meal for 18 residents.  The guest list is rotated so everyone has a chance to enjoy this special occasion.  November’s menu included Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Campanelle Pasta with Marinara sauce, Caesar Salad, Buttered Garlic Texas Toast, and Pumpkin Cheesecake.  The chicken Parmesan casserole is a simple and delicious alternative to traditional chicken Parmesan.  The recipe follows if you would like to try it!!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic crushed or finely chopped

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, sliced in half at thick portion

3 cups marinara sauce

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

1 package (8 oz) mozzarella cheese (we used more)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (we used more)

1 package garlic croutons crushed a little

Preheat oven 350°

Coat the bottom of a 9x13 pan with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic and pepper flakes.

Arrange chicken and pour marinara sauce over the chicken.  Sprinkle basil over the sauce.  Top with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.  Sprinkle on the croutons then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for about 35 minutes.  Enjoy!