I received this comment from Carmel after I posted about how to send a meal to someone in need (click here for the previous post – the comments have lots of good thoughts as well).
I would really like to know peoples ideas for a good meal to send to others. I often get stuck for inspiration – how many lasagnas does anyone need? Carmel 3/26/09
It really got me thinking because yes, we have received a lot of lasagna in our day. Now one thing is for sure – we love lasagna but it made me curious about your ideas for good meals that can be used for delivery to families or people in need.
Not only would I like us to create a collection of ideas and recipes here in the comments but tell us some of the things we should keep in mind when delivering a meal to someone – tips or other ideas that I didn’t talk about in the post or things to why your meal idea is helpful to a family or individual.
a sample of some of the stamps you could receive
Leave a comment with your thoughts about this and I’ll randomly pick a winner to receive a prize: dinner for a week from me! Just kidding – how about something a little easier to send you: a few of my “Post Script” clear stamp sets. Now that’s a juicy prize! Post your comments before Wednesday, April 8 at 8 am PST and I’ll draw a winner.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I like to make an easy turkey tetrazzini or a loaded baked potato soup – it’s just potato soup with baggies (to throw away) filled with cheese, scallions, bacon bits, and a container of sour cream etc. If I win, I will be gone for the next week… I’ll be back next Saturday.. hope that would be ok
Recently we were the recepients of several kid friendly meals. Some of my favorites were:
Pizza Pockets
Baked Spaghetti
Taco Soup
Pork Loin (one container of baked apples, another of mashed potatoes, another of steamed vegetables)
All were ready to eat, and easy to clean up. And, all were easily frozen if we had too much.
I like to make chicken spaghetti using Pioneer Woman’s recipe or a delicious Mexican casserole that my mom made when I was a kid:
Two cans of Cream of Mushroom (or Cream of Chicken) soup
Two cans of chicken (the size that’s bigger than a tuna fish can), drained
One bag of tortilla chips
One bag of shredded cheese
One can of Rotel (optional, but highly recommended!)
9×13 baking pan
Mix the soup, chicken and Rotel.
Put a layer of chips in your baking pan, then a layer of the wet mix, then a layer of cheese. Repeat, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Since everything’s already cooked, heat it in the oven until everything is warm and the cheese is melted.
Totally delicious!
Of course it’s ok, Rebecca! I’ll post who the winner is and they can email me their address for the package.
And thanks for recipes, everyone! That helps us all!
One of the best meals I ever received after being released from the hospital (illness rather than baby) was a pot of hot home-made veggie/beef soup and a pan of cornbread. So simple, but so comforting.
I love the idea you had though for delivering meals in containers that don’t need to be returned. It’s great to even give a nice plate and ask the recipient to just pass it along if they make a meal for someone else.
I noticed someone else mentioned thepioneerwoman.com’s site. Her pot roast recipe is so easy and sooooo good! Especially with her make-ahead mashed potatoes.
I like to send a “taco dinner”. I brown and season some ground beef or shredded chicken, shred some lettuce and cheese, cut up some tomatoes and other veges, and include shells (soft and/or hard), sauce, sour cream, etc. It’s really easy – and with all of the fun new disposable containers, in all kinds of sizes, it’s really easy to package everything individually, put it in a bag and deliver. You could even make up some spanish rice or a salad to go with it.
My quick meal in minutes is Chicken Divan, Salad in a bagwith dressing and a dessert (usually brownies from the store).
Chicken Divan
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayo (not Miracle whip)
Garlic Salt
Salt/Pepper
Chicken breasts (boneless)
Box of frozen broccoli spears (pull apart spears)
grated Cheddar Cheese
Place chicken in foil pan. Top with broccoli spear. Mix soup, mayo and seasonings to taste.
Pour over chicken and broccoli to cover. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Stores in refrig. for two day. Or bake immediately for 45 min at 350 degrees. I have even used costco frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer-just bake immediately, cuz the sauce rolls off.
That’s funny–I do remember how generous people were with meals when I first had my babies. I took a book out of the library on pot luck suppers–I can’t remember the name. It was great for bringing vegetable dishes to Thanksgiving, too. We like to bake a big ham for people (they can use the leftovers for sandwiches) and a big tray of macaroni and cheese and a broccoli dish of frozen broccoli, cream corn, egg and bread crumbs mmmm…..and always use big foil pans that do not need to be returned.
Turkey (or chicken) Pie or Turkey or Chicken Stew.
One of the ones I do all the time, whenever we have a turkey, I always buy a large one, always make a good pot of soup after and turkey stew and a couple of turkey pies go in the freezer.
Yummy!!
After reading your posts, now I know what to do with the ‘extras’ from these ‘huge’ frozen bags of chicken, etc that I always end up with and not enough for the whole family. I’m loving all these wonderful ideas!! Thanks for sharing!
I like to send fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, assorted dips (carmel, ranch dressing, peanut butter) and cheese & crackers.
I like to send a spaghetti dinner with green salad and garlic bread. Pre-cooked noodles travel well in a zip lick bag and reheat in a few minutes in boiling water.
Sorry, that was supposed to be zip lock bag.
I loved reading all the different ideas that people had…some I never thought of. I was try to make crowd pleasers when I take meals to people instead of something fancy. That isn’t what most people want. Very rarely do I ever take it over hot so they can either freeze it or put it in the fridge for another day. Here is what I make most often:
Chicken Enchiladas
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Pizza (I usually call ahead to the family to find out what their fav. toppings are)
For dessert, I often buy a 2 liter bottle of root beer and a 1/2 gallon of ice cream for Root beer Floats. It is a huge hit with the kids! I also like to take stuff for Strawberry Shortcake! YUM!!
I like to do either Taco Salad fixings (i cook chicken breasts in the crock pot with a jar of salsa, give them the lettuce, cheese, chips, etc. so they can assemble on their own) or a family favorite casserole we call Goulash. I like to give enough for leftovers so one more meal is taken care of. And I always send dessert!
Taco soup or chicken noodle soup are some of my favorites to give. They are easy to pair with chips (or bread with the chicken noodle) and a salad. Stir fry is another good one, you can even buy the vegetables in the frozen section and it often comes with sauce. Combine with cooked chicken and serve over rice. I also have done BBQ chicken sandwiches (just cook chicken the crockpot with BBQ sauce and then shred and serve on buns). Good sides with this meal include chips, baked beans, salad, cole slaw, fruit, etc. I also send dessert. I remember once after I had been in the hopsital during my pregnancy someone brought me the most glorious meal, and the dessert was just a pint of ice cream but it tasted sooooo good to me.
I usually call the family and convince them to let me treat them by getting them their fave takeout! ’cause everyone that knows me, knows that I can’t cook – I’m the one who shouldn’t even be aloud to boil water!
I also like to include a bag of simple snacks to keep the energy going – cut up veggies, pretzels, cheese and crackers, etc.
My fave meal ever brought over was a cut up baked chicken, homemade mashed potatos, bread, bagged salad and chocolate chip cookies! and having disposable containers, plates and cutlery was a blessing!
Thanks for all the great ideas
The last couple of times I have delivered the Cafe Rio Pork Salad recipe minus the rice from Becky Higgins blog: http://www.beckyhiggins.com/recipes/ I make a big batch in the crock pot of the pork and then keep half for our family and put half in a container for the friends. Then have baggies/containers of all the extras for the salad and mix up the special dressing (again keeping half for us and giving half to them). I can deliver it around 5 for them to use whenever they want in the evening. AND have dinner ready for our family too. PERFECT!
I also use my “Fix, Freeze, Feast” cookbook to make some frozen meals to stick in their freezer to pull out whenever the need arises.
We have a place called Super Suppers & I think that would be a great thing to give someone. They can make it up for you (it is frozen) & all you would have to do is pick it up & take it to the family. I like that idea of already having it made & frozen & then you could make a gallon of sweet tea (I’m from the south:) and a yummy dessert to take also.
I like to send something that is freezable just in case they already received a bunch of stuff. Then, they can save it for whenever they need it. I like to send chili or taco soup that can be frozen in a ziplock bag, along with a loaf of beer bread or corn bread wrapped in foil and in a ziplock bag that can also be frozen. Both can be reheated easily in the oven wrapped in foil.
I always make veggie soup and give them either homemade bread (if I have time) or pick up a loaf at Panera. I also like to give those chocolate chip cookies from Jerry Steinfeld’s wife’s cookbook. They are good for kiddos with lots of fiber and good stuff! They can always freeze both of those for later.
I like to make things that can be made ahead of time so I can take it to them early in the day and they can heat it in the oven whenever they are ready . . . or if they have lots of leftovers from other meals, they can just keep mine in the frig. or freezer until they need it.
Muffins are great to take as well since they freeze well or can be used for breakfast, dinner, OR lunch.
I have both received and given homemade soup and fresh bread. Mmmm! When I received some, I just heated what I needed for that meal and saved the rest in the fridge. I have also invited company for supper then sent a plate of left-overs home with them in disposables. Bachelors seem to appreciate it especially. I have also sent jello (layers of different colors) in disposable cups and a can of whip cream (I know its simple but a hit with young children).
Here is a link to my fav freezer meal…..
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/our-perfect-zesty-chicken-62841.aspx
It’s called Our Perfect Zesty Chicken Tortilla Bake
So easy to double and freeze to take to someone else who needs a meal.
We have a really good baked spaghetti meal that we use – it makes 2 big pans so we eat one and freeze the other. And – We have a good taco chicken that we can make in the crock pot.
I loved reading everyones entry Thanks for the ideas, here’s mine…
Grab a head of iceberg lettuce, cut up-throwit in a big bowl
Add chopped cooked grilled chicken(u can buy pre-cooked)
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1 cup slivered almonds(toasted)
3-4 green onoins chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
mix and garnish with dried chow-mein noodles
Dressing-you need very little of
3 tbsp sugar
3tbsp white vinager
1/4cup veg oil
salt and pep to taste
serve w/ a nice bread and it is a hit everytime!!
Ginia Roll
A quick and easy meal that I make is tuna casserole. I use the different colored noodles, thrown in a couple of cans of tuna, some peas and carrots (or whatever I feel like), an some cream of mushroom soup. Also, turkey meatloaf is another one of my favorites an very simple if you use the packet with the meatloaf seasoning and bread or cracker crumbs.
I usually do a pot of beef stew and homemade bread in the winter months. In the summer it is fried chicken and potato salad. I think our friends would be disappointed if I delivered something different.
I have never been disappointed by anything anyone was kind enough to drop by for a meal.
I have found that a big pot of goulash—cooked pasta with browned hamburger(seasoning), stewed tomatoes(usually pureed-my kids don’t like chunks)—lots of garlic, chili pepper and basil. Add some garlic bread and you have a hit!
I like to make:
- Chicken enchiladas (poached chicken, shredded with sauteed peppers, onions and cheese rolled in corn tortillas and enchilada sauce with lots of cheese), rice and salad
- A great big pot of spaghetti sauce, homemade with meat balls and sausage, pasta, bread, salad (a variation of this is to include a pan of chicken cutlet parmasean)
- A nice chunky chicken noodle soup with lots of chunky vegetables, a loaf of bread, salad
- A nice pasta dish (ziti/rigatoni) with sundried tomatoes, chicken, veggies and a light sauce to keep it moist that can be popped into the oven (a one-dish meal) …with salad/bread.
I would always use Gladware or Ziplockware and not even think about getting the containers back, they are inexpensive and can be reused by the recipient. Or I would give a dish/plate that I didn’t need back, I believe in “pay it forward” and have quite a few dishes I have received for this purpose.
Would have to be something sweet – like apple pie that can just be thrown in the oven or homemade icecream (can’t beat it). I was given a lot of meals when my children were born, but the desserts I remember. Maybe it says something about me but they were good!
I like to make a big pot of chili and a huge salad and corn chips and bag of shredded cheese, for two night of dinners, chili and then taco salad with the leftovers.
Another meal that can provide leftovers is a canned ham (cover with pineapple slices, wrap in foil, and cook in the crock pot). Send it with a green bean casserole (fast and easy) and some baked potatos (throw them in with the casserole) for one night. For the second night add some crusty rolls, chips, and carrot sticks for a sandwich supper with the leftover ham.
I use glad wear, zip locks, or casserole dishes from yardsales that can be “passed on” or tossed by the recipient. I often include paper plates, cups, and napkins as doing the dishes can be as much of a drain as cooking when you are in the position of needing meals.
Meatballs that can be frozen, box of pasta, jar of sauce and a frozen loaf of bread.
Disposable dishes! And pans.
I also like to do chicken and dumplings because it can be frozen, all except the dumplings. Those are easy. Give a box of bisquick and there you go!
Love all the ideas on here.
Jamie Nania
How about a taco salad? My kids love this taco salad and request it once a week- every other week.
Taco salad with kidney beans, hamburger meat (drained and rinsed), cheese, lettuce, russian dressing, tortilla chips and whatever other veggies I can find in there.
You mix it all together in one large bowl.
I usually make chicken enchiladas with a side of my homemade salsa.
Ranch Chicken Casserole is another giveaway staple (google the recipe—there are tons of versions out there—all good)
I agree that salad and dessert are important to include!
When folks are giving dinners, we will usually send along a dessert from fruit that is in season. I am well known for my fruit crisps and in Washington State apples are pretty abundant most of the year. It is easy to make one with fruit and a simple topping without a lot of sugar or starch.
i try to make something we can eat too, so i’m not making two separate dinners. my favorite? a roast chicken with a salad and roasted potatoes. easy to pick up a big bird (or two smallish ones) and chop up more potatoes and veggies. i always get lots of compliments!
)
One of the best things I received after having a baby was …Someone stopped by with a disposable tray full of meats, cheese, and rolls (I think lettuce and tomatoes, too)
It was so great, because it stayed fresh for a few days, and everyone got to make whatever sandwich they wanted. And no mess to clean up or dishes to wash.
I also loved getting breakfast stuff … muffins, homemade bread, gallon of milk (you know how hard it is to get to the grocery store those first few weeks!!!)
Sometimes, it is the simple things that mean so much!
I love some of these ideas. I usually have 2 or 3 recipes that I take. Fun to try new ones. Some that work are:
Sweet-n-sour chicken, rice, veggies and dessert
Yogurt Chicken, baked potatoes, salad,
Enchildas, with trimmings,
We have several things we like to give to people.
1. potato soup and corn bread
2. totilla soup
3. barbequed meatballs
4. Swiss Chicken
5. Zucchini Pie
One thing that we do is call ahead and ask whether they want things they can eat now or things they can freeze. We also ask if they have any requests or favorite foods. We have taken all sorts of things at times because of these questions.
Another thing that we do if we take an entire meal is to make sure that there are leftovers of the side dishes. That way they can use them for lunches.
If we are doing this as a group like a Sunday School class or small group or whatever we plan for some to take snack type foods and such. We don’t want them to have to go out to the store for anything.
We typically do several things when providing a meal for others. I often send chicken dishes-casseroles or crock pot meals- as we almost always got italian type meals since they are easy prepare ahead meals. I also deliver all meals in a throw away pan (sorry environment). I always make sure the meal is something my kids would eat as well. Nobody needs to prepare a separate mel for their kids. we also have our own farm so we if it’s during harvest time, I take fresh vegetables as well. I try and deliver several of our canned or frozen vegetables for quick meals when the delivery stops.
I have a recipe blog. Quite a few of the recipes are wonderful for putting in the freezer or taking to a friend in need (chicken enchiladas, chicken broccoli casserole,potato soup, zucchinni bread, sloppy joes, etc). The address of my blog is – bellesrecipes.blogspot.com
Have a fantastic day!
recipe for Sweet -n- Sour Chicken
1 bottle Lite Russian Dressing
1 jar apricot & pinapple jam (10 oz)
1/2 package Lipton Onion Soup
Mix above ingredients, place chicken in pan and turn to coat with sauce. (Can do 8- 10 breasts)
Cook 2 1/2 hours at 300 degrees.
Serve with rice and chinese noodles
Yogurt Chicken
Coat 8 chicken breasts with plain nonfat yogurt.
Roll in Ritz cracker mix: crushed Ritz crackers (about 2 cups) and 5 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 2 tsp. garlic and 1/2 tsp. season salt
optional: drizzle with 1/4 cup melted butter
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min to 1 hr.
I’m loving that you’re giving us recipes! Keep them coming! I’ve asked some of you to share your recipes if you just gave us a list before – so that’s why you might see random recipes from the same people who have already posted. I don’t have much of a cooking passion (or knowledge for that matter) so I need all the help I can get with telling me how to execute these great ideas!
I also wanted to tell Ann that I have been obsessed with your link to http://www.thepioneerwoman.com today. Seriously – is there anything that woman can’t do????
WOW! Unbelievable timing for this post! I just got a call this morning from a woman in my church asking if I could bring a meal to a new Mom whose husband is Air Force and they don’t have any family in town. Anyway, I’ve never done this before so I was trying to come up with something good to take the family and my best idea was lasagna. How funny that apparently that’s a pretty common meal to take someone!! So I’m so excited to read all the comments! My other idea (which hopefully will count for the giveaway since I LOVE your stamps!) is to make an enchilada casserole along with some salad. I might also give her some raw veggies and dip would be good since that would be healthy and relatively easy to munch on while holding the baby. Thanks again for the timely post!
One thing I like to take to someone that needs dinner is take n bake pizza. They cook it when it’s ready, and it comes hot.
any pasta- spriknkle a little cheese, and add a little chicken or extra precooked meat you have
My favorite is homemade vegetable noodle soup, mixed greens salad (in a zip lock bag), cranberry orange muffins (from a really good box mix) and a box of herbal tea. Easy, nutritious and good!
Kolette asked me to post my recipes so here they are! For the beer bread, I always order the mix from Tastefully Simple whenever I am invited to a party. If I’m all out, I use this easy recipe:
Beer Bread
3 cups flour (must be sifted)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 (12 ounce) can beer
1/4 cup melted butter
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix dry ingredients and beer. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Pour melted butter over mixture. Bake 1 hour, remove from pan and cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Taco Soup ( I usually double this and freeze half)
1 lb. ground beef and 1 chopped onion, browned together and drained
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 can corn (with liquid)
1 can black beans (with liquid)
1 can kidney or chili beans (with liquid)
1 package dry Ranch salad dressing mix
1 package taco seasoning
Add all ingredients together in a stock pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for a few hours until beans are tender. Can also cook in a crock pot on low heat for 8 hours. Serve with sour cream and corn chips or tortilla chips (optional).
Chili ( I usually double this and freeze half)
1 lb. ground beef, 1 chopped onion, and 4 cloves chopped garlic, browned together and drained
2 cans kidney beans (with liquid)
2 cans chili beans (with liquid)
4 cans stewed tomatoes
2 Tablespoons chili powder (or more to your taste)
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper (as much as you like)
Add all ingredients in stock pot. Bring to a biol, then simmer a few hours until beans are tender. Can also cook in a crock pot on low heat for 8 hours.
I’d have to go with a pot of chili and all the fixings. For those out of town I search for some restaurants close and send gift cards. I figure this is easy for husbands of my friends to do some take out. Great ideas. Thanks Kolette.
Okay, here’s our goulash recipe. Been in the family for awhile, it is also good camping food.
Brown 1 lb of ground meat, we use turkey, but beef is good too. Season first with salt, pepper and garlic powder. When meat is browned, add 2 cans creamed corn, 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz.) and as much shredded sharp cheddar cheese as you would like. Simmer so the cheese melts and the flavors blend. When cheese is melted, add the meat mixture to 1 lb. cooked short cut pasta (I like rotini or rigatoni, but any will work). You can eat it as is or put in a casserole dish and bake for 20-30 minutes.
It makes lots and is great as leftovers too.
Throw away pans for sure, and the recipe in case its so delicious I want to make it again. Also, I love to leave it on front porch (unless its my best friend) then there is no pressure to visit or keep up on house, etc!
I like to make a pot of CHicken and Dumplings. Good ol’ comfort food. Lots of veggies. Can sit in the fridge a few days if needed. Thanks!
My mom is a pro at this and makes delicious dinners for friends all the time. The last time we visited a friend in Chicago, she made her a few different meals to freeze and eat after we had gone. This friends happened to have a one year old and be pregnant with her second at the time. My mom made her a chicken casserole, which is cut up chicken breast in a sauce of cream of mushroom soup and fresh mushrooms in it.
Hello Kolette,
I love to make stuffed baked potatoes. Baked potatoes stay warm for a while if you wrap them in foil and I just fill up a tupperware veggie tray with all sorts of toppings. All they have to do is stick it in the microwave for a couple of seconds.
I like to take something that can hang out in refrigerator until the recipient is ready to heat it (for the first time – not reheat) and eat it. That means it’s easier to arrange drop-off (it can be done earlier in the day, not necessarily at dinnertime) and the recipient doesn’t have to eat it right when it’s dropped off, or even that night! I’ve done pizza and cheese enchiladas for others. I enjoy the flexibility when people bring me such meals, and never saw it as any extra effort on my part to heat it up.
different types of soups and a bunch of different casseroles were my favorie meals after our two boys came home.
Chicken enchiladas are always a big hit. I prepare them in a foil pan, and they can be frozen and cooked in the same container, which can then be tossed.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful family with us.
One of my favorite recipes to make for people is called Tuna Bake. It is a recipe handed down from my Grandmother. Here it is:
1 small onion, diced
3 Tbsp. oil
3 Tbsp. flour
1 can tuna
1 1/2 c. milk
1 can chicken noodle soup, drained
1 recipe Cheese Swirls (see below)
Saute onion in oil. Add flour and brown. Add tuna and milk; stir until thickened. Add soup and season to taste. Put into baking dish. Cover with Cheese Swirls and bake in 400 degree oven for 25 minutes.
Cheese Swirls:
2 c. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c. shortening
2/3-3/4 milk
Combine all ingredients and mix to make dough. Press dough into 1/2 inch thick sheet. Cover with shredded cheese. Roll and cut into 1-inch sections.
I usually double the recipe (not the cheese swirls) for my family of 5. So take into consideration the size of your family or the family you are making it for.
I usually just make homemade stew and french bread. In a pinch, I’m all about KFC for a quick meal! I don’t think people mind at little fast food sometimes!
I tend to go the desert comfort route and bring fresh chocolate chip cookies.
That should be dessert
I like a vegetable platter, a hearty soup, a salad and fresh crispy buns. Sometimes even a gift certificate for a favorite dining spot is a nice change
Kolette,
I’m with you on Pioneer Woman…don’t know how she finds time to do all that she does! I love her site and all the recipes I’ve tried are great. It’s excellent if you’ve not cooked much before because she shows you step by step just what to do.
I also have a chicken pot pie recipe I’ll come back and share – need to find it first!
After having major surgery, my friends brought me home-cooked meals each night and I have to say my favorite was the tacos. There was all sorts of fixings for them, which made it nice for everyone to choose what THEY liked or wanted in their own taco. I also enjoyed pasta night — having someone else’s spaghetti sauce gave me new appreciation for this very simple meal. It was so yummy as there was all sorts of good stuff thrown into that sauce!
The bottom line though really is that when you’re incapable of providing a meal for yourself or your family, ANY meal is welcome and appreciated and enjoyable!
One of my favorite meals to take to a family in need is a roasted chicken, which you can pick up at any grocery store or COSTCO (our family favorite) along with a yummy loaf of bread and bagged salad with all the fixings included. No dishes to return, can be kept in the fridge until needed, and usually good for leftovers for lunch the next day!
I make a stacked tortilla pie (layers of burrito wrappers, refried beans, ground beef, cheese and green chiles) and deliver it in a “repurposed” metal pie tin for heating. I cover with foil and write the heating and slicing instructions on the foil with a permanent marker! Always gets a good comment.
Lisa –
I agree with you – if we are being brought a meal and they ask me what we would like I always say, “Anything I don’t have to cook myself is my favorite meal!”
Rhonda –
Great idea about writing the instructions for heating on the tin foil cover! Easy and they for sure won’t get lost!
One of my favorite “new” recipes I recently found in a health magazine is for savory meatballs. Once these are made they can be used with a jar of sauce for spaghetti, for the “beef in stroganoff, or we have just used them as an appetizer with different dippers.
Combine 1 pound of ground turkey breast with 1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, 1/2 cup fresh basil and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
Shape mixture into 18 meatballs. Heat a large non stick skillet over medium high heat, coat with non stick spray. Add meatballs and brown on all sides. Remove from skillet, transfer to broiler pan coated with cooking spray, and bake for 15 minutes @ 375. These freeze well in zip lock baggies, and can be defrosted fast. I keep a couple of bags in my freezer ready to go!!
Hi, I think helping out when someone is ill or facing challenging circumstances is a gift for me as well as the receiver. I kinda put my “Martha Stewart” hat on…lol and not only try to take a nice nourshing meal but I also try to make it pretty. Does not take much extra effort.
I find a big pretty basket (for them to keep) and then I go to good will or thrift shops and find fun old table clothes and napkins…like from the 50’s and 60’s to line the basket. I alway include flowere, not a formal arrangement a bouqet of daffodils for example with a pretty ribbon. I often make large cookies, particularly if their are children and put them in individual cellophane bags with a cute label I print out at home. If it is not too exspensive, I usually go to half price books, I also include a little book of inspirational quotes, poems, or a funny little book.
I arrange all the food, flowers, etc in the basket, stuff in some extra tissue if needed and deliver. I must say friends are usually so surprised and delighted to receive such a pretty basket.
Have a great day, Catherine A
I just found this recipe on Carla’s blog…I am always looking for new ideas and this would be perfect:
1 pkg. frozen cheese (or meat) tortellini
1 jar pasta sauce
1/2 c. melted butter
1 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
salt, pepper, italian seasoning
1-2 c. mozzerella cheese
Directions:
Boil tortellini according to pkg. Toss with melted butter. Mix bread crumbs with parmesan, salt, pepper, & italian seasoning to taste. Gently mix bread crumb/parmesan mixture with tortellini. Pour into baking pan (spray with PAM or coat with oil, etc). Drizzle with pasta sauce, sprinkly mozzerella cheese over all. Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes.
I would include a note with a recipe and my number if they have any questions or need anything else. I would bake the dish in something that they do not have to wash or return. I would include something to drink.
When my twins were born my brother-in-law filled our freezer with all kinds of good stuff. It was a sad day when we took out the very last meal
Here’s a good recipe:
Crockpot Potato Soup
6-8 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, diced
1 quart of chicken broth
1 can evaporated milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Put all ingredients except milk and cheese in crockpot
and cook on low for 10-11 hours. Puree with hand blender if you like your soups smooth. Add milk and cheese and cook for an additional hour.
This can be served with bread or rolls and you can put extra toppings like bacon bits or more shredded cheese on the top when you serve it.
Some other favorites are a big pan of macaroni & cheese, meatballs in brown gravy served with rice or egg noodles, or a corned beef cooked in the crockpot and served with mashed potatoes. Include a loaf of rye bread, a bottle of thousand island dressing and some saurkraut and they can have Reuben sandwiches with the leftovers.
Thanks for all the recipes and tips! XX’s
I have a good French Toast casserole recipe that I like to take to people. It’s easy because you can make it the night before, and it freezes beautifully. That way they can either have breakfast for dinner, or if they have lots of family visiting, can serve it for brunch. Plus it’s guaranteed that it won’t be a duplicate of what others bring.
Turkey Meatloaf Recipes
I always but the McCormick Seasoning Mix from Walmart in the red packet.
1 pkg. Seasoning Mix
2 lbs. lean ground turkey
2 eggs, lightly beatened
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup bread crumbs or cracker crumbs (like Ritz)
1/2 cup ketchup, chili sauce, or tomato sauce (optional, I use ketchup).
1. Mix all ingredients except ketchup in a large bowl until well-blended. (you have to use your hands for this)
2. Shape meat mixture into a loaf. Place in a foil-lined baking pan or a loaf pan (I use a loaf pan). Top with ketchup, if desired.
Bake at 375 degrees 1 hour or until cooked through.
(You can also make mini meatloafs and just shape the loafs into 8 smaller loafs. Place in a baking pan and bake 30 minutes). These are good single-serving sizes, perfect to deliver to someone in need.
Like others have said, soups are probbaly a good idea. Trying to think of what else would be good re-heated, my mom makes a meatball and noodles dish. She uses beef meatballs and cooks (or heats) them in condensed mushroom soup diluted in a little water. Then it’s served with cooked egg noodles.
OK some recipes which are easy to make which could be good to take around to people are:
Potato Soup
Can be either kept in the fridge or frozen. Just boil some potatoes, leeks in vegetable stock with some seasoning. Blended together and drizzle some yoghurt or cream on the top. Serve with fresh bread and salad. You can add other vegetables and herbs to this too – dependant on what you have.
Mozzarella Pasta
Cook (approx 175g) pasta swirls in boiling water until just tender (about 10mins). Meanwhile chop up a pack of smoked bacon (8 rashers) into small pieces. Heat up a tsp of oil and gently fry the bacon until its lightly cooked. Add 400g of chopped tomatoes (I sometimes use the ones with herbs in them instead of just plain tinned tomatoes). Then add 150g of chopped mozzarella cheese, 70g of grated parmesan, and 2tbsp chopped fresh basil. Season to taste. Bring to the boil and remove from heat. Drain the pasta, put back in the pan it was cooked in and add the pasta sauce to it mixing well. Transfer the pasta and pasta sauce mix into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle the top with 70g grated parmesan cheese. All that needs to be done then is it to be baked in an oven (200C, 400F, Gas Mark 6) for 10-15mins until the cheese is golden. You can leave out the bacon and instead of fresh basil you can use 1-2tsp dried basil, oregano, thyme or marjoram.
Corned beef pie
OK if you want to be good then you can make the pastry – otherwise buy a pack of readymade shortcrust pastry. Roll out and line a pie dish. For the filling cook 2 potatoes and mash, add one chopped onion which has been softened in butter/oil and a large tin of Corned beef. Add seasoning. Place the mixed filling into the pastry lined pie dish. Spread the filling out evenly. Brush the edge of the pastry with water, from the remaining pastry roll out a top and place over the pie dish. Pinch the edges of the bottom and top of pastry together, use a knife to make two little holes in the centre for steam to excape. Brush pastry with water. Place in a 200C oven for 25-30 minutes. Serve with vegetable or salad. And works great for lunch to either cold or warmed.
And two simple ideas for something sweet (Kolette I hope you can count my two posts as one)
Meringue Desert
and break up into pieces into the cream. Mix together and transfer into a pudding dish and put in the freezer. Then get a packet of raspberries, and heat in a saucepan with a bit of sugar until they cook down into a sauce. Slightly warm the pudding dish so that the meringue pudding comes out on the plate and drizzle the warmed raspberry sauce over the top. Makes a nice change from ice cream.
Whip up a large carton of double cream. Buy some readymade meringue nests from the supermarket (normally come in a pack of
Cut and Bake Biscuits
Used to love making this when I was a child and you can keep the mixture in the freezer and cook from frozen whenever you need fresh biscuits.
Put 7oz caster sugar into a bowl and stir in the egg with a fork. Sift 7oz plain flour into the mixture with 1 tsp of baking powder. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla essence and 2 oz chopped nuts. Melt 4 oz butter and gradually add to the mixture until soft dough. At this point you may find that the dough mixture is soft and sticky but add all of the butter then put the dough in the freezer for 5-20 mins to harden it a little and make it easier to roll out. Dust the worktop with flour and make the dough into a long sausage shape. Cut slices off the sausage to make biscuits. Lay the biscuits onto a baking tray with space between them as they can spread and lightly press down. Bake in a 170C, 350F, Gas Mark 4 oven for 8 minutes. To have some on standby when you have rolled the mixture into a sausage shape wrap in cling film and then put in the freezer. When you want some biscuits then take out of the freezer cut the biscuits of and cook as above – though they may need a little bit more cooking time. Variations of this mixture is use soft brown sugar instead of caster sugar, raisins instead of nuts or chocolate chips instead of the nuts – or anything else you can think of really.
this is such a great post…..I have gotten lots of great ideas….thanks!
One thing I have been doing lately for my own family is cooking a whole can of chicken breast in the crock pot and then shredding it and keeping it in the fridge. I then take it out when it is needed to make meals for my family and friends. I have been able to send meals to friends or invite them over (I am in the military and always have a few friends whose husband is deployed so we invite them over for some adult time…and let the kids play) in a without worrying about what to make because I have the chicken already made. You can do the fixings for Hawaiian haystacks…..just have to add some cream soup to the chicken and cook up some rice and add some fun toppings. I also do enchiladas alot because we love mexican food and always have the items I need to make that up. I also make something I call a cranbirdie which is always a favorite. It calls for
3 cups chicken **or 2 larger cans of cooked chicken**
1/2 to 1 bar of cream cheese softened.
celery chopped
dried cranberries
seasoned salt ***secret ingredient***
pepper
grated swiss cheese
slivered almonds.
Mix everything in a bowl then lay 2 packages of cresent rolls out on a cookie sheet place the ingredients down the middle and then make slices on the sides of the cresent and fold each slice up and meet the other side with a twist (it’s a pampered chef fold) super quick and easy and always delicious. I love the root beer float idea for dessert…my family always loves it!
Julie-can you give us your french toast casserole recipe. It sounds amazing
Stuffed Chicken Manicotti Shells is what I took last time to a churc member on Chemo. I always take a bag of salad and ranch dressing, and cooking instructins in case they aren’t using it that night. Plus it’s always nice if it’s someone going through a hard time to throw in a stack of simple handmade Thank you Cards in case they wish to thank other’s helping them.
It sounds, tastes and looks like it took a ton of time, yet it doestn’
1 large jar of Maraniara or Spag sauce (you can do white or red sauce or a pan of each)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or if you really lazy the frozen breast strips Thawed
Box of Manacottie shells
Spread 1/3 cup of sauce on bottom of baking ban
Rinse chicken, cut it into strips that will fit into the shells, and sprinkle with Italian Seasoning.
Stuff shells, lie them down in the sauce,
Fill jar of sauce back to the top (add 1/3 cup water) shake well, and than cover the shells with this.
Bake at 350 for 1 hour covered, uncover, sprinkle with mozz or parm cheese and bake another 4 minutes.
Zucchini Crescent Pie
1-8 oz package refrigerated crescent rolls
2 medium zucchini, sliced & quartered
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup cubed butter
2 teaspoons mincd fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
2 eggs lightly beaten
2 cups (8 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 medium Roma tomato, thinly sliced
Separate crescent dough into eight triangles; place in a greased 9-in pie plate with points toward the center. Press onto the bottom & up the sides to form a crust; seal seams & perforations. Bake at 375 for 5-8 minutes or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute zucchini & onion in butter until tender; stir in seasonings. Spoon into crust. Combine eggs, cheese & ham; pour over zucchini mixture. Top with tomato slices.
Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out cleam. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Serves 6. Can be frozen.
Swiss Chicken
10 boned, skinned half chicken breasts (or equivalent in
medalions)
Sliced Swiss cheese (I use Kraft packaged sliced)
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup diluted with 1/4 cup milk
2 c Pepperidge Farm or Mrs Culbertsons stuffing crumbs
mixed with 1/2 stick melted butter
In baking dish layer Chicken, cheese, soup & stuffing.
Back at 350 for 1-1&1/2 hours.
Barbequed Meatballs
We like these because you can freeze them in smaller quantities and give them away or take out for your own meal.
Meatballs
3 pounds very lean ground beef
1 – 13 0z can evaporated milk
2 cups oats
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
Mix together and form into balls about the size of a walnut. Place balls in a flat PAM sprayed pan in 1 layer and not touching. Bake for 1/2 hour at 350.
Sauce
3 cups ketchup
3 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped onions
MIx together.
In large crockpot pour a little sauce to cover bottom then layer meatballs and sauce until all are placed in crockpot.
Cook on high 4 hours. To keep warm turn crockpot temp to low. Makes about 48 meatballs.
Chicken Vegetable Casserole
This can be frozen too.
1/2 package of Pepperidge Farm crumbs
8 ounces of cooked cubed chicken
20 ounces of mixed vegetables
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 eggs well beaten
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
1 medium onion chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350. Cook vegetables & drain well. Combine soup, mayonnaise, eggs, onion, salt & pepper. Add vegetables and chicken and mix well. Pour into greased casserole , cover with cheese. Cover with crumbs. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
Mexican Tortilla Soup
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast, trimmed &
diced
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
2 (14 oz) cans chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
coarsley crushed tortilla chips
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a nonstick dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken & cook, stirring often, 3-4 minutes or until browned. Remove to plate & cover.
In the same pan, heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil on medium-high. Add onion, green pepper & garlic. Cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until softned. Stir in cumin, chili powder, broth & tomotoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer 5 minutes.
Return chicken and juices to pan & simmer 3 minutes or until heated through. Stir in cilantro.
Ladle soup into serving bowls; top with crushed chips. Serve hot.
6 servings of 1 cup each.
We freeze this and then add the tortilla chips after heated.
Best Ever Potato Soup
6 bacon strips, diced
3 cups peeled, cubed potatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
1 small carrot, grated
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 each celery seed, salt & pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
8 ounces Velveta Cheese cubed
2 green onions, thinly sliced
In large pan cook bacon until crisp; drain. Add potatoes, broth, carrot, onion, parsley flakes, celery seed, salt & pepper. Cover & simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Combine flour & milk until smooth; add to soup. Bring to a boil & stir for 2 minutes. Add cheese. Stir until melted & soup is heated through. Garnish with green onions.
8 servings. Freezes well.
My favorite meal to serve & deliver is one that is large enough for leftovers – providing my friend with two nights worth of meals. The first night, I prepare a very large roast with the basics – potatoes, carrots, and onions (I check to see if they like them! in a beef broth, soy sauce and many seasonings. I deliver this to the recipient with a salad, dressing, and rolls.
For the second night’s meal, I deliver soft taco shells, salsa, shredded cheese, (2 cans) black beans, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream.
Shred the leftover roast & remove any fat. Then add to the meat: beans, taco seasoning (amount added based upon size of leftover roast), salsa, and diced tomatoes. Reheat all. When reheated, scoop onto a soft taco shell, add your cheese, lettuce & sour cream & SERVE. It sounds intensive but is soooo easy. And is very, very tasty! Of course, I include a note that I would be happy to come prepare the 2nd meal as well – just call!
To round it out, I usually include a Cyrus O’Leary’s pie. I’m not much of a dessert maker – but I DO know dessert is my favorite part of the meal, so I always include it!
Lastly, I like to include entertainment. A magazine, movie, book, or something that will divert their attention from their pain & boredom. Oftentimes, they are laid-up for at least 6 weeks, sometimes much longer. These things can be a lifesaver!! I own alot of movies, I’ll let them know what I have & they borrow what interests them. I live in a very small community, that makes it much easier to “loan” out books & movies. I know where everyone lives!!!
I agree..disposable is a must. I am a spaghetti sauce purist, always making my own …untilllll, I tried doctoring up the jar kind and voila! not bad at all. Now I can prepare a great dinner of spaghetti and meat balls, salad with greens, walnuts, dried cranberries and a balsamic vinegarette a sub roll for garlic bread and those little ice cream sandwiches in the freezer section for dessert. Dinner in a jif! If you save take out plastic silverware there isn’t much left to wash.
I’ve done the lasagne too – and totally forgot that it is one of the most common. Enchilada’s are great too. Each one of those you can break down into smaller portions to freeze. Just picking up baked chickens at the store even helps. Any type of soup that the family loves – but have to think of all the family members too – A good ole bbq is great in the summer – I love to go on over and cook and clean up for them – and you can cook anything from hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, etc. Macaroni salad, pot of corn on the cob. And all needs to be disposable! Of course, who says a delivered Chinese dinner or a pizza wouldn’t work?
Jenn in vancouver
I just remembered something on the tradition of bringing in meals that struck a cord with me. Back in the 80’s when I was having my third child I was going through a rather independent phase, and a bit anti-meal on the recipient end. I was actually pretty anti-help in general. I had even told my Mom not to come (we were in Germany and tickets from the US were pricey). I felt that I knew way in advance that I was going to be having another baby and it was my responsibility to be prepared for it. Our church counsels us to be prepared for emergencies, and as one of the leaders in the womens’ organization I was determined to set an example that one could be prepared for things we could plan in advance for. Having meals brought in should be saved for those emergencies that come up when we don’t have warning. So we had a freezer full of made ahead meals, and cabinets well stocked with super quick meal stuff. I told the “church ladies” that I was fine and didn’t need any meals.
Then I almost died having the baby. An undiagnosed placenta praevia caused me to almost bleed out, and I was laid up for several weeks recovering from a very traumatic c-section. We were stationed overseas in Germany and it was too expensive for my mom to come on an emergency basis to help, so we were on our own. Fortunately I was blessed with a friend who came to visit and simply looked around while she was there. She noticed that my husband was dealing OK with most of the pandemonium, but the laundry hamper had exploded. So she hijacked my laundry. For three weeks my dirty laundry disappeared and claim laundry reappeared. She had also noticed that I was having a hard time with my toddlers, who had serious cabin fever since Dad couldn’t leave Mom alone to take them outside. So this friend hijacked the two toddlers for a couple of hours in the morning, and another took them to the playground in the afternoon. They didn’t ask me, they just showed up and did it.
So my independent phase came to a screeching halt. I guess my point is to be attentive to the needs of our friends. Meals are a wonderful thing. It is a great blessing not to have to cook. And being prepared ahead of time is a wise thing to do. But we can’t plan for everything. And sometimes there may be other small acts of service that are more needed than a meal. The sisters that came to my rescue did more than just an act of service. Their attention to what was actually needed, that I couldn’t ask for, probably averted a major post partum depression caused in part by my stubborn independence colliding with reality.
It was a very humbling experience for me to learn to accept service from others.
I love to send over a homemade chicken pot pie! I got the recipe from the Debbie Macomber book Mrs. Miracle about 14 years ago and it’s never failed me.
For a twist you can use beef and beef broth instead of chicken. If you have a friend who is a vegetarian (this probably won’t work for vegans because I haven’t figured out how to sub out the dairy products) you can omit the meat all together and use vegetable stock. Happy eating and delivering!
I like to make spaghetti and meat sauce.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
The best thing ever made for me when I was fresh from the hospital was a big ol’ pot of stew. Thick and comforting, I could scoop out a cup or a large bowl, depending on how I was feeling. A quick trip to the microwave and dinner was served. Some pre-buttered rolls in a bag made them easy to grab as well. A big bowl of fresh fruit was helpful as well. Sometimes when you’re recovering you just want a small snack, but you want it to be something healthy that will help you regain your strength. This stew/bread/fruit delivery was perfect!
I love giving enchiladas, a basket full of already prepared taco fixings. I love giving things that are already prepped and measured (i.e. soup supplies) that you can just throw in a pot when your ready to eat, cook, eat; this way the food is simple and fresh!
My favorite to give is a baked chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and some warm rolls. then the next day they are able to have some yummy sandwiches for dinner. michelle
Gosh, I am going to have to copy everyone else’s recipes above, I spent five minutes reading the posts!
Before Christmas my friends newborn was in the NICU for three weeks. Even though her parents were in town I wanted to help out, so I bought multiple containers of prepared soup and frozen baguettes. That way, if there was a night they got home late they could quickly heat up the soup and the bread.
Since Kolette and Cheryl asked, here goes:
BAKED FRENCH TOAST
1 C. Brown Sugar
1/3 C. margarine
3 T corn syrup
pinch Cream of Tartar
1 Loaf French Bread
5 Eggs
1 1/4 C. Milk
1 Tsp. Vanilla
In sauce pan combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Heat until melted together (do not boil, stir as little as possible). Pure in the bottom of a
greased 9X13 glass dish. Slice the loaf of bread into 1 in thick slices. Lay bread slices on syrup mixture, using most if not all of the bread. Cut some slices to fill the holes, but you should be able to use most of the loaf.
Mix together thoroughly the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the top of the bread, being sure to cover all the bread. (The bread will soak this mixture up, so don’t worry if it looks too dry.)
At this point you can cover your pan and freeze, if you want. If you don’t freeze it, it’s best to make the night before so the bread can soak up the milk mixture. If you don’t want to wait overnight, I would say the casserole should stand in the fridge for at least three hours before baking.
Thaw (if frozen) bace uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. (May need a little longer if casserole has been frozen.) Serve, syrup side up with a little sprinkled powdered sugar.
This can also be divided into two 8X8 pans, but my family loves this and a small pan wouldn’t be enough. LOL
I love to make cassaroles and spagetti for others. Lasagna is my first choice though lol. I love to put them in the disposable metal tins.
Have a great day.
Nicole M.
I always loved the freezer menus from SavingDinner.com. All the recipes are 2 parts- the “put it together” part, and then you freeze it and you have the “final prep” part. They aren’t usually precooked (although there was a great chili recipe that only needed to be heated), but they’re most of the way done when you freeze them so they’d be easy to give!
We just received a couple of great meals when my husband had surgery on Tuesday.
1-Chicken pot pie, only needed to be cooked
2- Rotisserie Chicken, bagged salad, rolls
3- Chicken Enchiladas (can use rotisserie chicken leftovers), salad, rice or beans, rice krispie treats
4- Three Cheese Stuffed Shells- I make this alot to give as dinner, and most people have never made it but love it, along with salad, bread, and dessert
5- Taco Soup- Brown ground beef/turkey or use cooked chicken, add couple cans tomato sauce, can diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, chili powder, chicken bouillion, salt, pepper…cook for as long as you like. I put it in one of those Reusable pans, cover with Glad press n seal and then the lid. Add bag of torilla chips, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes/ avocados, sour cream, etc. Salad and dessert. Yum!
6-Pizza
7- Chicken & Veggie Skewers…broil and add BBQ sauce or honey mustard dipping sauce, with rice.
8- Soup with bread, salad and cookies.
I try to use disposable reusable pans, the black ones that can go in the oven, so people can use them again and not worry about returning the dishes.
The ideas here are fantastic! I love making up a fruit platter of the yummy “in season” fruit for people to nibble at when they want. A basket of fresh fruit is also really useful for families, and they can use the basket to pass on, too.
In New Zealand, the great meals always involve good NZ lamb! So being easy to prepare you can’t go past Spagetti Bolagnaise with kiwi mince and tomatoes. Always a winner! Cheers,
Try this one, it is very “cost effective” and easy to make; plus the smells are incredible.
Sunday Roasted Chicken
Complexity: Easy
Serves: 6
Category: Chicken Entrée
Meal: Mom’s Out of Town (Share-a-Meal Plans)
6 lb chicken, whole, oven-stuffer
2 Tb oil, olive
1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
2 medium lemons
1 medium garlic, whole head
1 14 oz. can chicken broth
1 Tb cornstarch
1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Rinse and dry chicken thoroughly. Cover outside with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper over skin. Cut one lemon in half; cut garlic head in half, and place both inside cavity of chicken. Place in an over-proof roaster pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, roast chicken for 15-17 minutes per pound or until juices run clear. Place broth and lemon, cut in half, in a saucepan on stove, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove chicken from pan, place pan on top of stove. Remove lemon from broth, add chicken broth, reserving 1/2 cup, to roasting pan and stir. Add cornstarch to reserved chicken broth, stir broth into roasting pan, and cook on low until thickened. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove garlic, discard garlic skin, and add cloves to gravy. Remove and discard lemon halves inside of the chicken.
Serve with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy on side.
Because we all have such different tastes (and have children who may reject a whole meal because of one ingredient), I like to take things with options.
Taco Salad fixings
Basic Potato soup with some add-ins on the side (we’re partial to fresh diced tomatoes and shredded monteray jack cheese)
Etc.
Ok – here is the taco chicken recipie:
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 packet taco seasoning
1 2 cans rotel tomatoes (or you could use salsa if you want)
Whop them all in the crockpot and cook on low 6 hours or so. Then shred the chicken and serve with – whatever! We like it with little tostitos and cheese like nachos – but you could use is with taco salad, as taco or burrito filling – whatever you’d like! I use chicked thighs because they don’t dry out as badly as breasts – but you can use breasts if you like.
For some reason, I can’t find the cookbook with the baked spaghetti in it – hazards of moving! When I find it, I’ll put it up!
Martha
I think that home cooked meals are the best, and who doesn’t love leftovers?
I would just cook double of what I am cooking. Place it in a reusable ziploc container and the recipient has a homemade meal ready to heat up in the microwave.
My favorite leftovers are chicken enchiladas or chicken breasts stuffed with blue cheese, spinach, asparagus, and mozzarella. The veggies get all sauteed and taste like chicken instead of veggies.
Some of the foods I like to send are soups – Santa Fe Soup and White Chili. I will make this up and then send it in Freezer bags so they can warm it up when they want it or put it in the freezer for later. I have grilled boneless chicken breast and taken it with salad mix and dressings. Should they not want to eat it then, the chicken is great on the salad when it is cold.
When I bring a meal I usually bring Ravioli & Pizza.
small bag 3 cheese ravioli
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes
1 can italian style diced tomatoes
Mozzarella cheese
Mix all together. cook for 20 minutes at 400.
Most people love ravioli and their children love the pizza. Send along a salad and some cookies and it is a good night.
3 weeks after I had my baby a very sweet neighbor called and said she was bringing me a dinner. She went around to her favorite takeout places and picked up some wonderful food. She said that at the three week mark after all the help had gone home and everyone else assumed you were fine she felt like it was time for her to give to me. It was one of the sweetest things done for me.
Thanks Kolette for your goodness.
What a thrill it would be to win directly from Kolette! I know you are all just as inspired by her as I am. When I am to present a dinner it is either Chicken Enchilladas or if we could afford it, I would get a certificate to one of those Dream Dinners?Prepare meals in advance places! Their dinners are prepared and frozen, then pulled out to use when needed. I wonder if their recipes are available…..?
I’ve sent a mild chicken enchilada dish before. Everyone has loved it. It makes enough that I usually freeze one and bring one over not frozen. I give them directions for how to heat unfrozen and frozen. That way they can decide if they want it now or later. If they have too many meals, they can freeze the unfrozen too. I also make them in small containers. One or two person meals. This works especially well when the people have just had a baby and have no older children. Of course, they could cook more than one too if needed.
When bringing over dishes for other people, I think it’s all about versatility. Making it easy on the person you’re preparing it for. Think about their present and their future.
In the past I’ve sent over my own dishes but I think, thanks to your suggestion, I’ll start using throw aways.
WOW – I am so excited by all this! There are some wonderful ideas there. For me the kets are – must be able to be kept a couple of days; reheated; and /or frozen and kids must like it.
Big bowl of soup in winter is really good but love the extras suggested here.
One recipe I keep returning too (‘cos my sister from NZ made it for me in Canada when I very low with baby No 1. – she was visiting!)
Chicken Fricasse (made in Microwave)
200g carrots (sliced thinly)
1 cup celery (sliced)
4 small onions
50g butter
3/4 cup water
2 TBsp flour
1 tsp green herb stock powder
1 cup milk
2 cups smoked or cokked chicken
1/2 – 1 cup peas
Cook carrots, celery, onions in the butter in 1/2 c. water in a covered casserole on HIGH for 8 mins. or until vegies tender. Stir in flour, stock powder, then milk and remaining water. cook uncovered until sauce boils and thinckens. Add chickens and peas, heat 2 minutes longer. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes. Serves 4
Another thing I like to do is ring ahead and organise to come and put a roast on for my friend. So I bring everything prepared and put roast meat on for them. All they have to do is throw prepared vegies in and Voila – a lovely dinner.
Thanks so much Kolette for running this thread and thanks to everyone for submitting ideas. Love it!! Carmel from New Zealand!
I have little ones that demand a lot of attention in the evening after working all day so I stick with recipies that have only a few things in them, are quick to bake, and taste great as leftovers so I only have to cook a few times a week. I’ll make them all up sunday afternoon and just pop them in the oven when I get home at night to avoid the prep time. Or make 2 batches and share one with a bagged salad and loaf of bread, or chips and salsa.
Manacotti:
noodles cooked per directions
filling:
1 small tub cottage cheese
1 hunk mozarella cheese grated
2 eggs
dash of salt, pepper, garlic
mix filling, stuff cooked noodles, top with favorite jar of spaghetti sauce and cook 350, 30min.
chicken sour cream enchilidas:
1 small tub sour cream
1 can diced chicken
1 can diced green chilies (optional)
2 cans reduced fat cream of chicken soup
tortillas
cheese
combine first 4 items. layer tortilla, then chicken mix, then cheese and repeat leaving cheese on top. cook 350, 30 min
And the kids favorite!
italian sausage pesto pasta:
1 pkg Johnsonville mild italian sausage (by brats in store)
1 pkg pesto sauce mix (in seasoning packets)
1 box campanelli pasta (or your favorite noodle)
1 large can petite diced tomatoes drained
2 med cans sliced olives
cook pasta, cook pesto mix, brown sausage. combine all ingreedients. this is great hot or cold and makes a ton. then the kids take it for days in their lunches to school.
happy eating!
a few friends and I started a collective kitchen a while back. Since we are all busy raising our kids, we thought it would be great to get together once a month, make some home cooked meals that could go in freezer and enjoy each others company along the way (with a glass or two of wine). We have made lots of different things – casseroles, breads, soups, marinated meats and pasta sauces – some great and some not to be repeated. We each bring something to make and then make a big batch. Each time we can go home with as many as 10-12 meals. It is a great way to connect with friends, share the cooking workload (what’s another couple garlic cloves to peel . . .) and feed our souls at the same time. I know this isn’t a recipe for food, but it has proven to be a great recipe for friendship!
I don’t know if it’s already been mentioned but one of my favorite things that someone brought me during knee surgeries was lunch meat and the fixings for sandwiches. I really wanted to take care of my family but could only be up for a few minutes at a time. The lunchmeat allowed me to use it when I needed it (not necessarily THAT day) and I was able to feel like I could at least take care of a simple thing for my family. Don’t get me wrong… it’s so great to be helped when you’ve hit the wall but it was really nice to feel like I could provide something for my family and the sandwiches was one of the sweet, simple things I could do for them during some hard days.
My favorite dishes are pot pies, cassaroles and lasagna. They are easy to freeze and can be popped in the oven when you want them.
I also like giving paper plates and napkins cause there are more important things than doing the dishes.
We too got a lot of lasagna, but chicken enchilada’s and chicken pot pies were a common theme as well… one of the best things we got were simple gift cards so we could order in from our local favorites.
The other big hit was just a simple call to tell us what was coming and when – otherwise it became 530 and we didn’t know if dinner was coming (and sometimes it didn’t show up!).
Wow. There are some fantastic ideas here. Being a mom of 2 little ones I am often needing to make a meal for another family and don’t want to bring the typical lasagna or spaghetti. I came across this easy recipe and have loved taking it along with some fresh bread and a dessert.
Creamy One-pot Chicken
4 garlic cloves
1 7 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes drained
3 cans chicken broth (5.25 cups)
1 lb uncooked penne pasta
1 head broccoli cut into small florets
2 carrots, thinly sliced
8 oz cream cheese (you can use 4 if you don’t want it really creamy), cut into cubes
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 lb cooked chicken
1. Slice garlic thinly and place garlic and 1 Tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes in stockpot. Cook garlic over medium heat until golden brown.
2. Remove from heat and add broth.
3. Return to burner, increase to high heat and add pasta. Cover and cook 8-10 minutes until pasta is almost cooked but still firm, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain sun-dried tomatoes and pat dry with paper towels. Slice into think strips.
5. Add all ingredients to stock pot and stir until cream cheese is melted. Reduce heat and cover and cook for additional 2-4 minutes or until vegetable are tender.
You can also top with Parmesan cheese and it is yummy too.
I am not a cream cheese fan but LOVE this dish. It is great for a one-pot kind of meal and most kids like it too.
And like man, I either bring is disposable containers or just bring ones I no longer use. No reason to make them have to keep up with that kind of stuff.
Thanks so much Kolette for doing this!
I usually make a huge batch of sloppy joes and let it simmer all day in the crock pot. My mom’s sloppy joe mix is filled with chopped up green pepper, onion, tomatoes, celery, plus the sauce ingredients and the meat. It is nourishing and tasty, but not bland enough for a new mommy whose stomach may not be what it normally is. I deliver it hot so they can eat it that night but put it in a freezer container so if they want to let it cool and freeze it they can have it another night. Serve it with a bag of frozen sweet potatoes fries and hamburger buns and it is a great meal – anytime!
Wow the ideas are endless. Thank you for sharing. I have a recipe for parmesan chicken. I goes together quickly and I make enough for my family too. Add some baked potatoes that can cook at the same time and dinner can be made for both families. That way I can do something while it is baking. I have also done tuna casserole that I was told was very appreciated. Thanks for the giveaway and for encouraging everyone to share.
When I need to provide dinner for a family, I fire up the grill. While I have it going, we cook several chickens and several briskets. I then slice the briskets and freeze them in foil packets. The chicken is delivered straight from the grill and the brisket frozen. Send a bag salad and a dessert and there are several meals for the family.
Recently I have been stocking my FIL freezer with individual frozen meals with instructions taped to the top of the container, along with anything fresh he needs to make to go with it.
When I had my children, we called the meals the ‘dinner derby’. What a blessing they were. Thanks, CindyML
Alright here is one of my favorites and can be done and given as a stew or placed in your favorite pie crust – both top and bottom upcooked crusts (ensure you cut some breathing holes)
Turkey Stew
Easy to make after turkey dinner with leftover turkey and gravy
Brown about 1 large onion and 3 stalks of celery – finely chopped.
Once browned add about 4 good size potatoes and 7 or 8 carrots – cut in chunks, cover well with chicken broth (or water and add oxo). Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1/2 hour until vegetables are tender. Once tender, add left over turkey in chunks, either frozen peas or corn (or both) – add any left over gravy, desired seasonings – bring back to boiling point to see if it needs thickening – if it does, I usually either thicken with a water/flour mix (I shake mine in a jar before adding to get any lumps out) or a bit of cornstarch mixed in water. Add slowly to stew mix and lightly boil to thicken.
My favorite is making a turkey pie – it can be put in the freezer Heat oven to 450Degree’s, place pie in oven and immediately turn down to 425 for 1/2 hour, then 350 Degrees for 1/2 hour. If frozen – it usually takes a bit longer. Keep an eye on it if you are baking fresh and not from frozen state.
Yummy
Such good ideas. I like to do meals that are quick and easy to prepare. One of my favorites is Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
It is only about a 10 minute prep time. I put a pork roast in the crock pot. ( I have even started with a frozen roast before) Then mix up a package if McCormick Slow Cookers BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning and spread on top of roast. Cook on low for 8 hours.
Shred the roast and mix with the sauce in the pan to make sure the meat is well covered. Pick up a package of rolls or buns from the local deli and you are good to go. You can also grab a bag of salad greens to go as a side. I don’t worry about salad dressing because I have found most everyone has a good supply of dressings in their fridge already. This meat mixture also freezes well.
I like to give people a nice big, fresh salad. I cut up rotisserie chicken to put on top and maybe some cheese too. Then I get either corn bread or garlic bread to send along too. I like to finish with either apple pie or chocolate chip cookies(homemade of course)! Sometimes I will throw in either a bottle of wine or a box of tea bags. Send along some cheery paper plates and napkins, a sincere note and Viola!
My favorite & easiest to-go recipe is Creamy Chicken Alfredo:
2# chicken breasts
1 package dry Italian dressing
1/4 cup water
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 6-oz package cream cheese
2# spiral noodles
Place chicken, Italian dressing, water, & soup in the crock pot. Cook on low throughout the day. About an hour before serving add cream cheese. Boil noodles & drain.
I love the frozen organic mixed-veggies from Costco & they work very well over the pasta & under the sauce. (Steam for a minute or just quick-cook by draining the pasta water over the vegetables.)
Add a loaf of bread & an optional green salad & the meal is ready. I would love to make dessert & be fancy, but it just adds to the stress of the day & they still know that I love them. Bravo for everyone who can but just know that it’s okay if you can’t.
I like to share a dessert with people that is called ‘Cherries in the Snow.’ Basically it is just a cherry chessecake, but oh la la …the name is grand!
Mandy
I loved receiving an icecream container of bolognaise sauce, and some fresh pasta! Easy and no container to return! Even with a newborn baby it is easy to heat a saucepan of water.
Other helpful thing – someone coming and folding a pile of clean laundry for me. Bliss!
I’m looking forward to going through and reading all the above now.
Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!