lewber Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I feel like we've discussed this before, but I have several meals I need to take to families in the next few weeks. 3 teenagers, no allergies. I've signed up for the standby lasagna, but looking for other inspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 In cool weather I take a soup or stew, for example a traditional beef stew (beef, carrots, onions, potatoes), or chile verde, or chicken curry - depending on people's preferences, etc. In warm weather I take things that can be eaten cold. Last summer I gave someone the makings for chicken caesar salad, and a loaf of good bread. The parents ate the salad one night, but didn't use all the chicken. The next night they had sandwiches with the bread and chicken. A roasted pork tenderloin can be served hot with potatoes and a vegetable (brussels sprouts go well, but not everyone likes them) and leftovers can be eaten cold in a sandwich, or put into burritos or quesadillas. Taco fixings can be good too. Years ago, my church group brought meals when my mom died. We got so much pasta-and-red-sauce that we ended up just throwing some away (of course we didn't tell people that). But someone brought the stuff to make tacos and that was wonderful. I don't mean to say you should not take lasagne. Most people do like pasta. We just got too much and there was no coordination within the group bringing meals. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatechip Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I like to do tamale pie. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbotoast Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 My go to is chicken pot pie. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof1 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Chicken and cheese enchiladas Mac n cheese with ham and broccoli 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Pulled pork or chicken and buns, with a fruit salad or green salad or potato salad or baked beans 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 My go to is chicken pot pie. This is my friend's go-to as well. Mine is chuck roast with carrots and potatoes and a green salad. If I'm up to it I'll add blondies or rice krispie treats for a dessert. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zinnia Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Tacos. Fruit. Dessert. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Chicken taco chili (Cheese and sour cream on the side) Tortilla chips 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathermomster Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Taco salad, baked ham, pork chops, taco soup, mac & cheese, rice, steamed/roasted veggies, Hawaiian bread, ice cream, brownies, and A&P tea. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 When friends brought meals to us last winter, we got lasagna, Mac and cheese, rotisserie chickens, cheeseburger casserole, chicken corn soup, split pea soup, chicken and broccoli casserole, stuffed shells, sandwich platter, baked egg casserole, and I can’t even remember what else. I vote you bring something that you make well. I’ve taken baked pasta with sausage before. I’m planning a meal for a family that is gluten-free, and I’m thinking Italian chicken (green beans, onions and mushrooms, diced chicken breast, and tomatoes, layered) but haven’t decided yet. I need to check the sign-up list to see what other people are bringing. But tbh, I was SO incredibly grateful that anyone even cared enough to drive to my house and bring food for my family (especially since we are a good 45 minute hike for most of our friends) that I wouldn’t have cared if it was lasagna every day. Aw, shoot, I’m tearing up remembering how touched I was. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFwife Claire Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Years ago, my church group brought meals when my mom died. We got so much pasta-and-red-sauce that we ended up just throwing some away (of course we didn't tell people that). But someone brought the stuff to make tacos and that was wonderful. I don't mean to say you should not take lasagne. Most people do like pasta. We just got too much and there was no coordination within the group bringing meals. We have had 10 babies, so we've had a bunch of meals brought to us (which we are extremely grateful for!). But we had the same experience with pasta and red sauce. So. Much. Pasta. and Red Sauce. It was definitely a standing joke with our older kids! Now I never bring pasta with red sauce, figuring at least my meal will be a break. I usually do a soup as well, with bread and a salad. I just brought a chicken/black bean soup with homemade cornbread and a bag of kale salad from Costco to our cross country team's coach and her family, since her dad just passed away. They have 8 kids, so I'm sure they are getting a lot of pasta a red sauce too--it definitely is easy for big families, lol. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butter Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I do a salad and soda and pick up pizza. People, especially those with kids, get *really* excited over it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I like to do meatballs, because it tends to be unusual in the 'mix'. I have a German meatball recipe that goes with spaetzle, and that's always a winner. I try to bring over some fresh fruit, preferably from my garden, and always bring a salad and something that will be good for leftovers as well (like muffins or cornbread or cheese chunks/crackers). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 When my mom was dying and the four of us kids were at her house, someone had brought a honeybaked ham and rolls and we all appreciated being able to make little ham sandwiches easily. We also appreciated any fruit, salad, etc as we weren't getting as much of that as we would have in our own homes. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjzimmer1 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I would make either shepherd's pie (the american version with hamburger) or Chicken Almondine https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-almondine Someone once brought us salisbury steak and that was really good. When DH's grandmother died, someone brought chicken a la king to their house. I still haven't found a recipe as good as that one but if I ever do, that will be my go to meal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Sandwich fixings or frozen pizzas, veggies or salad, fruit, snack food, quick breakfast items, drinks, or disposable plates and silverware. I know in a crisis I'd rather have familiar stuff that hungry family can fix themselves without making an entire meal at once, so I try to keep that in mind when considering food for others. Filling in the gaps between lunch/dinner meals, especially with several teens. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoggirl Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I like those pre-sliced, pre-cooked briskets from Sam's. Potato salad or mashed potatoes. Something green - veggie, cole slaw, or salad. Fresh fruit (bananas, apples, cuties), some brownies. Add bread/rolls and sliced cheese for leftover sandwiches. I also like to take something breakfast-y as well - banana bread, pumpkin muffins. Alternatively, I do veggie soup and those pre-made ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches on onion rolls with the mustard/butter/poppy seed sauce. Wrapped individually in foil for heating in the oven. Still add brownies, fruit, and something breakfast-y. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewber Posted November 2, 2017 Author Share Posted November 2, 2017 These are all such good ideas! Right now I am the only person signed up for pasta of any sort, so I'll stick with that for the first round. Thank you for all the great ideas! Veggie tray and sandwich fixings are a great idea too. I could send those along. Veggie tray might be a nice switch up from green salads. The grandmother is staying with them and the kids are all in school, so eating lunch there. But some muffins would be a good addition for breakfast or if they pack their own lunches. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashfern Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I usually make a baked ziti that they can heat up when they're ready to eat it with a bagged salad. If I really like the person, I make chicken salad and get croissants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I have several. Chicken pot pie (for larger families I make this in a rectangular pan - not as pretty but still yummy). I send along a block of cheddar cheese, maybe a bagged salad, and some fruit. Chicken Tetrazzini - I send along bread, a bagged salad, and some fruit. Chicken Noodle Soup (I transport the noodles separately along with a can of chicken broth because I don't want to transport a huge amount of liquids). This is usually for sick people so I try to include a variety of fresh clean fruit. Calzones if they have a lot of small children - I make them but do not bake them. I wrap each in Al foil and mark with masking tape what is inside. I also take a jar of pizza sauce as we just dip ours in it (no sauce inside). I'll add dessert if I have time and think about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth86 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I have never made food for friends like this, but imo it has to reheat well. 2 things we live to eat reheated are breakfast burritos and fried rice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Chicken tettrazini, salad and rolls is ,y go to. 2nd choice is chicken divan with a layer of rice and a fruit salad, rolls, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Does it need to be freezable? I have a friend who came round to my house after one of the babies and set up her crockpot with a delicious meal on the bench. Then there was instant couscous and the pre chopped flavourings to go on it. It was really nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I usually try to make sure mine is freezable - you can either cook it that night (20-35 minutes in the oven) or freeze it for later. Because sometimes you may have enough leftovers you want to save the new meal for another time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonderchica Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Not a dinner, but I like to get a bagel pack from Panera. Easy for all ages to grab for a decent snack or quick breakfast, especially when you may not feel up to eating much. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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