Programming Ideas
Anytime Activities
Play board games,press flowers, write a letter to a relative, friend or pen pal,
make a craft, draw, color, paint, watch a movie, write stories, bird watching, write a play, play card games, do a jigsaw puzzle, do brain teasers (ie: crosswords, word searches, etc.), learn magic tricks, plant a container garden, make picture frames from twigs glued onto sturdy cardboard, make sock puppets, sew buttons in designs onto old shirts, make bookmarks, fold laundry, work with clay, design your own game, arrange photo albums, string dry noodles or O-shaped cereals into a necklace for the birds, make up a song, play charades, draw a cartoon strip, make a collage using pictures cut from old magazines, have a Spelling Bee, bake a batch of cookies, make paper airplanes, write a poem, make friendship bracelets, make a terrarium, read the newspaper, toss bean bags into a bucket.
Sensory Stimulation
Reminiscing- photo albums, childhood memories, backrubs, aromoatherapy, pets,
memory boxes, old radio, make lap quilts, flower arranging, finger painting, visits with children, name that tune, jigsaw puzzles, Picture Books- make out of 3 ring binders and pictures from magazines. Try different themed books like babies, vacations, animals, etc., readings of poetry or other stories, play cassettes of ocean waves, birds, etc., make touch books out of different textures such as cotton, wool, silk, etc., facials, string popcorn or cheerios for birds, walking, talking books, baking, scrapbooks, brush and fix resident's hair, manicures and hand massages, building with wood, herbal tea.
Intergenerational
Intergenerational relations refers to any informal interaction between youth and senior adults. Generations connect every time an older person teaches a child to make a family recipe, a teenager shows an older person how to use a computer, or different generations play a sport together. The benefits of interaction between generations are far reaching: friendships are formed, assistance is provided, lessons are learned and the young and old break through the generation gap. You can help with this process by setting up intergenerational activities at your facility. Some examples of programs could include: penpals, trips, homework help, arts & crafts, form a choir, cooking, games, holiday celebrations, socials, pet visits, gardening, reading, talent show, theme dinners, fashion review, photo share, guest speakers, show & tell.
Bulletin Boards
Ever wonder what to do with that bulletin board? Here are some ideas: BORDER IDEAS- wrapping paper, newspaper, greeting cards, wide ribbon, yarn, play money, pages from old books, photographs, puzzle pieces, playing cards, buttons, stickers or jewelry. THEMES- trivia, quotes, post cards, contests, holidays, I'm Thankful For:, staff introductions, different countries. A Map & Stars for people to put on the map to show where they are from or where they would like to go. What's the Scoop- cut a banana split from construction paper and post in the middle of the board. Cut out ice cream cones and on them write world news, local news, or facility news and post all around the board. A Star was Born- write each resident's name and birthday on a yellow star and post on the board. Step Into A Good Book- cut out shoe shapes from construction paper and ask residents and staff to recommend books and write them on the shoes and paste on board.
Question Of The Week- cover board with blank butcher paper. At the top write a question and let residents and staff write their thoughts on the paper.
Men's Groups
I know how difficult it can be to find activities just for the men at your facility so here are a few ideas to get you started! Automobile Club- pictures, stories, trips to shows or car lots. Walking group, bowling league, card games, collector's club- coins, stamps, antiques. Sports clubs, science projects, tournaments & contests, quizzes & trivia- men's themes. Investment club, dice games, cooking club: Just For Men- pizza, hotdogs, chili. Breakfast club- at your facility or out on the town.
Show & tell, discussion groups, fishing trips, guest speakers, make birdhouses or dollhouses, men's games: horseshoes, golf, ping pong. Board Games: chess, checkers, backgammon.
Games
BALLOON GAME- circle game
Arrange chairs in a circle and have residents sit down. Start by batting a balloon to another person in the circle, the object is to keep the balloon up in the air for as long as possible. When it does hit the floor, pass it to the next person to start another round.
PINT PONG TOSS
Collect empty egg cartons. Arrange them on a table or on the floor. Color each egg slot different colors to signify different point values. Have residents toss ping pong balls into the cartons and add up their total points. The resident with the highest score at the end of the game wins!
WORD CHALLENGE
Take one long word and write it on the top of several sheets of paper (enough for each person playing). Give each person a sheet and have them make as many words as they can from the letters in the word you have written on the top of the page.
BEANBAG TOSS
On a large piece of heavy cardboard cut out holes. Assign each hole a different point value. Hold up the board and let residents try to toss beanbags into the different slots. Add up the points and the high score wins.
WHO'S THAT PRESIDENT
Gather picture of several different presidents. Cover up the names (if applicable) and have residents try to name each of the different ones. The one who can name the most wins!
WHAT'S THAT SPICE?
Get ten paper cups and place a different spice in each cup. Cover each cup with paper or foil and make a small hole in the cover. Each person gets to guess the spice in each cup by the smell . The resident who can identify the most spices correctly wins the game.
PRICE IS RIGHT
Purchase 10 inexpensive household items. Hold each item up one at a time and have residents guess on what the retail price of that item is. The person who gets the most correct wins
NAME THE AD
Magazine ads are cut out, and prepared by removing the name of the products. From text and/or slogans, residents guess what products they are.
10,000
Objective: Roll six dice and try to score points quickly. Different rolls and numbers buy you points. First one to 10,000 wins.
Point values
Ones are worth 100 points each
Fives are worth 50 points each
Three of a kind is worth 100 times the number rolled (2-2-2 = 200)
Three of a kind with ones scores 1000 points (1-1-1 = 1000)
1-2-3-4-5-6 is a special throw worth 1500 points
A player, after scoring points, may either stop and add all of the points from that turn to his/her permanent score, or throw again using any unused dice in an attempt to score additional points. A throw with no scoring combinations ends the player's turn and that player adds zero to his/her permanent score. If a player scores points with all of the remaining dice they may stop or continue again throwing all six dice. The first player to reach 10,000 points (or 5,000 in some versions) wins.
AT THE RACES
Make a "racetrack" with six lanes. Use a long sheet of the wide paper used to cover bulletin boards and draw the lanes on with a marking pen. Purchase plastic horses from a toy store. Divide each lane into about 8-12 spaces
You can have up to six players at one time with this game. The players places their horse on a lane. The operator throws a die and the player whose lane number comes up gets to move forward one space. The first player to the finish line gets a prize.
FUNNY PHOTOS
Paint foam core or plywood with funny bodies (circus performers, aliens, farmers, etc.) cut out holes for faces. Take Polaroid or digital pictures.
Crafts
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SAND ART
You will need: salt, food coloring, wax paper, bowls and clear jars with lids.
Place salt in each of the bowls and add different food coloring to each bowl. Mix well. Spread each color onto a sheet of wax paper to dry. Once dry, pour into jars in different layers until jar is full and then put on lid tightly!
ROCK GARDENS
You will need: several small to medium sized pebbles. You can buy these or collect them with your residents if possible. You will also need saucers (the bottoms to large clay pots), potting soil and starter plants.
After planting the plants in the saucers, the residents can then add the pebbles to create their gardens!
MAKE MARACAS
Drop several small pebbles into empty soda cans and tape shut. Then decorate the outside of the cans any way you would like. Now you have a fun instrument that can be used during exercises, music class or anytime just for fun!
MAKE YOUR OWN LOTION
Mix 1 tsp honey, 1tsp veg oil and 1/4 tsp lime juice. Rub into hands for 10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
JIGSAW PUZZLES
Make your own jigsaw puzzles by collecting several photos of the residents and then cutting them up into different pieces. Put the cut up photos in different envelopes and then let the residents have fun by putting them back together! Make this as easy or difficult as you would like, make it a game by seeing who can complete theirs first.
Indoor Activities
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BINGO-Always a Classic! Cards with big numbers help those with low vision. Can give small prizes if desired.
POETRY CLUB- This group reads, discusses and/or writes poetry.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH- Helps out with different charity programs in the community. Makes items for children's groups. Collects food or clothing for the needy.
PING PONG
ARTS&CRAFTS-Painting, ceramics, pottery and crafts of all types! Paint by numbers for adults are available at local stores.
HOSPITALITY-Seniors in this circle visit others who may be lonely or just in need of a
friend. Could help with letters, phone calls, etc.
POPULAR BOARD GAMES-Sometimes need to revise these to fit individual's needs: checkers, backgammon, scrabble, dominoes, Wheel of Fortune, Pictionary, Dice & Connect4.
SPELLING BEE- Quiz seniors on random words and then continue to make them more challenging. Small prizes if desired.
TRIVIA-All kinds are great fun. Some ideas may include holidays, Presidents, nursery rhymes or States & Capitols.
EXERCISE-Simple routines that fit the senior's needs.
SING ALONGS
CARDS-Some favorites include Uno, blackjack, crazy eights, old maid and poker.
INDOOR VOLLEYBALL-Use a simple string for a net and a soft ball. This activity can be done sitting down or standing up.
DRAWING-You may be surprised at some of the talent you discover. Feel free to make this as simple as you want it to be.
RUBBER STAMPING-Make cards or keepsakes.
PICTURE TAKING-Seniors delight in getting dolled up for a photo. Make a big photo
album.
BRAGGING TIME-Have seniors meet to brag about grandchildren, accomplishments, pets, etc.
FAMILY TREE-Stimulate minds by trying to remember family heritage.
CONTESTS-These can be a lot of fun! Be Creative.
GAMES-Bean bag toss, indoor golf, basketball, etc.
CURRENT EVENTS-Read some articles from the paper and discuss with one another. Might also enjoy Ann Landers or Dear Abby columns. Link in with coffee and/or donuts.
FACIALS-Make your own or buy from the store. Enhance with light music and fragranced candles.
NAILS-Help the women paint and file their nails.
DISCUSSION GROUPS/REMINISCING-Get together and talk about the good old days
and tell tales. Can also focus on certain topics if desired.
PIZZA PARTY-Purchase some pizzas to bake at the grocery store or make your own. Can use english muffins to make mini pizzas.
DEMONSTRATION-A skill or talent demonstrated to a senior is often greatly appreciated.
CANDLE MAKING-Can range anywhere from quite simple to very elaborate.
JEWELRY CLEAN-Have a jeweler come in to clean jewelry or do it yourself with simple cleaning products.
SHOE SHINE
BIBLE STUDY/CHURCH SERVICE-Pastors are often willing to perform small services free of charge. Seniors may want to volunteer with these activities or play the piano.
AFTERNOON TEA-Enjoy this fancy treat by providing varieties of tea and homemade
cookies.
SPORTS GAMES-Gather sports fans together and watch the games on tv. Provide simple
snacks such as chips and pretzels.
PETS-Very therapeutic!
CROSSWORDS/WORD SEARCH-Large prints available. Can be worked on in a group or in a solo setting
.
JIGSAW PUZZLES-Adult versions available with 100-200 larger pieces.
COMPUTERS-If you have accessibility to one give simple lessons and hands on time.
PEN PALS
JOKES&RIDDLES-Seniors seem to enjoy these and may have some to contribute
themselves.
GARDENING-Indoor activities may include terrariums, rock gardens, herb gardens or the simple care of indoor plants.
OLD PROVERBS
MASSAGES-Simple ones are easy to perform and greatly appreciated.
AROMATHERAPY-Kits can be purchased at the store or you can create your own. This
just involves creating different scents in the air that in turn bring on calmness and relaxation.
TRAVEL VIDEOS-Very educational and now there are more interesting ones available.
BEAUTY CLUB-This will give the women a real lift. Help them cleanse their faces and apply some simple makeup if desired.
CANDY MAKING
FLOWER ARRANGING-Can be done with real or artificial flowers.
ICE CREAM SOCIALS-Can even make your own.
BREAD MACHINES-Seniors will enjoy making the many different varieties.
READING GROUP-Read aloud some of the old favorites.
CAKE DECORATING-Just try some simple designs, provide lots of colors and frosting.
SEWING CLUB-For seniors who sew, knit, quilt or crochet. They can work on their
projects together and in turn have someone to visit with. Could also work on simple sewing projects such as teddy bears or potholders. Latch hooks are sometimes popular.
COOKING CLUB-Prepare and cook simple recipes and enjoy them when you are done or make gift baskets for friends.
NAME THAT TUNE-Use popular favorites from the senior's era.
MOVIE&POPCORN-Classics seem to be the most popular. Lawrence Welk is a big hit. Seniors also enjoy helping to make the popcorn with a hot air popper.
Outdoor Activities
STROLLS-Go for a walk around the neighborhood.
CROQUET-You don't have to follow all of the rules, just enjoy yourselves.
BADMINTON
HORSESHOES-Some safer and lighter versions of these are available.
HOMEMADE LEMONADE
FRISBEE
BBQ!! Great fun for all.
GARDEN CLUB-Plant and care for flowers and vegetables.
CATCH/VOLLEYBALL-Super easy with a beach ball.
KITE FLYING AND/OR MAKING
BIRD WATCHING-Can keep a journal and research the different varieties of birds in your area. Make or buy bird feeders and keep them full.
MINI GOLF
BOWLING
WADING-Seniors really enjoy cooling off their feet in a small pool.
PINECONE BIRD FEEDERS-Spread peanut butter on pine cones and then roll in bird seed and hang from a tree with fishing line. Also string cheerios or fruit loops for the birds.
Outings
COUNTRY DRIVES-About an hour in length. Take a tour of various back roads in your area where you would find a pleasant view. Stop by a fruit stand. Check for flowers, barns, old houses, etc.
PICNICS-Check out the local parks and bring a standard sack lunch. Check for wheelchair accessibility if applicable.
MUSEUMS-Take seniors on tours of some of the locals.
NURSERY-These are neat to visit whether you are buying or just gazing.
SHOPPING TRIPS-Go to various dept. stores to buy or just browse. May want to take a trip to the mall at Christmas time.
LIBRARY-Help seniors get their own library cards and check out some books. Be sure to help them remember to return them.
BEACH TRIP-Or a trip to the lake. Have a picnic and take in the sights.
SCHOOLS-Grade schools, middle schools and high schools are all a great resource. Seniors may want to visit a class as guest speakers or join in on a cooking group. Trips to plays and performances are great too.
OUT FOR MEALS-Make reservations at a local restaurant and enjoy the trip out.
BOWLING ALLEY-For seniors who are still able to bowl this is a lot of fun. Even for those who don't bowl they might like to go along and watch.
CITY HALL-Take a tour of your local city hall or courthouse.
COUNTY FAIRS
ICE CREAM SHOPS
FISHING TRIP-Head out for a day of fun. Be sure to have equipment for everyone
And make a plan for lunch.
CAPITOL BUILDING-Seniors will enjoy a tour of your state capitol.
ZOO-If you have one in your area, check it out and see if it might be feasible to take a visit there.
LOCAL PLAYS/CONCERTS-Be sure to plan in advance and get tickets early.
TRAIN RIDE-Take a ride to a different town and have lunch or dinner.
PARADES-Bring chairs and plenty of refreshments.
ANIMAL SHELTER-You may be able to take a tour of your local animal shelter and visit with the animals.
ART GALLERY
ANTIQUE STORE
SPORTS GAMES-At a local grade school or park.
LOCAL FARMS
GARAGE SALES-Seniors will probably get tired quickly but may have a good time.
COVERED BRIDGE-Some are still around, find out if there are any in your area.
SENIOR CENTER-Great place to meet new friends and partake in many activities.
LOCAL SITES OF INTEREST-Your Chamber of Commerce or visitor's center is a great resource of information. They have brochures of the local recreation and can often answer many of your questions.
Special Events
THEME DAYS-Decide on a theme and have everyone dress accordingly. Have special games and decorations. Make the evening meal an extra special affair. Have entertainment come in.
FUND RAISERS/CHARITY EVENTS-Get together with the other staff and decide on a fund raiser idea and a charity. Be sure to have enough help. Not only are you helping your community but you are also helping to get your facility known in the area.
BRIDAL/BABY SHOWERS-For staff, friends and family. Seniors always enjoy getting involved, especially when it is someone they know.
INTERNATIONAL DAYS-Focus on a different country each day and then plan your
meals accordingly. Have maps available and make crafts from the different countries. Local travel agencies may provide brochures and interesting information.
SENIOR TALENT SHOW-Put a show together of your seniors in action. Be sure to invite family and friends. Have your camera ready!
CAR SHOW-Have locals bring in different models for your seniors to view.
PLAYS-The staff may want to come together and perform a simple play for the seniors.
OLYMPICS-Create some events and let the competition begin. Could be indoors or out. Have ribbons on hand for everyone.
PAJAMA PARTY-Seniors can come down to the living room in their pajamas and tell
stories. Play a funny video and have plenty of popcorn.
FAMILY DAY-Invite family members to join your seniors in a special day just for them. Have special meals, a BBQ or picnic. Play some games and spend some quality time together. May want to provide some simple entertainment.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION-Appreciate all those folks who help you out, seniors
included! Provide ice cream, cake and give out certificates to those who help make it all possible.
PAGEANTS-There are no limits to this!
Guests
LOCAL 4-H GROUPS-They may come to do activities or play games or maybe just to visit and have cookies. They can show off their projects, especially at fair time.
GIRL SCOUTS
BOY SCOUTS
CHURCH GROUPS/CHOIRS-of all ages.
FRIENDS/FAMILY MEMBERS-They are a neat resource. They may want to play an
instrument, demonstrate a talent, give a slide show or talk about their career.
STUDENTS-Work on projects together or have them over for a meal.
FIREMEN-Can explain his/her job duties and/or bring a truck to look at.
BABIES-Always a great joy to seniors.
ARTIST/PAINTER-May want to give a demo and/or show some of their work.
HEARING CLINICS-They are often willing to come in to check hearing and clean hearing aids.
POLICEMEN-Can talk about their duties and bring a car by.
SEMINAR SPEAKERS-Many speakers are available on a variety of interesting topics.
HUMANE SOCIETY-They may want to give a pet show.
DANCE STUDIO-Ask them to give a simple performance.
MUSIC STUDENTS
HOBBY CLUBS-Have members give a lecture or demo.
PROFESSORS-You may find some willing to come chat with your group.
CLOTHING FASHION SHOW-A local clothing store could give a show at your building.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Recipes
BREADS
Cranberry Bread
Sift:
2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. baking soda
Cut in:
¼ c. butter
Add:
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. grated orange peel
¾ c. orange juice
Mix until mixture is evenly moist.
fold in:
light raisins, 1 c.
½ bag cranberries
Spoon into a greased 9x5x3 loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 min. or until toothpick in center comes out clean. Cool out of pan on a wire rack. Keep stored in aluminum foil.
Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins
2 1/2 c Flour
1 1/2 t Baking powder
1/2 t Soda
3/4 c Sugar
1/4 t Salt
2 x Eggs, beaten
1 c Buttermilk
4 oz Butter
1 1/2 c Blueberries
Sift dry ingredients together in a large bowl. In another bowl,
whish eggs, buttermilk and butter that has been melted and browned
slightly. Make a well in dry ingredients and pour in liquid
ingredients, mixing quickly. Fold in blueberries. Spoon batter into greased muffin cups and bake until golden brown. Bake at 400 F for 20
~30 minutes. Makes 24 muffins.
CAKES
Crumb Coffee Cake
2 c All-purpose flour
2 c Brown sugar
1/2 c Shortening
1 c Sour milk
1 ea Egg, beaten
1 t Soda
1 x Baking powder, pinch
Crumble shortening into sugar and flour. Reserve 3/4 c of the mixture
for topping. To the remaining dry ingredients add shortening, milk
and egg. Mix well and place in deep, 8" square baking dish. Cover with the 3/4 c reserved crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until done.
Banana Cake
1/4 c Sour cream
1 ts Baking soda
1/4 c Butter, softened
1 1/2 c Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Large banana, mashed
1 ts Vanilla extract
1 1/2 c Flour
Frosting:
2 tb Butter, softened
1 c Confectioners' sugar
1 tb Milk
1 tb Lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 9-inch loaf pan; dust with flour.
Combine sour cream and baking soda in large bowl; let stand for 5 minutes.
Mix butter, sugar, and eggs together in separate bowl; stir into sour cream mixture. Add mashed banana; mix well. Gradually add vanilla and flour; mix well after each addition.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan; bake for 1 hour.
Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack; cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
Cream butter and sugar together well in mixing bowl. Stir in milk and lemon juice, beating well until frosting is of spreading consistency. Frost sides and top of cooled cake.
COOKIES
Best Oatmeal Cookies
3/4 c Margarine, room temp
1 c White sugar
1/2 c Packed brown sugar
2 ea Egg whites, slightly beaten
1 1/2 c All purpose flour
1 t Baking soda
1 t Ground cinnamon
1/4 t Ground nutmeg
1 1/2 c Oats, uncooked
1 c Raisins
1 t Vanilla
In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg whites.
In a medium size bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg; add to sugar mixture. Stir in oats, raisins and vanilla. Chill 1 hour.
Preheat oven 350F.
Roll a teaspoon of dough into a ball and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Grease the bottom of a glass with margarine, dip glass in sugar and use to flatten ball of dough.
Continue, leaving adequate space between cookies. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on racks.
Mexican Wedding Cakes
1 c Butter, softened
1 c Powdered sugar
2 c Sifted flour
1 c Ground nuts
1 t Vanilla
Combine all ingredients and form into 1 1/2" balls.
Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until set.
Roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm.
Gingerbread Cookies
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/3 c. shortening
1 ½ c. light molasses
2/3 c. cold water
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
7 c. flour
Icing:
1 ½ c. confectioners sugar
1 large egg white
1 pinch cream of tarter
Cream together brown sugar and shortening. Mix in molasses and water. Mix in baking soda, salt, and spices until well blended. Gradually stir in flour until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least two hours.
Heat oven to 350. Roll dough ¼ inch thick on floured board. Cut with floured cookie cutter. Place about 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake until no indentation remains when touched, 10 to 12 minutes; cool. Decorate with Frosting.
OATMEAL COOKIES
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup flour (unbleached)
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbs light sesame oil
1 1/2 cup apple juice
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in bowl, add oil and mix well, add the juice. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake 15-20 min our until golden brown.
BANANA COOKIES
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsps. baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup mashed banana
Mix all ingredients together and drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees.
DRINKS
Summer Cooler
Ingredients:
5 Lemons
5 Limes
5 Oranges
3 quarts Water
1 1/2 To 2 cups sugar
Method:
Squeeze the juice from 4 of the lemons, limes and oranges; pour into a gallon container. Thinly slice the remaining fruit and set aside for garnish. Add water and sugar to juices; mix well. Store in the refrigerator. Serve on ice with fruit slices. Dissolve the sugar in 2 cups hot water.
Hawaiian Punch
Ingredients:
3 cans Large frozen Hawaiian Punch
2 cans Large frozen Orange juice
2 quarts Ginger ale
3 cans Large frozen Lemonade
1 quart Raspberry sherbet
Method:
In a LARGE punch bowl, follow can directions for each frozen juice. Spoon in raspberry sherbet and whip it up. Pour the ginger ale slowly around the edge of the punch bowl (2 bottles).
SALADS
Pineapple Picnic Salad
20 oz Pineapple, crushed, undrained
8 oz Cream cheese, softened
4 oz Vanilla pudding, instant mix
20 oz Pineapple chunks, drained
8 oz Whipped desert topping
-frozen non-dairy, thawed
In a large bowl, stir the undrained pineapple into the cream cheese. Stir in the vanilla pudding mix.
Fold in the drained pineapple chunks and whipped topping. Cover and chill till ready to serve at the picnic
All-American Cole Slaw
1 1/2 lb Green cabbage; cored, and finely shredded
3 tb malt vinegar
1/4 ts Salt
2 Carrot, medium; grated
2/3 c Mayonnaise
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cabbage with the vinegar and salt. Grate the carrot directly into the bowl. Add the mayonnaise and toss well.
For best flavor, let sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
Cold Corn Salad
1 pkg. frozen whole kernel corn
6 to 8 slices fried bacon, crispy and crumbled
2 to 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
2 to 3 chopped fresh jalapeno peppers, seeds removed
chopped olives
2 to 3 stems of chopped green onions
1 c. grated colby/jack cheese
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
In large mixing bowl combine all chopped vegetable with corn. Stir in enough dressing to coat vegetables well. Then stir in grated cheese and crumble bacon on top.
FRUIT SALAD
1 cup fruit cocktail, drained
1 cup mandarin orange slices, drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup of non-dairy whipped topping
1 cup of shredded coconut
Mix ingredients together and chill for 2 hours before serving.