After 35 years in various kitchens across the Taranaki district, Pam Watkins couldn’t be happier in her new role as food service team leader at Enliven’s Chalmers Home.
“It’s my first time cooking for a home,” says Pam. “I’m really enjoying it. It’s much more my size and the residents are lovely.”
Pam’s background is in large scale events. She previously worked for Andrew Fage Catering, which specialised in conferences and weddings in and around Taranaki and further afield. Her last role was head chef at the South Taranaki Club in Hawera.
“It was very busy with lots of split shifts. I had no time for myself or my family. Now I’m at Chalmers Home I enjoy the week at work and see my grandchild on weekends. I get to have some ‘me’ time too.”
Pam’s experience means she has lots of recipes up her sleeve and Chalmers Home residents and staff have recently enjoyed a sumptuous mid-winter solstice feast with baked lamb and ham, finished off with a classic plum duff pudding.
Fresh herbs from the Chalmers Home garden add flavour to meals that Pam ensures are delicious and nutritious. Her repertoire also extends to succulent sweet and sour pork, and on special occasions like the Queens’ Birthday high tea is served in a party atmosphere.
