As the first signs of spring sprout and sing around us, a combination of special occasions, celebrations, better weather and new seasonal produce make March one of the most exciting times in the calendar. We’re shining the spotlight on care catering this month and have teamed up with the talented IDDSI Trainer Andy Cullum to create inspiring seasonal dishes so that no-one misses out.
Mother’s Day – 15th March 2026
There are not many bigger days in the care home calendar than Mother’s Day so it’s all about helping guests celebrate and, more importantly, be celebrated. As always, the challenge for chefs is to make the feast as visually appetising and delicious as it is healthy, functional and inclusive. The traditional roast rules the roost, but get creative with your starters to take diners down memory lane.
This Creamy Prawn & Avocado Salad with a gentle lemon dressing ticks that retro starter box and the Country Range King Prawns make it a fresh and luxurious way to kick off the celebrations. The dish can also be adjusted depending on the needs of residents.
For someone on a soft food diet, the prawns can be finely chopped and served on a soft lettuce leaf. For those on a puréed diet, the prawns can be blended with avocado into a silky-smooth mousse and for a diabetic-friendly option, a reduced sugar dressing can be used with fresh lemon providing zing.
Nutrition & Hydration Week – 16th-22nd March 2026
Set up in March 2012, Nutrition and Hydration Week was created to raise awareness and educate people on the value of food and drink in maintaining health and wellbeing in health and social care. Now celebrated around the world and across the care sectors, the highlight of the week is the Global Tea Party, which takes place on the 18th March. Why not add some nutrient-rich smoothies and milkshakes to your afternoon drinks offering this spring?
Easter Sunday – 5th April 2026
Synonymous with the season, roast lamb will feature as the centrepiece on many a table during the Easter period, so make sure your spread is the best baaa none with these great recipes modified for IDDSI levels 5 & 6.
Although the traditional Easter cake has declined in popularity, the monumental marzipanny Simnel cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. A lighter fruit cake with layers of almond paste and eleven marzipan balls on top, this is another recipe to take guests on a nostalgic food journey into their past.
Award Winners
We were thrilled to win a trio of Cash & Carry Management Own Brand Awards recently.
Our SIGNATURE BY COUNTRY RANGE EXTRA MATURE CHEDDAR is now a multi-award winner, scooping a Quality Food Bronze Award as well as winning in the Cheese category at the CCM own Brand Awards.
Win! To celebrate we’re giving one lucky winner a Signature Cheeseboard – Click here to enter.
The Best Innovation Award went to our WHITE CHOCOLATE COOKIE PUCKS whilst our CRANBERRY AND ORANGE TORTE won in the Seasonal category, with a prestigious Best of the Best award.
If you’re yet to try these award-winners – ask your Country Range wholesaler about them when you place your next order!