ORANGE, Calif. — From bruschetta, potato salad to meatloaf, Shirley Wells is a self-taught retired caterer who finds peace in almost any kitchen.

However, since she moved into Park Plaza senior living in Orange two years ago, Wells, now 86 years old, has had to adjust to not having a kitchen of her own.

“I said to them one day, ‘Do you think you could just put a stove in my room, because I really want to cook. They said use the one in A.R.,” Wells said.

A.R. is the complex’s activity room where residents can utilize a community kitchen that features an oven, stove and other kitchen appliances. It is also where Wells can be found whipping up one of her specialties and teaching others in her monthly cooking class.

Wells learned how to cook by following recipes since the fourth grade. Over the years, people asked her to cater for weddings, private parties and dinners. The more people asked, the more dishes she would create.

Her life’s work has led to boxes filled with over 1,800 recipes, and she is now using her skills in retirement to help other seniors find adventure in creating their own food, even, if it is with a microwave. 

Shirley Wells seen her with her box of recipes. (Spectrum News/ Zarina Khairzada)

“If you open a can of beans and pour it in a pot and turn the water onto high boil and then put it on a plate, you really haven’t done anything with it. Why not add garlic and onion and some tomatoes, throw in some ham and do something else with it,” Wells said.

During her recent cooking class, Wells, who was in full holiday spirit, shared how she makes her apple upside down cake and brownies to a room filled with dozens of other residents. According to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, ‪following recipes and cooking meals can help people stay physically and mentally active as they age. 

For Rita Yacker, who moved into the complex about a month ago, she is happy to see someone else make a treat for a change.

“It was good, everything was good. She did a great job. If I were her, I’d go home and take a nap,” she said.

If there is anything that Wells loves to do, it is to share her gift of making specialties with others.

“This is where I love to be. I feel back home again. I am able to cook. I am able to create. I’m able to do things that I want to do,” Wells said.

It's a gift these Park Plaza residents will get first dibs on over and over again.