RESIDENTS at Gibraltar Nursing Home recently made chocolate and marzipan covered cherries from the home’s very own no-bake recipe book.

The book was created by a member of the team, who gathered recipes from both family members to create something unique to the home.

All recipes were chosen to be microwave- friendly, ensuring that everyone could take part using the kitchenettes across the home’s households.

Blank pages were also included at the back of the book, so other family members could add in their own special recipes if they wished too.

Team member Bridget encouraged those taking part in making the chocolate and marzipan covered cherry recipe either by observing the activity or helping to make the chocolate themselves.

The process followed residents also referred to as family members actively wrapping marzipan over cooking cherries, covering them in melted chocolate and left them to set whilst adding a few extra sprinkles to decorate them.

One family member, Jason especially enjoyed this creative activity. At 55 years old, Jason lives with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia. In his earlier life, Jason was a lorry driver and loved his job.

However, today Jason sometimes finds it difficult to focus on a task, often getting up to go for a walk or move on to something else.

The first stage involved gently flattening pieces of marzipan into discs. Team members were nearby offer support where needed before the cherries were carefully wrapped and rolled into smooth balls.

Once this step was completed, it was time for melted chocolate. Family members took their bowls of melted chocolate and scooped it over the marzipan cherries. A number of family members had a flashback to their childhood as the taste of marzipan initiated this memory – commenting on how rare it had been in that time and a special treat.

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The chocolates were then distributed across the home that evening with a hot drink.