Resident Recipes Spotlight: Cube Steak and Apple Pie by Maxine S.

Sometimes, a special dinner calls for something more than take-out. Whether it’s a leisurely family meal on a Sunday or an anniversary treat, a home-cooked meal tells others how much we care about them.

Maxine S., an elder at one of our Otterbein SeniorLife Neighborhoods, shared two of her favorite recipes that are perfect for that special occasion.

Two Favorite Recipes from Maxine Spaulding

First up, Maxine shared a recipe for a simple slow-cooker cube steak that makes for a hearty main course. She said the cube steak was always a family favorite and was excited to share this recipe with the Otterbein family. For accompanying side dishes, Spaulding recommends mashed potatoes, a cooked vegetable, and a side salad.

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Maxine worked in a bakery all her life, so perfecting her apple pie was a constant effort. She said she made it for almost every special event, and her family always looked forward to it.

Slow-Cooker Cube Steak Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. cube steak

• Flour (for dredging)

• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

• 2 tbs. canola oil

Preparation

1. Heat oil in skillet. Add steaks to pan and cook until browned.

2. Add flour and salt and pepper to taste in large bowl. Remove steaks from pan and coat in flour mixture, saving drippings in pan.

3. Set a slow cooker to low and add flour-coated steaks.

4. Add remaining flour to pan with drippings and whisk until mixed. Add cold water to thin lumps as needed and create a gravy.

5. Add the gravy to the slow cooker with the steak.

6. Cook on low until done, approximately 6-8 hours.

Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples

• 2 tbs. flour

• 1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling

• 2 tbs. butter

• 1.5 tsp. cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling

• Prepared pie crust (top and bottom)

• Milk, for brushing crust

Preparation

1. Prepare and pre-bake crust as package directs, then set oven temperature to 375°F.

2. Slice apples into thin pieces. The peel may be kept on if desired.

3. Combine apple slices, 1 cup sugar, and flour.

4. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add cinnamon.

5. Combine apples and melted butter. Add to bottom pie crust and top with remaining crust. Brush top crust with milk and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

6. Bake pie at 375°F for 45-50 min. or until crust is done.

More About Otterbein SeniorLife Neighborhoods

Otterbein SeniorLife Neighborhoods are places to call home for elders who need 24/7 medical care or rehabilitation after a surgery or hospital stay.

Our neighborhoods are built on the small house model - each location looks like a house and holds no more than 10 elder rooms inside. It’s just one way we help our elders live life on their terms.

Another way is by having the kitchen be the center of the house, just like it is at home. Our elders are free to eat when they like, to choose and share their favorite recipes with the other elders, and to invite their families to join them for a meal.

Interested in learning more about Otterbein SeniorLife Neighborhoods? Download your free information packet to see how our small houses are different from traditional nursing homes.