Serves 6 / Prep Time: 20 min / Source: Bon Appetit

A green celebration of spring. If you can’t find fava beans, substitute English or sugar snap peas.

Ingredients

1/4 cup coarsely chopped raw pistachios
1-1/2 cups shelled fava beans (from about 1-1/2 pounds pods)
Kosher salt
1 small shallot
2 tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1 bunch asparagus
2 cups watercress or arugula
1/2 cup mint leaves
2 tablespoons tarragon leaves
2 tablespoons chive blossoms (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Boil water for step 4.
2. Chop pistachios and toast on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until fragrant but not browned, 5–8 minutes. Let cool.
3. Chop shallot finely. Combine with vinegar in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside at least 10 minutes.
4. Cook fava beans in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander set in a bowl of ice water. Drain, remove skins, and transfer beans to a small bowl.
5. Slice asparagus thinly lengthwise on a mandolin. Trim watercress or arugula. Coarsely chop mint and tarragon. Mince chive blossoms, if using.
6. Whisk oil into shallot and vinegar mixture.
7. Combine beans, asparagus, watercress, mint, and tarragon in a large bowl. Add vinaigrette and pistachios and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving platter and top with chive blossoms, if using.

Serves 6-8 / Prep Time:10 / Cook Time: 35 min* / Source: Southern Living
*To reduce cook time, see alternate microwave directions below

This casserole dish uses convenience items like store-bought pesto and Alfredo sauces, and frozen ravioli, to deliver a delicious main dish with little time and effort on your part

Ingredients

1 (6-oz.) package fresh baby spinach
1/3 cup refrigerated pesto sauce
1 (15-oz.) jar Alfredo sauce
1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 (25-oz.) package frozen cheese-filled ravioli
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Italian six-cheese blend
Garnishes: chopped fresh basil, paprika

Oven Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Wash and chop spinach, and toss with pesto in a medium bowl.
2. Combine Alfredo sauce and broth. Spoon one-third of alfredo sauce mixture (about 1/2 cup) into a lightly greased 2-qt. or 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Top with half of spinach mixture. Arrange half of still frozen ravioli in a single layer over spinach mixture. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining one-third of Alfredo sauce.
3. Bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Bake 5 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Garnish, if desired.

Microwave Directions

1. Wash and chop spinach, and toss with pesto in a medium bowl.
2. Place ravioli in a microwave-safe bowl or dish and defrost to room temperature.
3. Combine Alfredo sauce and broth. Spoon one-third of alfredo sauce mixture (about 1/2 cup) into a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish. Top with half of spinach mixture. Arrange half of thawed ravioli in a single layer over spinach mixture. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining one-third of Alfredo sauce.
4. Microwave on high 5 minutes. Use a spoon to lightly separate ingredients. Microwave another 5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and microwave 1-2 minutes more, until cheese melts. Garnish, if desired.

All of our programs are adaptable for seniors with early-stage memory loss and for individuals with mild cognitive disabilities. For seniors with later stages of memory loss, and individuals with more severe cognitive disabilities, we have found the following list of programs to be the most helpful and beneficial. All of these programs use present-moment awareness that can also gently stimulate long-term memory recall when possible.

• Classic Car Flashback: American Automotive Design of the 50s, 60s and 70s – An interactive slideshow featuring photos and fun facts about the major automotive brands and car models that created the “heyday” of classic American car design. With lots of photos of classic cars, this program gets everyone talking! We also bring a guitar and sing some Golden-Oldie songs about cars, and invite everyone to share their nostalgic car memories. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Cooking – “Food, clothing, and shelter” form the essential triad of our basic needs, allowing all other aspects of our lives to flourish.  And the act of cooking allows each of us to connect with our sustenance, impart a piece of ourselves in what we create, and share it with those around us. Click here for a full program list of our Cooking classes
• Fiber Arts – Participants will learn the art of hand sewing to create usable objects and fabric art pieces. Click here for a full program list of our Fiber Arts classes
• Fine Arts – The creative arts are a wonderful opportunity to express individuality and be the sole creator of something beautiful that never before existed.  The act of creating something new, using materials with your own form of personal expression, can be very therapeutic and empowering.  Our projects have very flexible goals so that even those with limited experience, or limited abilities, can succeed in creating.  We demonstrate the techniques and guide the group through the learning process.  Our individual assistance helps take the fear out of getting started, even if this is their first art project.  And if anyone is having trouble seeing or using their hands, we can help them make it.  We can also hold an art party at the end of the class, with all of the students’ work on display.  The parties are a wonderful way for them and their families to learn new things about each other. Click here for a full program list of our Fine Arts classes
• Flower Arranging – Learn the tips and techniques for creating beautiful and unique arrangements using flowers, greenery and natural objects. Participants make their own arrangement to keep. Click here for a full program list of our Flower Arranging classes
• Birdhouse Decorating -Each individual will receive a premade birdhouse, paint, brush and decorate as they desire.
• Wild flower Planting – Each individual will receive a pot, seeds, soil and paint/paintbrush or markers to decorate pot. They will plant seeds in pot.
• Massage Therapy – Massage can be especially helpful for senior adults and those with limited mobility. Blood circulation to the heart, and circulation of the lymphatic system, is normally done by the legs. Massage will help keep these systems working well. Massage also helps to keep muscles exercised, when you are having difficulty exercising them yourself. Our therapists are licensed and insured, and have extensive experience working with senior adults and people with disabilities. Click here for a full program list of our Massage Therapy sessions
• Music – Like all forms of art, music moves each of us in distinctly individual ways. Music is an integral accompaniment to all eras of our lives, past and present. Hearing a song from our past carries us back to that place in time, and reminds us of the sentiments and memories that we associate with it. And listening to a new piece of music stimulates our emotions and inspires our opinions in ways that define who we are and what we believe in. Music is therefore not only a critical component of our history, but also has the power to affect and define our present, no matter what our current living situation might be. Click here for a full program list of our Music activities
• Pet Connections – The benefits of connecting with animals are many. Animals provide steadfast and dependable companionship. They provide us with opportunities to stay in the present moment – feeling a dog lick our hand makes it easy to forget our troubles. The fact that they depend on us for their health and happiness helps us feel loved and needed. And the health benefits of animal relationships are many: decreased blood pressure, better resistance to stress, less asthma and allergies, increased exercise and outdoor activities, more opportunities for socialization, and less likelihood of depression and loneliness. But most of all they provide a beautiful example of unconditional love and acceptance. Click here for a full program list of our Pet Connections activities
• Aromatherapy – Essential oils can give us extra energy, calm our minds, help us sleep better, improve our memory, and provide relief from other imbalances. Learn how aromatherapy can help you, sample some essential oils, and make a customized body lotion or body scrub to keep. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials) *Not suitable for people with allergies or sensitive skin. 
• Tai Chi – Tai Chi is a practical, slow-flowing exercise for restoring flexibility and joint function, improving balance, and lifting energy and outlook. Tai Chi also reduces depression, arthritis pain, chronic pain, stiffness, and fibromyalgia. It enhances breathing, lowers blood pressure, slows bone loss, and boosts immunity to the shingles virus. The gentle movements of this ancient Chinese tradition can be done either seated or standing, and participants are encouraged to sit down whenever they may need to. Anyone can participate, even if they are new to Tai Chi, and even if they are using a walker or wheelchair. Click here for a full program list of our Tai Chi classes
• Yoga – Keeping our bodies active is equally as important as keeping our minds active. Yoga helps us maintain strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. It can also be easily adapted to all levels of physical and cognitive ability. Our instructors have specialized yoga training for senior adults and people with disabilities. Our programs are designed to use safe, gentle, uncomplicated movements, so no previous experience is necessary. We also teach seated classes so people who use walkers or wheelchairs can participate. Click here for a full program list of our Yoga classes

Click on the categories below for a full program list