February 27, 2026
In senior living, dining goes far beyond a meal. It supports comfort, wellness, routine, and daily enjoyment. At Rock Creek Senior Living, we prioritize from-scratch cooking and source fresh ingredients weekly. Our culinary team prepares meals that are flavorful, nutritious, and tailored to resident needs. From house-made soups and sauces to freshly prepared entrées and sides, we focus on visible, high-quality preparation. As Culinary Director, I see how fresh sourcing and scratch cooking improve health, satisfaction, and daily life.
In my kitchen, from-scratch cooking means preparing every meal with care, intention, and heart. We start with fresh ingredients and build each recipe step by step. That process protects flavor and ensures consistent quality.
Fresh foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support resident health. Because we prepare meals ourselves, we can adjust ingredients as needed. Some residents may need extra protein. Others may benefit from increased fiber or modified portions. Scratch cooking gives us the flexibility to respond thoughtfully.
Comfort foods remain a staple in senior living. However, we work hard to create balance. We enhance traditional favorites by incorporating fresh vegetables whenever possible. In some dishes, we puree vegetables and blend them into sauces or gravies. This method boosts nutrition while preserving the familiar flavors residents love.
One resident favorite made entirely from scratch is our homemade pancake and waffle mix. It delivers just the right amount of sweetness. While the exact recipe stays in the kitchen, the smiles it brings to the dining room say everything.
Scratch cooking takes time and attention. Even so, the results make the effort worthwhile. Freshly prepared meals support wellness, enhance flavor, and create a dining experience that feels personal and comforting.
At Rock Creek Senior Living, our culinary team prepares meals with pride and purpose. Every dish reflects our commitment to quality. In senior living, food does more than nourish the body. It strengthens connection, reinforces routine, and helps residents truly feel at home.
Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny, IA offers senior villas, independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Mercy One Medical Center with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Briarwood Golf, The District Shopping Center, Saylorville Lake Marina, Big Creek State Park, and Ankeny Community Theater.
Rock Creek Senior Living serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
