Commitment + Clinical Leadership = Better Outcomes

Every month, residents in participating affiliated communities will learn about a different city and culture through fun activities, facts, and delicious cuisine through the Port of Call program. This month, the Port of Call is to Costa Rica.

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country located in Central America. On the west coast of Costa Rica is the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea is along the east coast. Costa Rica is home to two mountain ranges: The Cordillera Volcanic, and the Cordillera de Talamanca, both located in central Costa Rica.¹ Costa Rica got its name from Christopher Columbus in 1502 after he discovered the land. The first settlements in Costa Rica began in 1561.²  

Today, there are over 5,200,000 people that live in Costa Rica. The official language is Spanish, however, English is widely spoken. Over 80% of Costa Ricans have a white and Mestizo ethnic background.³ Mestizos are those who have a European and indigenous heritage.⁴ Costa Rica has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging on average from 73 degrees and 89 degrees.⁵  

Things to Do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with an interesting history, gorgeous coastlines, and many historical sites and attractions to explore.

Manuel Antonio Park

If you like to spend time outdoors, you could visit the Manuel Antonio Park. This national park is located in the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. While visiting, you can relax along the Manuel Antonio beach, go whitewater rafting in the Río Savegre, or go ziplining at El Santuario.⁶

Hacienda Alsacia

If you are a coffee lover and interested in how it is grown and made, you could visit Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm located one hour south of San Jose. After you arrive, you could take a coffee tour where you will get a tour of the farm and learn more about the process of how coffee is grown and produced.⁷

Proyecto Asis

Do you like animals and want an up-close view of some of Costa Rica’s native wildlife? If so, you could check out Proyecto Asis! Proyecto Asis is a wildlife sanctuary located in San Carlos. You have the option of taking the wildlife tour, sloth sanctuary tour, or full day tour. No matter which tour you pick, an expert naturalist will talk to you about the different types of wildlife as well as the importance of conservation. They will also answer any questions you may have.⁸

Poás Volcano

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, consider booking a tour of the Poás Volcano located just north of San Jose. While there, you will be able to see the volcano steam and bubble, creating a breathtaking sight. After you visit the volcano, you could walk along the trails surrounding the volcano. If you get hungry, you could grab a bite to eat at the café.⁹

Food

The history of Costa Rican cuisine is made up of Spanish and African meals and ingredients. For example, tamales, a popular food in Costa Rica, was brought by the Spanish. Pollo al coco, a tasty stew, was introduced to Costa Rica from Africa.¹⁰ Here are some popular dishes that Costa Ricans enjoy:

• Chorreadas. Chorredas are pancakes made from corn, flour, and eggs and are often served with honey or syrup¹¹
• Casado. Casado is a typical lunch dish that consists of rice, beans, and meat of your choosing. Often, Casado is served alongside fries, stew, or avocado¹²
• Olla de Carne. Olla de carne is a stew that is typically made with beef, potatoes, plantains, corn, carrots, and other vegetables¹³
• Prestiños. Prestiños is a fried dough dessert with sugar cane syrup drained on top.¹⁴

Our Menu

The Dietary Department crafted a menu for the Port of Call to Caldera. Here is the menu and corresponding recipes. Please keep in mind that these recipes are for the communities, but feel free to tailor the recipes to fit your specific needs! This menu is subject to change.

 Gallo Pinto Costa Rican Rice and Bean Salad:

• 10 CUPS of parboiled rice
• 2 CUPS of chopped cilantro
• 1 CAN of dried and rinsed black beans
• 4 CUPS of diced yellow onions
• 5 CUPS of diced tomatoes
• 1 CUP of vegetable oil
• 1 TBSP of salt
• 1 TBSP of grounded black pepper
• 5 TBSP of white vinegar
• 1 TBSP of ground cumin
• 1 TBSP of paprika

Method:

1. Cook the rice in 20 cups of water with 1 TBSP of salt. Drain and cool down properly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients with cooled rice and fold well.
3. Cover, label, and refrigerate until needed.

Costa Rican Beef Picadillo with Caramelized Plantains:

• 3 CUPS of finely chopped red onions
• 4 CUPS of diced green bell peppers
• 3 TBSP of minced garlic
• 10 LBS of ground meat
• 1 CAN of diced tomatoes
• 1 CAN of sliced green onions
• 1 TBSP of ground cumin
• 1 TBSP of salt
• 1 TBSP of grounded black pepper
• 2 TBSP of paprika
• 1 CUP of vegetable oil
• 2 CUPS of freshly chopped cilantro

Method:

1. In a large round pot, sauté ground beef until a brown color has been reached and all the meat is crumbled.
2. Remove the meat and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add oil, onion, garlic, peppers, and all seasonings. Sauté until translucent.
4. Return the cooked ground meat and mix well. Add cilantro and olives, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Roasted Plantains:

Defrost the plantains under the ambient cooler. Lay on a sheet pan over greased parchment paper. Then, warm up in a 350F oven for 35 minutes. Serve as is.

Banana and Coconut Cake:

• 10 CUPS of ripe banana puree
• 1 5LB of yellow cake mix
• 2 CUPS of coconut milk
• 3 CUPS of shredded sweet coconut
• 4 CUPS of whole milk
• 4 CUPS of brown sugar
• 1 TEASP of ground nutmeg
• 6 whole eggs
• 1 CUP of vegetable oil
• 2 CUPS of sour cream
• 1 TEASP of baking powder
• 1 TEASP of baking soda
• 5 CUPS of pineapple juice
• 1 TEASP of salt
• 3 TBSP of molasses
• 1 TEASP of ground cloves
• 4 TBSP of vanilla extract
• 1 TBSP of ground cinnamon
• 5 CUPS of sliced bananas

Method:

1. In an electric stand mixer, combine all of the ingredients and mix slowly using the pedal.
2. When the batter is liquidy and in good consistency, pour it evenly into 3 greased hotel-deep 2" baking pans.
3. Spread banana slices over the top of batter like coins.
4. Bake in a 350 F oven for 28 minutes or until the middle is fully baked. Use a toothpick to test.
5. Cool down at room temperature. Then, release and slice 2.5 " by 2.5" squares. Next, decorate with banana cream cheese frosting.

Banana Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 CUPS of banana puree
• 8 CUPS of softened cream cheese
• 2 CUPS of sour cream
• 2 CUPS of ground toasted almonds
• 2 CUPS of powdered sugar
• 4 TBSP of vanilla extract
• 2 TBSP of lemon juice
• 1 TEASP of salt
• 1 CUP of whole milk
• 2 CUPS of unsalted soft butter

Method:

1. Combine all of the ingredients into an electric mixer. Fold in using the whisk and whip on low speed. Increase speed after 1 minute and use a spatula to scrape the bowl. Whip at a higher speed for 3 minutes. Then, transfer into pastry bags or a container. Decorate each square banana coconut cake.

Activities for the Port of Call:

The affiliated Life Enrichment Departments will offer fun and educational activities that celebrate the culture and history of Caldera. All activities are subject to change and these lists are not final. Here are some examples of the activities the affiliated communities plan to offer.

Centerburg Respiratory

Centerburg Respiratory plans on having a few fun activities such as coqui frog art and vejiante mask art. They will also be learning about the music and folklore of Costa Rica. They plan on having the residents decorate maracas. They also have a series called “Learning Tuesdays,” where they will learn fun facts on a PowerPoint.

Bellevue Care Center

Bellevue Care Center plans on  blowing bubbles outside and enjoying a box of different snacks that they eat in Costa Rica!

Saber Healthcare:

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides consulting services to more than 130 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Delaware. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/costa-rica#:~:text=in%20Central%20America.-,It%20is%20bordered%20by%20Nicaragua%20to%20the%20north%20and%20Panama,and%20the%20Cordillera%20de%20Talamanca.
2. https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/costa-rica/history#:~:text=Juan%20de%20Cavallon%20of%20Spain,permanent%20colonial%20establishment%20until%201561.
3. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/costa-rica/#people-and-society
4. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/07/10/mestizo-and-mulatto-mixed-race-identities-unique-to-hispanics/
5. https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/climate#:~:text=The%20climate%20is%20tropical%2C%20with,lasts%20from%20January%20to%20March.
6. https://www.entercostarica.com/attractions/national-parks-and-refuges/manuel-antonio
7. https://www.starbuckscoffeefarm.com/en/
8. https://institutoasis.com/product/wildlife-regular-tour/
9. https://costa-rica-guide.com/nature/national-parks/poas-volcano/ 
10. https://ticotimes.net/2023/01/26/costa-rican-cuisine-what-is-it-and-where-did-it-come-from 
11. https://www.eater.com/21516828/costa-rican-food-explainer-dishes-drinks
12. https://www.travelexcellence.com/blog/costa-rica-food-the-traditional-casado-best-typical-dishes-recipes/
13. https://www.specialplacesofcostarica.com/blog/5-traditional-costa-rican-dishes-and-how-to-make-them-yourself/
14. https://www.chefspencil.com/most-popular-costa-rican-desserts/