Last night Michele Dockery aka Lady Mary Grantham went out with friends in London.
So you see...
Everything is going to be alright.
****
Can you think of a character leaving a show that has caused you so much angst?
I was very sad when Denny died on Gray's Anatomy. In fact, I didn't watch much after that.
And George. He died too. Bad.
Remember when Anthony Edwards died on ER?
Brain tumor. Hawaii. 'Somewhere over the rainbow'...
I wasn't watching when George Clooney left ER, but gosh that show went on and on...
Lost. I can't recall a beloved character leaving Lost. I was just mostly scrambling to understand the whole thing anyway.
*****
What is your go to dish to bring to a grieving family or a new mother?
When our parents died one of our parent's friends continued to bring us a meal once a month for almost two years.
I don't think it was just one year. It seemed a long time. The funny thing was....it was icky.
They same thing every time. It was called Hillbilly.
Hillbilly Goulash
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cups dry macaroni
10 oz can condensed tomato soup
14 to 16 oz can diced tomatoes (we use Petite diced)
6 oz can tomato paste
2 paste cans water
1/2 teaspoon each salt and garlic powder
Black pepper to taste
1 Tablespoon sugar
It was very similar to this but it had corn in it too.
To this day I do not like corn in anything.
Corn on the cob. Yes.
Corn with butter. Yes.
In something. No.
We were not ungrateful. This lovely woman drove from Elmhurst to Wheaton with her casserole and gave Nancy a break from cooking for one night. She was thinking of us. Thinking of Esther's children...and that is precious.
When I had a baby or a ruptured appendix...ha....and then had both at the same time...
The ladies from church brought us many meals. Someone brought a big kettle of soup.
I loved that. I loved not having to cook.
Lasagna is super popular so I try to stay away from that.
But Ree's Chicken Spaghetti is a good one to bring for something a little different and appealing to many palettes.
What have you loved getting?
What do you take?
Encourage one another,
Donna
P.S. Thank you for your thoughtful and long comments :o)
I never mind the long winded ones. I love those.
P.P.S. I hope I spelled palettes right.
Between laundry loads - checking in and here you are :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember when Anthony Edwards died on ER - it was so sad but very lovely send off. The ukelele playing Over the Rainbow was perfect.
On ER, when George Clooney left to go meet up with Juliana M. (Nurse Carol) in Seattle, that was such a sweet scene. thankfully nobody died.
I still watch Greys Anatomy because it's shown here in English and it's only about 1/2 a season behind. There was a death or two recently (Lexie, Mark Sloan) and they were both handled so sweetly that I wept.
Thanks for this photo of Michele Dockery - it's lovely.
I love hearing from our overseas correspondent! ♥
DeleteI remain your Swiss Miss.
DeleteHere's hoping we hear from Axelle on this topic!! love her blog :-)
DeleteOui!
DeleteMe, too! :)
DeleteMary Z
Moi, aussi! Awaiting friendly Axelle's contribution!
DeleteDi
I always loved getting things like chicken enchiladas or taco soup in fall/winter and rotisserie chicken or sandwich stuff in spring/summer. I like taking beef stroganoff or chicken in a mushroom soup/sour cream sauce with rice or teriyaki pork tenderloin with yellow rice. But I like to check to make sure they don't have any food allergies or aversions before I take anything. It's been quite awhile since I had to take a meal to anyone since everyone I know is pretty much finished with having babies.
ReplyDeleteBest TV death ever: Isabella in John Black's arms. Dancing. Villa. UGH. I could cry at the thought of it and I think I might have been in high school, i don't remember for sure. Good storytelling has images that stay with us, whether they're from the printed page - so in our mind's eye - or dramatized on TV or film. How I love a good story!
ReplyDeleteBest hot dish we ever received was when I had Aderyn - all I remember was it was a casserole that involved some yellow rice and polish sausage. It was amazing.
NO ONE shares my broken heart about Isabella/?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Deletewoe is me.
I don't know who Isabelle is! Wait - is that on Days of our Lives? I'm coming up blank with these names. will Google now ;-)
DeleteBTW, love the name Aderyn :-)
Deletehttp://youtu.be/JbGRXVXbYa0 BUT they replaced the song...
Deletewhy is brady an infant in 1992? soap opera timing is so wonky. i began watching days of our lives upon my own birth. i keep telling myself i am going to watch again now that i am "home" during the day. i never get the chance. boo.
Thanks Melinda - dang, that WAS sad.
DeleteWhat a testimony to bring food for an extended period of time!
ReplyDeleteI agonize over what to bring folks..... will they like it? do they really want it? In short, I dont really have a standard dish. I love cooking and sharing food, but am often caught at the last minute without time to follow through. I guess the trick is to plan ahead and have things already prepared and frozen.
I have not wanted to talk or think about Dowton since Sunday night. Couldn't even bring myself to watch the repeat last night which I usually do. That's all i have to say about that.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in hearing responses to the food question. In our small church, five families, have a meal together once a month. We used to take turns providing the whole meal for everyone on a rotating basis. Now, each month one family is assigned something to bring. So in March, we have the main dish again. It's hard enough thinking of what to bring let alone for 25+ people. I don't do this kind of thing well.
My husband makes something we call Dip. It has hamburger, beans (lots of bean, different kinds) corn, (sorry) and green pepper. Oh, tomatoes, too. Then we dip chips in it. He also came up with a dish for leftover grilled chicken, peppers, onion, black olives and rice with Italian seasoning. That is really good, too.
jennyw.
Jenny, we make something similar to your Dip in the crock pot - burger (substitute since we're vegetarian), corn (sorry, Donna), 3 kinds of beans, green pepper, onion, and a fajita seasoning packet. Served over Frito's corn chips with assorted toppings (sour cream, grated cheese, diced tomato, green onions).
DeleteSounds like you have your work cut out for you providing for 5 families each time it is your turn!
:) It's tricky, too because most of us are on track for healthy eating which includes no processed foods, little pasta, etc. But, it's good to be done once our turn is over.
DeleteI've gotten so many nice things! Homemade chicken parmesan was my favorite--it was so very yummy.
ReplyDeleteI like to make things you can put together, so that you can eat what you like. Tacos, burritos, something like that, where you're in charge of the mix. Or maybe a salad with choices of toppings.
I'm glad you had friends and family around you supporting you when you lost your parents.
Now you're making me hungry Sarah! No good mexican food or ingredients to be found here. YUM.
DeleteThis is a great idea Sarah--it's nice for each person to be able to make it to their taste. I'll have to keep that in mind.
DeleteHi Donna,
ReplyDeleteI remember those exits from ER. I am presently not attached to any tv shows. I really miss having something to watch weekly and look forward to seeing. My life is just really different right now and I work one or two nights a week. I did order Downton Abby from the library and I plan to start watching it from the begining even though I know a lot about what happens in season 3 ! :)
Our church has a meal ministry and when it's my turn, I usually bring something with chicken. Either my chicken casserole with cornbread topping, or chicken dijon and roasted vegetables. People appreciate the change from pasta.
I have had that Hillybilly casserole and I have even made one similar to it with a recipe from Paula Deen, I believe. I think it was her brother's recipe. My kids hate it!
My son, who is a Marine stationed in CA, and his wife just had a baby on Friday. Abigail Elizabeth came home from the hospital yesterday and I really wish I could bring them dinner and hold my newest grandbaby.
Have a good day everyone!
Congratulations! Abigail Elizabeth is a beautiful name.
DeleteHow exciting, a new grandchild and Abigail Elizabeth is a beautiful name. Hope you get to see them as soon as you can and get loads of snuggle time with her. love and prayers, jep
DeleteCongratulations!!!! Beautiful name!
DeleteCongrulations, Robin! I love the name. Will they call her Abigail or Abi? I hope others shower your son's family with love. It's hard to be a long-distance grandma, isn't it?
DeleteOh, Robin, congratulations! What a lovely name :)
DeleteCongratulations, Robin! California must seem so far away. Welcome, Abigail Elizabeth.
DeleteDi
Robin,I just noticed that you are from New Jersey. I lived in NJ during the years when all 3 of my kids were born. My Mom was living in Alaska at the time. I know it was tough for her to be a long-distance Grandma. Thankfully I had friends nearby who became adoptive "aunties" -- it made all the difference.
DeleteCongratulations, Robin, and God bless Abigail Elizabeth!
DeleteMary Z
Congratulations!
DeleteSarah P. from Iowa
Thank you ladies! You are all so sweet! They are calling her Abby and I call her Abby Beth. :) They are living on base and have made a few friends there. I have heard that military wives take good care of each other. They also found a good church with many young couples that they have been getting to know. My 4 yr. old grandson stayed with one of those families while Diana had the baby. I was able to either be present while my other grandbabies were born, or arrive at the hospital soon after to hold and love on them. We have already Skyped 2 times, but it's not the same. I am making two pretty pink dresses for her, so that is cheering me up. :)
DeleteThanks for the update, Robin. I have heard the same about military wives. When you're far from family, your friends become like family for you. Glad they found a church - that makes such a difference. Abby Beth is darling.
DeleteAbout the food -- I used to make a chicken-veggie-biscuit type of thing - sort of like a rectangular chicken pot pie but biscuits instead of crust. Just a salad to go along with (fruit salad usually).
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who's Mom always baked a cake and made a macaroni salad for anyone in grief or recovery.
Donna, the image of some dear soul making you that Hillbilly dish (even if it was icky) is just so precious. What a lovely person.
BTW, not a fan of corn included in dishes either. Except for Chicken Corn Chowder. I made it once for some Swiss friends here (as a starter course) and they seemed surprised. Turns out they don't cook with corn either. Unless it's sprinkled on a tossed salad. Corn in general is thought of in terms as food for livestock. Oh dear.
Susan, where are you from? If you've said before, I've missed it. Germany?
DeleteCulture certainly makes a difference when providing food, doesn't it?
Hi Julie, just sat down from making dinner -- been chopping in the kitchen thinking of all these recipes. yum.
DeleteI am an American living in Zurich. My husband works for an Int'l company and came here for a one year assignment -- 7 years ago! I've been living here full time 6 years. Great food to be had here, but sadly no Mexican that tastes right!
I came from Chicago, but was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska.
That's more than you probably wanted to know! thanks for asking :-)
Thank you, Susan, I enjoyed reading every word. I would miss the Mexican too, but it sounds like you have many distractions to enjoy while you're there.
DeleteWhen someone has a death in the family I like to take them an overnight breakfast casserole and then a sweet bread. This way all they have to do the morning of the funeral is pop the casserole in the oven and bake it while getting ready. Who needs to worry about breakfast the morning of the funeral?
ReplyDeleteThe best thing we have received was BBQ ribs that only needed reheated, chicken enchiladas and bierocks that could be frozen for use later. But really every meal is appreciated.
Julie this is so thoughtful.
DeleteAnd I have to ask: what are bierocks?
Bierocks are also called Runyons? I think.
DeleteThey are a sausage/hamburger/onion/cabbage mixture that is inside a dough pocket. They are yummy! I'm pretty sure everyone makes theirs differently. Some people make their dough from scratch, others use frozen Rhodes rolls. They are great to bake up and then freeze for quick lunches or suppers. I had my mom make a batch for me after I had a baby in November. When I had nothing to send with my husband for his lunch I could pull one or two of these from the freezer for him to zap in the microwave.
I am intrigued by these Bierocks
DeleteSo is it like a gourmet version of a hot pocket?
DeleteThey sound amazing!
Here is my Aunt Alma's recipe. She has been gone for over 10 years now, but her recipe lives on and on.
Delete1 lb hamburger
1/2 lb breakfast sausage
1 small chopped onion
1/2 small head of cabbage, chopped
1 recipe hot roll dough that has risen once
Brown meat and onion. Add cabbage. Put on lid and cook over low heat until done. Cool. Roll out dough. Cut in rectangles. Put a spoonful of meat on each. Pinch closed and put seam side down on greased cookie sheet. Let raise and bake. 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. You can also use the Rhodes frozen dinner rolls. Just let them thaw and rise but instead of baking, roll out and follow rest of directions.
I just printed this out. Wow, it sounds delicious. Thanks, Julie!
DeleteSounds like Pasty from the UP of Michigan and northern Wisconsin, not to be confused with pasties, which are something completely different. ;)
Deletehaha....Must have gravy with pasty's...not pasties....
Deletewhich only seems appropriate that you would bring this up!
I am so glad I am never drinking or eating when I read these comments. You just NEVER know (-:
DeleteDI
Who else?!?!
Delete;)
Reading this first thing - glad I was not sipping my coffee -- HA!!!
DeleteIsn't it funny how the different regions of the US and world call the same things by different names. So glad it's a pasty and not pasties. I don't know how that might be received by a grieving family. It might be good for some laughs. "Someone brought Grandma pasties when Grandpa died."
DeleteI don't recall anything off the top of my head that tops Matthew/Dan Stevens leaving Downton. But, I do remember Diane leaving Cheers and missing her. I wish shows would do a Bewitched/Darrin move and just replace a main character instead of kill them off all the time.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple drop off meals....
1. Rotisserie chicken, Trader Joe's Frozen mashed potatoes, TJ's gravy (yes its in a box) and a package of steam in the bag vegetables.
In the bag, I include a bag of penne pasta and a jar of TJ's alfredo sauce and an additional bag of broccoli. Instructions, enjoy the chicken with potatoes for dinner #1. Shred up the remaining chicken and make pasta,chicken and broccoli alfredo for dinner #2. Yes, meal #2 is a little work, but this has been well received by friends as they get really tired of the various hot dishes (I'm from Minnesota, that's what we call a casserole).
2. Oven French Toast or some other egg bake. I know that when I had babies and surgeries, it was so amazing to get a good breakfast mixed in there.
That Hillbilly Casserole sounds dreadful. Anything with tomato soup in it usually does to me - and I love tomato soup!
Ah, Juli. What I would give to live near a TJ's.
DeleteI love the breakfast idea.
Juli - such a good idea to provide something for breakfast; it would be a great way to start the day (day of funeral or even after).
DeleteLove all your TJ's suggestions. We've had a TJ's in our community now for a year or so and, since my husband and I are vegetarian, we love the additional options they provide (Carol, you have my sympathies).
The closest TJ is four hours away. Whenever I visit my kids I load up on all the non-perishables. If I could import one store to my small town of 10,000 people, it would be Trader Joe's.
DeleteJulie, have you tried their Indian Fare, in a colorful square box. I love the Punjab Choley and the Punjab Eggplant. We don't eat them often, but they are a delicious treat. The flavors...
DeleteWe haven't had either of those yet, Carol. My husband is more the Indian fan than I am. We love that they have no-salt tortilla chips since we both wish to control sodium where we can (most of the vegetarian meat substitutes are loaded with it). We have discovered some fun things by trying the samples they serve. Overall, we appreciate their fresh produce and the variety available at costs less than or comparable to other stores in our area. Also enjoy their sprouted grain breads.
DeleteDon't tell anyone, but I was seriously addicted to their cookie butter after we first tried it.
HA! That recipe has been around for ages. Where did you get it from? My mom made it once, and Bill said it made his hair stand up on his neck, so she never made it again.
ReplyDeleteFor most things, I try to do a sandwich tray and soup. I have done casseroles, and meals when there has been a surgery or illness. But for births and deaths I do the sandwich tray and soup. That way people can eat when they want, without a set time. Its so hectic then, that to eat on a schedule doesn't seem to happen.
Thanks for the Hillbilly Goulash recipe!
Kris
Kris.
DeleteMrs. Mendenhal.
:o)
I KNEW it!! Wasn't going to ask,but I swear I remember my mom getting the recipe from her. She was such a special lady. My mom had her stroke and was in Marionjoy on my 40th birthday. She rang my bell that morning, and said, Come on, I am treating you to breakfast for your bday. I really loved that woman. She was such a source of strength and wisdom when my mother was ill.
DeleteKris
You spelled palette perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me that I have not taken anyone dinner in a very long time. I need to. I need to do something nice for someone and not think about myself. It might have to wait until this weekend though as we are almost out of food and there is no time to run to the market. I was complaining about it last night. Complaining about how we had nothing and then I thought of the people all around the world who literally have nothing and I cried. I cried as I looked in the freezer with a box of Ellio's pizza and three bags of vegetables. I saw frozen pretzels and I saw ice cream sandwiches. I cried when I looked in the fridge and saw spinach for salad and lots of dressing. 2 tomatoes. A pack of beef hot dogs. A dozen and a half eggs. Pillsbury Crescent rolls. There might not be a lot. There might not be what there usually is. But there is enough.
I will find someone to bestow kindness on this weekend. Thank you for reminding me.
Love, Becky
My husband and I are big NCIS fans. We were totally taken by surprise and shocked when they killed off Kate. (Hadn't seen much of that actress again.)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were so surprised when Kate was killed. Did you see her little cameo in one of the episodes last year when Gibbs was in that diner? She has not been around in anything else we have seen either. Why would anyone leave NCIS????? jep
DeleteSasha Alexander (Kate) has her own show: Rizzoli and Isles on TNT I think. With Angie Harmon. I like Ziva better. Poppy Seed chicken is my go to. Without the poppy seed because I don't like it. A container of cooked white rice, bagged salad and brown n serve rolls. Brownies. Easy and well received comfort food.
DeleteWe love Ziva, so it all worked out OK. I remember watching Rizzoli and Isles once and did not realize it was "Kate." Thanks Kathleen! jep
DeleteOne more casserole I like to take families with kids is called 2 cup casserole. 2 cups shell pasta (or other kind of pasta, 2 cups cooked chicken, 2 cups milk and 2 cans cream of chicken soup. Mix soup, milk and chicken together, pour over noodles in greased 9x13 baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight or 6-8 hours. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes covered, uncover, top with cheddar cheese and put back in oven until cheese is melted. I take this unbaked with a veggie, salad, rolls and brownies and it's always a hit.
ReplyDeleteYou can also cook the noodles, and decrease the amount of milk you put in it and then bake it right away and skip the refrigeration part of it. I usually double this for my family of high school boys.
omiGOSH. adding this to our rotation. Our four kids are eating us out of house and home and this sounds like a great weeknight meal!!!!!
DeleteThe boys like it because it is a lot like mac and cheese. I like it because it is quick and easy to throw together. I will say that letting it refrigerate does tend to make the noodles gummy, but the boys don't mind and that's what really matters. I double the recipe and there isn't any left. I don't use 4 cans of cream of chicken soup though. It's been awhile, but I think I do 2 cans of soup and 2 cups of milk.
DeleteWhen I take it to people I usually cook the noodles and assemble it ready for them to heat in the oven quickly for supper. It is a great little kid friendly meal.
What an interesting blog entry today...made me think! When my husband's father died our first son was less than a week old, so my mother stayed on base with me and my husband drove to his hometown to be with his mother and sister. Mother and I got meals everyday from that dear military community and every dish was some kind of chicken casserole. They were all good, but it got to be kind of funny writing the thank you notes and putting in the kind of chicken dish name each time. I like to take a deli tray like Kris mentioned and let folks eat what they want when they want it, but I have also been known to cook a roast and the fixings to take. A roast gives them leftovers to eat, too. We were so very sad when Lt. Col. Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) left the TV show MASH and died on his way home. Ah, the tears!!! On another note, here is a quote from one of my devotion books today: "Gratitude is the heart's money." French Proverb
ReplyDeletelove and prayers, jep
jep you are so right - when Radar came in the OR to read the telegram it was soooo very sad. boy that brings back memories.
DeleteA roast beef dinner with potatoes is so loving. Talk about comfort food. :-)
My mom always took roast beef with potatoes, carrots and onions to people who needed a meal. Comfort food at its finest. When my father-in-law was in a rehab hospital recovering from a burn accident my husband and I would take him and my mother-in-law supper every Sunday evening for a break from the hospital food. One time I took roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, and onions. There was nothing left when everyone was finished.
DeleteI sobbed buckets of tears when I first saw that episode -- and every time since. It's brutal.
DeleteI just watched the finale last night (as you know from my outbursts on Twitter) so for me, the wound is still too fresh. I know I'll keep watching, but I think I'm still just so stinking ANGRY! I'll reach acceptance eventually.
ReplyDeleteAnd I remember when Anthony Edwards' character died on ER. Tore me in half, that one did. Still watched.
I always wish that if someone wants to leave the show, the writers should just have them go somewhere - not die - especially when they are loved characters. So aggravating. Will be interesting to see Mary as a single mother. Maybe her and Tom get together and raise the kids together? !!
ReplyDeleteMy go to dish is Paella. Easy to make and makes a lot. I think everyone at my church who has had a baby or been sick in the last year has gotten Paella!
Paella. Yum!
DeleteDonna, I love that your friends brought something for such a long period. That is rare.
ReplyDeleteWe have a baby born almost every month in our church so we got lots of practice taking meals. And when someone moves here we provide a week to ten days of meals for them.
There is a wonderful site called takethemdinner.com where you sign up for a day and note what you will bring. That way they don't get tuna casserole (I'm dating myself) three nights in a row. And the site sends you a reminder email the day before your turn. And there are instructions for allergies or food preferences.
I have two go-to meals:
1. Butter Chicken with Coconut Rice. Indian flavors and not your typical hot dish. I got this from my daughter-in-law. One advantage is that it is gluten free and it's nice to not have to wrack my brain for a good GF recipe.
2. A "cheater" dish that a camp cook taught me: Potato soup made from a box of scalloped potatoes with milk and chunks of ham added. I get big cartons of scalloped potatoes from the restaurant supply store (United Grocers). You fix the scalloped potatoes in the oven per directions on the box. When it is cooked, dump it in a soup pot, add milk and ham. It's really delicious.
I like to make bread or rolls and bring a pint of raspberry freezer jam from our garden to send with the bread.
The other thing I recommend is to save large jars and lids, like the ones from Costco, or get the Gladware so the family doesn't need to worry about returning containers. And especially if it is a new mom, I look her in the eye and said, "Say Thank you. Now you don't need to write me a card."
I'm eager to read everyone's responses. It is such a gift to be able to contribute at a time of need. So often I feel helpless to do much else than pray and cook and watch kids.
Love the sound of the "cheater" potato soup--easy and delicious.
DeleteI would love the recipe for Butter Chicken and Coconut Rice. Even if it is a link to the recipe. Please.
ReplyDeleteamen to the Butter Chicken Recipe.
DeleteI'm a fan of Gladware too - I imagine them getting paid forward and going out into the world to help others ;-)
I always take the meals in disposable pans or Gladware. It makes it much nicer for everyone.
DeleteDear Donna,
ReplyDeletePalette is about color and palate is about food.
There is nothing like soup and bread and butter to lift the spirits and soothe and heal and even celebrate. It's even good for breakfast. And if you just can't eat a mouthful, a bit of the broth is nourishing.
Dan Stevens, why did you leave us. (((sigh)))
Regards, Jamie
Thank you Jamie!!
DeleteDonna, Ree has a great recipe here:
ReplyDeletehttp://tastykitchen.com/blog/2010/09/a-tasty-recipe-butter-chicken/
Here are Taryn's recipes:
Butter Chicken
Blend in a food processor until smooth:
1 cup cashews
2 tsp garam masala
2 tsp ground coriander
3/4 tsp chili powder
3 cloves garlic
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup (plain) yogurt
Pour over 2 pounds of chicken breasts cut into 1" chunks. Marinate overnight. (I almost never do this, because when I want Butter Chicken I want it tonight)
Melt 2 T butter in saucepan and sauté 1 onion, finely chopped, 1 cinnamon stick and 4 caramom pods until browned.
Add 1 tsp paprika, 1 small can crushed tomatoes and 3/4 cup chicken stock (you can make up some bouillon if you don't have stock on hand).
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Stir in 1 cup whipping cream and simmer another 5 minutes. Serve with rice.
Coconut Rice
2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 lime, juiced
2 cups basmati/jasmine rice
Cook in rice cooker or on stove top.
Optional: toast 1/4 cup shredded, sweetened coconut in pan over med low heat until brown. Fluff into rice when rice is completed cooking.
I'm so emotionally attached to these recipes because they were/are our favorite dish to order at my favorite restaurant in Seattle. And my dear DIL worked to reproduce as closely as possible those dishes and gave me the recipes and the spices for a Christmas present one year.
Thanks for the recipe! I need to try this.
DeleteSarah P. from Iowa
Thank you. That sounds really hard. :o(
DeleteSo many things I have never had in the house.
I need it in a jar to pour over it.
Love
The Easy Chef
i want this now.
Deletedonna... just use ground cardamon and cinnamon. it will not be hard. i bet you can put it all in a crockpot (minus the cream- add that in a little before serving) and that makes it really easy.
DeleteWow, not exactly Easy Chef material. But I'm sure very worth it.
ReplyDeleteOnce you get the core ingredients (cashews, spices, tomato paste, chicken broth, coconut milk in a can, rice) it's okay.
DeleteThe folks I've given it to have loved it.
But if I was sending a meal to my father-in-law (Minnesota raised, old school eater) I would bring a roast and mashed potatoes. :)
I've had Butter Chicken at Indian restaurants and loved it. Gotta try this sometime. My husband brought me back Garam Masala from little India in Singapore when he was there on business and it rocks. I need more recipes to use it! thanks :-)
DeleteYes, I remember when Anthony Edwards died on ER. I got chills just reading that. I was in my tiny apartment sitting on my lovely light blue couch by myself. I sobbed. Gosh, I loved ER, Friends and Will & Grace.
ReplyDeleteDo you know what's missing from that goulash? Brown sugar! Not white, but brown. And more than 1 T. :)
When Kris and I came home with Sophia after two long months in the hospital my Grandma Carol had snuck out to our house that morning and prepared a meal. She put a roast in the crock pot and made homemade dilly bread. When we came home that afternoon the house smelled amazing and we had a fabulous meal waiting for us. And now I'm gonna cry.
I like the breakfast casserole idea! I also think Pioneer Woman's Sour Cream Noodle Bake would be something easy and delicious to bring to someone in need. I've made it several times and my family loves it.
I made her meatball sliders last night for supper. That could be something to bring. Cook up the meatballs and sauce, let it cool and put it in a disposable container. Then buy a bag of dinner rolls and a package of sliced provolone cheese. The family could assemble their own meatball sandwiches. Another recipe....my mom used to make this for me and my sisters...Mexican pie. Spread refried beans in a pie dish, layer with cooked ground beef, then lots of cheese. Bake until melted and bubbly. Eat with chips, salsa and sour cream. We used to devour it after school!
I Love Food!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm making that broccoli salad today. The one with sesame seeds and cranberries and bacon. Just because.
Sarah P. from I better get back to my housework in Iowa
Grandma's are special - this is a recurring thought for me in the past week. missing mine. Remember, Zelma with the red hair :-)
Deleteanyway the idea of her making the roast and dilly bread is precious.
Sarah, I love PW's sour cream noodle bake also. I would think it would be graciously received by any family.
DeleteI love the meatball sub idea! I'm stealing this for next time I provide a meal, particularly for a young family.
DeleteI love how you opened this post. Sweet.
ReplyDeleteI cried an ugly cry when Mark Green died on ER. I can't listen to that version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" without feeling a tinge of sadness. Especially knowing the sad story of the singer, IZ.
http://youtu.be/w_DKWlrA24k
I have quite a few go-to recipes. I try to check and see what they've already had and not repeat the meat. I like to bake bread, make a salad and dessert to go along with the main dish.
1. Spaghetti Pie - I got this from a Pam Smith cookbook years ago. It's a layered dish made in a pie plate.
2. Williams-Sonoma's recipe for Chicken Pot Pie - here's the recipe:
http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2008/09/24/chicken-pot-pie/
3. Potato Soup - I just make this by frying bacon in the pot, then onion, add enough water to boil potatoes. Boil until potatoes are nearly done then add milk and butter. I thicken it with flour and water and let it cook a while after. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon on top. One of our favorites.
4. Chicken Spaghetti. Similar to Ree's recipe, but this is an old one my mama passed along to me years ago. We add celery. No pimentos. Lots of butter.
5. Chicken Taco Soup in the crockpot.
I've got to try the Buttered Chicken and Coconut Rice now!
I want you around me when I need a meal brought over. Yum, yum, yum, yum and YUM!
DeleteI LOVE Pam Smith! Wait. It's Pam Anderson. Her Having People Over cookbook is sweet. I'm going to have to check out Pam Smith!
I never watched ER but I do get sad when I hear the IK version.
Spaghetti pie was on my list to share once I've gotten through comments, so I'll just add my support to yours. It's a little different than just spaghetti or lasagna; I also take garlic cheese bread and a simple salad and it's an easy meal for the family to heat up.
Deleteoooohh spaghetti pie. i haven't had that in years. sounds delish.
DeleteWhen we had Allie a friend of ours brought over a soup she called "dump it" probably because it had so many canned veggies in it, but it was really good and it was so nice to have several meals covered with that soup! My husband makes fantastic chicken enchiladas that we've taken before but I am often self-conscious of my own cooking so its hard for me to make something home-made unless its dessert. I wish I was more brave!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean Melanie, I am not a great cook myself. There have been times when a group of us would go together for a gift card to a local restaurant for a family. We have a cafeteria chain here in TX that makes good to go comfort food that can be picked up by Daddy on his way home from work or some family member. It is not as good as some of these suggestions for home cooked meals, but it can work for new parents or those who are dealing with loss and have a lot of family to feed. And, a nice dessert is always welcome. jep
DeleteThat monthly meal is so sweet, Donna. I live in fear of bringing an icky meal, but it is good to remember that it is still appreciated. I LOVE having a meal brought to me. John used to joke that I wanted to have another baby just so I could have a week of meals from the church ladies (-:
ReplyDeleteMy favorite was a curry chicken meal with all the condiments included. We called it Bombay Delight and love it to this day.
When my mom died two years ago, we were inundated with meals, so our Scout troop organized frozen meals for us. We had about fifteen entrees ready when none of us had the energy to cook. It was heavenly.
Favorites I have made are Guiness Stew with cheddar soda bread and salad, Taco salad, Chicken enchiladas with green salad and chips/salsa, and pulled pork with sandwich rolls and coleslaw. I also love to provide vanilla ice cream and root beer for root beer floats for dessert.
There are a few moms at church with young children. Every now and then I like to surprise them with dinner so they can enjoy just hanging out with their kids in the afternoon.
I do love providing breakfast as an alternative. Quiche, egg/sausage casserole, homemade granola, cinnamon rolls are all favorites.
Re: characters dying on TV shows...the last season of 24 scarred all of us. No favorite character was safe! And MI-5 is the same way. Dying is the norm. I am bracing myself for Downton...I can't tell you how glad I am that I know beforehand. I do not like those kind of surprises.
Love,
Di
As a meat-eater married to a vegetarian, the Guinness stew and pulled pork sound dee-lish.
DeleteRoot beer floats! That is such a neat idea!! I haven't had one in years.
DeleteSarah P. from Iowa.....yes, I'm avoiding my housework.
I can vouch for the taco salad recipe. It is a keeper. In fact, when I asked son what he wanted as one of his last meals before leaving for boot camp for the Marines, he requested Di's taco salad, which we first ate years ago.
Deletehmbalison
Alison is kind enough not to mention the casserole I made when they first came to our apartment in 1987...it had rice in it that did not cook and we could have broken our teeth on it. Sigh. But I am glad Sam wanted taco salad (-:
DeleteSarah...your housework comments made me chuckle today.
I rarely comment but love to read your blog, Donna!
ReplyDeleteI live in Madison, too, and we like to bring chili (with sides: shredded cheese, sour cream, biscuits, etc.) and salad and dessert. Something warm and comforting. And often made without meat, in case the recipients are vegetarians.
I've had two babes and been in the hospital for my Crohn's Disease on and off, and really, REALLY appreciate meals. We love lasagnas, mac and cheese, soups, ANYTHING. I love when it comes with a fresh salad, too.
And the neatest thing someone brought after the birth of my second baby was a meal with a little basket of healthy portable treats for my 2-year-old: individual serving packets of Goldfish crackers, raisins, other healthy snacks, and fresh apples and bananas. It was AWESOME to have go-to snacks for my toddler available when we were acclimating to our new daughter.
Taryn
How nice that someone remembered your 2-year-old. What a thoughtful gift. jep
DeleteI always bring homemade soup and a loaf of bread to people in difficult situations. When my friend's husband was in the hospital dying of kidney failure, she was with him around the clock and not getting my sleep (she's also a nurse and teaches nursing so she knew more than most what was going to happen.) She was stressed, tired and not really able to eat, but soup slides down easily and bread, especially homemade egg bread, is comforting. I brought a bunch of kinds over in individual servings so she could just throw one in the microwave when she got home - potato/bacon chowder, carrot/parsnip/ginger, cream of broccoli etc.
ReplyDeleteWhen another friend lost her young husband in a car accident, she received lots of casseroles, but her young sons wouldn't eat those so another neighbour brought her boys pepperoni wraps and sausage rolls, kid snacks. She later said they really appreciated that.
By the way, my nurse friend once showed up at my door when we went through a big ice storm that knocked out power all over the province. She had power back on by then, but this was day 13 for us. We were sitting by candlelight, again, pondering yet another can of beans, again, when there was a knock at the door. There stood my friend, who handed over an entire roast turkey dinner, hot and fragrant. Not only was there a turkey, but also stuffing, gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, veggies, an apple pie, a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers! I'll never forget her kindness. And funnily enough, the second we finished our dinner, the power came back on.
(I really believe nurses are angels in disguise.)
Pam, in Montreal
Oh Pam, I so agree about nurses being angels in disguise. My SIL and another dear friend are both nurses and I know they must have wings hidden in their clothes. You are blessed by your dear nurse friend and it sounds like she is equally blessed by you. jep
Delete{{{Like}}}
DeleteWhat an amazing act of kindness. I'm craving turkey...
Deletehmbalison
Im crying
DeleteThat is an incredible story, Pam! We often have power when others are out...I am going to remember this.
DeleteBy the way, my family is from Montreal. I LOVE your city.
Di
It's a good reality check to see Lady Mary out and about, smiling and looking glam while the rest of us were home feeling the loss of Matthew so keenly... (of course my mind knows he's not real, but the heart feels how the heart feels!)
ReplyDeleteHow sweet and giving the woman was who delivered meals to your family for months and months! In the fall or winter, I'll make my mom's chicken casserole dish (chicken, stuffing, swiss cheese, etc.) when I need to deliver a meal, but if it's warm weather, I'll take a tray of sub sandwiches and cut up fresh fruit. A pan of brownies goes well with either.
The QLCS discussed the loss of Gary Shepherd on thirtysomething a few weeks ago, and I think that was the most shocking TV death to me before this week. I was also sad about Dr. Mark Greene's death on ER, but since we knew he was so ill, it wasn't such a shock.
Mary Z
I like to bring MEATLOAF and I like to get homemade soups!
ReplyDeleteI remember when Anthony Edwards left ER also. So sad, especially since we knew for weeks that he was going to go. Someone above mentioned M*A*S*H and that was sad too. Mostly I just miss series when they end (if they'll leave them on long enough to get attached)--I still miss Monk and love watching the reruns.
ReplyDeleteOther than the things already listed in comments above, I have a wild rice/"chicken" casserole that I like to share.
We have a breadmaker, so we will make onion-dill, cinnamon-raisin, or bagel bread and take along with butter and fruit spread.
For summer, I like "chicken" salad wraps. Easy enough to prepare the cold salad and then provide tortillas to make the wraps or they can just eat as a hearty salad without. Add salty chips (love Sun Chips) and brownies/cookies/bars for dessert.
I make Paula deems chicken casserole. With green beans and wild rice. That way I'm good if they don't eat red meat, not a red sauce and kids like it.
ReplyDeleteWhen my dad passed away last month, my friend brought us "hot subs". They were simple, convenient and very tasty. She just took a good hoagie roll (soft & flavorful) and stuffed it with turkey & cheese. Then she wrapped it in tin foil, and had us bake it at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. We added mustard & mayo after they came out of the oven. They were so simple, and so tasty...and we could heat up as many (or as few) as we needed, since they were individually wrapped. She also brought us a veggie tray & bag of chips which were the perfect compliment.
ReplyDeleteI ♥♥♥ the Hot Sub idea. I'm going to use this idea.
DeleteAnd, oh, it's hard to lose your dad. I'm sorry, Darcy.
Btw, we are practically neighbors. I live in La Grande. Recently you mentioned that you lived in Oregon and I did a bit of snooping around.
Yes, great idea!!
DeleteThat's a very recent "fresh" loss Darcy - I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteGod bless ~
Bobby Deen has a dish called Bobby's Goulash that I love to give. It is basically a hamburger casserole with tomatoes (Mild Rotel, diced, and sauce) and elbow macaroni with an interesting and delicious sauce of soy, basil, and garlic. I make this goulash at least twice a month for my own lunches too.
ReplyDeleteLost: I was jolted for days after Charlie died. And I bawled uncontrollably when Juliette died.
ReplyDeleteLost: I was jolted for days after Charlie died. And I bawled uncontrollably when Juliette died.
ReplyDeleteewwww that chicken spaghetti...is that the most horrible hotdish ever made or what?! I grimaced just reading you text. No..no...no! Isn't that funny...how different palates vary in how they experience a taste? My family loves corn chowder...and obviously from what you have written it would make you shudder. When someone is hurting...my go to meal is a loaf of fresh baked bread and baked potato soup.
ReplyDeleteI love sweet corn in mexican dishes and with black beans but hubby does not...grrrrrr. A gal once brought over some dip, a popular recipe in Texas apparently, it was creamy, mildly spicy and had corn and was delish w/tortilla chips. I like corn chowder too!
DeleteRight now I'm in the "taking food" season more than the "receiving." Lots of illness in our church. I often ask what they'd like, but often end up taking my homemade pizza, a big hit. They usually ask how I made it. The secret, I think, is making the dough for crust in my bread machine. Easy and de-lish. I top it with sauce and cheese, and put various toppings in baggies for them.
ReplyDeleteI deliver it unbaked; they just pop in the oven when they're hungry. If it's a larger family, I make it on a jelly roll pan ... roughly 12x16.
Have you heard of the site, "Meal train"? It's a great way for people to sign up to help a family! No phone calls back and forth - wonderful!
Downton comment: so many people are so into it ... I have tried twice and just can't seem to get hooked. Maybe I need to start from the beginning?!
I take bangers and mash but not everyone appreciates that. It's onions, sausage & peppers that I cook and then add a little marinara or spaghetti sauce. Then I top it with mashed potatoes. We're actually having leftovers of it tonight.
ReplyDeleteAs for yesterday's post, I wrote you this long and thoughtful comment and at the very end of it, I hit two keys together too fast (I type fast) and suddenly - poof! It was gone. I knew I'd never get those thoughtful things back in my head and so I departed. Sadly.
country girl... i did not know what bangers adn mash was. it sounds yummy to me.
Deletewhen my mother had her last remaining ovary removed several years ago, we were living with her. the church people were so sweet to plan meals for a long while for her... and we laughed nearly every time they left because EVERYBODY brought us lasagna. we ate lasagna for weeks.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of this same thing happening with spaghetti! I love www.takethemameal.com, or meal train is another one I think, where you can say what you are taking so someone else doesn't take the exact same thing. Because really, how much lasagna can one family eat?
DeleteHoly COW! Look at all these comments!!!
ReplyDeletewho knew so many people wanted to talk about good will food?
DeleteMelinda, Katie says people like to be asked questions :o)
DeleteI absolutely agree with Katie.
DeleteTotally. And we're still receiving therapy from the start of our week by coming here.
DeleteComfort Comments. Like Comfort Food.
And today, they go together.
{{{Like}}}
DeleteP.S. Katie is so right
i keep saying i am going to make and freeze dinners for when after the baby comes... but we both know that is not going to happen.
ReplyDeletemy cousin threw a shower for a friend when she was having her second baby, another boy. the guests were asked to bring a freezer meal instead of a gift (or alnogside one if they so chose). i think this idea is brilliant.
we need to find and get active in a church fast so they will bring us meals! (is this a bad reason to suddenly decide church should be a higher priority?)
my sweet cousin sarah always send a pizza delivery gift card in moments of need. she is far away and can not be here. i love this gesture. she may have sent me 2 after asher, and she sent me one after my miscarriage too. i need to remember to do this for others far away.
growing up my mom would take sloppy joes. veggies and dip and chips.
Melinda, I just had my second child in November. I did some work before hand to help out once she made her arrival to help with evening meals. When the big chubs 10# hamburger would go on sale at the store, I would buy one. I took it home and browned it with some onion and salt and pepper. I then put separated it into 2# freezer bags and froze it. You could do 1# and then you have meat for 10 meals. It was so nice to be able to pull it from the freezer, thaw it out and have the meat for casseroles, soups and tacos. I did 30# of meat and have 4 still left in my freezer. They have gotten me through the first 3 months. I did 2# packages because we have 3 older boys (23, 18 and 15) to feed as well. I also did 3 bags of the 3# chicken breasts. I put them in the crockpot all day and then shredded them. Ready to go for enchiladas, soup or casserole too. This was huge for me and took very little work in advance and really helped me get dinner ready. I also made up some breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches and froze them individually and put them in the freezer. Pull them out the night before to thaw out in fridge and either reheat in 200 degree oven or microwave. Saved a lot of time in the morning and the boys got a good breakfast before going to school.
DeleteI love the frozen dinner shower idea!
Deleteps... matthew keeps asking if you made it to 200 yet on yesterdays post.
ReplyDeleteKeep commenting and maybe we will :o)
DeleteI bet you would like Papa Murphy Pizzas.
I once took that to someone.
I bring a bag of salad and dressing. That's real easy.
Among other things.
one last comment (i am avoiding research paper writing, due at 11:55pm tonight)
ReplyDeleteDr Green dying on ER... kills me. i watched it as a hormonal adolescent, and thinking about it i feel like a hormonal adolesnet all over again. so many people leaving that show was sad. i didn't watch much with the new people.
That IZ somewhere over the rainbow is in my top songs ever list. i just adore it, and it makes me cry. and it makes me want to make asher play the ukelele. have you ever seen that adorable boy playing the ukelele to the train song? so cute. http://youtu.be/TruIq5IxuiU
the end.
Melinda, which pizza place is the one your cousin uses...that sounds like a nice gift for a young family? Good luck with your research paper. love and prayers, jep
Deletejep, she always uses pizza hut i think. there is sure to be one close to nearly every home. if i was sending one to a small town i would just make sure that there is a pizza place that delivers and use whichever one that was.
DeleteBless you Melinda for answering a question for me. After I wrote and sent it I thought, "she does not have time to answer you." You are a sweetheart and always daily in our prayers with your precious family and school and work. love and prayers, jep
DeleteAfter my daughter died our doctors sent cookies, brownies and milk--enough for two large families. Even though I can't eat such things, they came in handy for when others came to visit. I had something to serve and didn't have to think about cooking, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing about soups is that they are easily re-heated and if you make a huge pot, they get better over time. : ) (I also like turkey tettrazini!)
Dear Windy, so hard to lose a child. Hugging you from afar. love and prayers, jep
DeleteDear Wendy,
DeleteYou make a good point. Many other people are around at first. It's good to have food on hand for them and not feel like you need to be feeding people. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Very.
When Suzy died the food was to the ceiling. I really did not want to eat anything. I remember eating a radish. We girls always like the radish on the veggie plate.
Wendy, I am so sorry for your loss. (Here is a hug from me)
DeleteI have a nephew in Heaven. My sister's baby. It was one of the hardest things I've ever been through. I survived on canned pears during that time. It was the only thing I could swallow.
Sarah P. from Iowa
God bless you Wendy - adding a hug
DeleteI'm so very sorry for your loss, Wendy.
DeleteMary Z
You know what a pastie is. When we had our 2nd child, a friend of ours, made us pasties. 2 big ones for us...and one tiny one for our daughter/the new sister. (None for the baby, lol) I thought it was so thoughtful. 29 years ago! Pastie is a comfort food in the UP. :)
ReplyDeleteYou betcha.
DeleteOh, for heaven's sake. I just finally watched the finale. I'm angry. That's just stupid and annoying. Frustrating.
ReplyDeleteArgh. How absurd.
I want to throw a shoe at the television.
I haven't read a single other comment yet, so I don't know whether I'm in good company - or if others are (were) weeping.
It was too soon after Sybil.
Maybe I'm mad because it reminds me of my cousin - killed, hit broadside on his motorcycle while on a lovely Sunday ride. Senseless and too soon.
I don't know - but I hated it.
I'm sorry Pam. It was sad and shocking.
DeleteJulian Fellowes did not know what else to do....Dan Stevens wanted to leave....
He didn't think Matthew would leave Mary or Downton any other way.
As I said yesterday, terrible things happen in real life. They happen to the wrong people.
again and again
Pam, I totally get your anger - I mentioned before (yesterday?) that I was banging and stomping around our apartment using a few words I "church lady" doesn't say -- SO angry -- but then in a matter of hours I had slipped into sadness. I saw the episode on Dec. 28 and seriously it took me about a month to get over being mad at the writers. It helped to read the article on the Daily Telegraph in UK about Dan S.'s wanting to leave.
DeleteAnd truly, reading all the comments from Monday's post here at QL really helps too.
The fact that we care so much shows what a great show it is, and in spite of this plot turn, what great writing we have seen lived out on our T.V. screens.
Bless your heart about your cousin - that is so sad - I'm sorry that the episode touched that sad spot in your heart. God bless.
Thanks, Donna and Susan. I feel less angry today; it's turned to disappointment. I really liked Matthew Crawley.
DeleteIt was about 11 years ago, in August. Pekka and I (Pekka, a Finnish name - he lived in Finland, my cousin) ... we were Sunday penpals. Over a period of about 4 months, we fell into a weekly routine. He would spend the afternoon at his brother's, then enjoy the summertime motorcycle ride back to his place, and somewhere mid-evening he'd make his way to his computer and write to me. It was about 2:00 pm our time when I would start looking for his email. He was having trouble in his marriage, so I would encourage him in the Lord and he would bring me up to date on the events of the prior week (that broken family -they had 3 teenage daughters- absolutely broke my heart, and Pekka, he was devastated. Often I'd wake in the night and be prompted to pray - I appreciated having specifics). He was not a believer when it all started, and that one Sunday when he wrote to me that he had been reading in the gospel of Mark and realized that he needed to get to know Jesus better, I fell to my knees in tears, and praise, and relief. So thankful that his eyes had been opened. "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see."
DeleteIt was just about 3 weeks later when I didn't get the email at 2:00, nor at 3:00, nor at 4:00... at about 5:00 PM, my grandmother called to say that Pekka had been in an accident that day. Traveling home from his brother's house on his motorcycle, he was hit broadside by a truck who did not stop at the stop sign. He died at the scene.
I was crushed. But I'm so thankful for those weekly emails we shared - for the way it strengthened our relationship across the ocean - and especially because it ignited for him a relationship with his Saviour.
And that brother of Pekka's, Heikki... what a gentle, sweet spirit that one has. He's a musician, and uses his talents in music therapy to reach the depths of mentally handicapped male adults at Rinnekoti. I was there the summer of 2000 - his group of about 8 put on a mini concert for us (just the family - about 5 of us). Heikki said one particular man did not speak a word when he first met him. After about two years of working with Heikki through music therapy, he sang a solo for us... the Finnish national anthem. It was astounding.
DeleteGo to YouTube and search Heikki Raine. You'll see two videos of him, Mr. Crump Don't Like It and Mystery Train. Heikki is not a twin... he's playing both guitar and trumpet with nifty video trickery. :-)
Ah, this has been great for me!
Dear Pam, thank you for sharing Pekka and Heikki's stories.it is wonderful that you have such great relationships with you dear cousins. Really special.
DeletePam, I came back to this post to see if there were any additional comments. I'm so glad I did - this is a very special tribute to both Pekka and Heikki. It blessed my heart particularly to read that Pekka realized his need for Jesus. God is always at work, we just don't always see it or have the joy of being a part of it.
DeleteThanks again for sharing here.
With my first baby, there were no meals brought to us as we didn't know many people in the area. So when we had a week or more of dinners planned for us with baby #2, I was very touched by everyone's generosity. I honestly was so grateful, but at the same time, none of the dishes made me want the recipe! One lady, however, brought everything, salad, main dish, bread, ice cream...we were blown away by her kindess. I liked having the company, and honestly, it would have helped me through the baby blues I experienced for about 10 days after baby #1 to have had the company and support we received so much of the second time around.
ReplyDeleteI love hearty soups snd chilis for their comfort factor and nutritional content as well as ease of preparation.
Bread, too. And baked goods of any kind.
I have mostly taken chicken pot pie I made or homemade stew. Usually with a green salad and brownies or blackberry pie. But after I had surgery I really appreciated a couple meals that friends brought which were put-together but uncooked casseroles (yes, lasagna was one)that went in the refrigerator to be cooked when needed. That way if my husband and I didn't feel like something heavy we could cook it the next night or the next. I also appreciated getting a Papa Murphy's pizza to put in the oven, which was tasty and required no dishes/clean up. Mostly I just think that any food taken says, "I care, and I have taken the time to put this together for you." It speaks such love.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Z.
Pushing the LIKE button Debbie - a meal shows you care. I too remember being so happy to just chat with a "tall person" when they brought the meal :-)
ReplyDeleteI typed a long comment a couple of times on my phone last night. Alas. Phone posts almost never work for one reason or another (my user incompetence mostly). :). Let's try again. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen Mom died, one lovely eccentric couple from church brought two gallons of milk and two loaves of plain ol' bread. Perfect! Who else thinks of that? It's the only thing I remember after all these years. When Terry's dad died a few years ago, every main dish brought by kind friends was some kind of chicken. Ironically, Terry's dad would not eat poultry.
When I served on the funeral dinner committee at a church, we served a meal to family at the church either before or after the service. Our menu never varied and was baked ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, yeast rolls, and various donated desserts. Baked ham is now my go-to item to take. I buy a whole, boneless ham and ask the butcher to slice it into fairly thick (about 1/4") slices. I put the ham into a foil pan, cover with foil and back until warm. Depending on the timing and circumstances, I sometimes take it unbaked so the family can bake whenever they like or eat it cold on sandwiches.
One other thing I sometimes do is wait until a few days after the funeral and have pizza delivered to the family. After a week of eating home-baked casseroles, etc., pizza is a welcome change of pace. I've had really positive feedback on this! I coordinate the timing and delivery so it happens on a night when the family will be together. One friend lost her husband suddenly and suggested she would appreciate the pizza on the Friday night of her first week back to work. Finally, we once waited a month or more to donate several frozen beef steaks, and ground beef to a young widow with children at home and a tight financial situation. We ordered 1/2 a beef and couldn't fit it all in our freezer so it was a win-win for us all. The Holy Spirit gets all the credit for that one. :-)
There! A long comment I hope will post. :)
Great topic, Donna. I'm feeling less awful a bout Matthew's death already. :)
Another thing my best friend and I do, that I have not seen mentioned here. We take food to the funeral home. We take some cookies and snacks to leave out for people that are coming to give their respects. But, in the family room area, we set up cold cut sandwiches, chips, brownies, cookies, etc. It is a long day for family members, standing and greeting people all day long. And instead of leaving to go out for dinner, and maybe missing someone they want to see, we have the food right there. They can take a break, grab a sandwich, and get some much needed food in their system. It has always been appreciated. And maybe the widow or widower isn't eating, but other members of the immediate family are...like the kids.
ReplyDeleteKris
I forgot to mention: an amazingly thoughtful online friend sent me a chicken pot pie after Mama died. Best pot pie I've ever tasted, and the love was felt.
ReplyDelete(-:
Di
I forgot to mention: an amazingly thoughtful online friend sent me a chicken pot pie after Mama died. Best pot pie I've ever tasted, and the love was felt.
ReplyDelete(-:
Di
Milk and bread. What an amazing, thoughtful thing to bring. I will now be adding milk to my go-to delivery. I usually bring a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup and dinner rolls with a jar of homemade blackberry jelly.
ReplyDeleteI remember, when my grandfather died, along with all of the food and everything that was brought to the house, someone included a roll of stamps and a box of plain white thank you cards. I have never forgotten that thoughtfulness and almost always include a book of stamps when I send a condolence card or congratulations card for a new baby or marriage.
I love the milk and bread idea. I am going to add that to my standard "bring":
ReplyDeletemeat with gravy
egg noodles
green beans
garlic bread
ice cream.
i've sent pizza before too and SUBWAY cards - beacuse there are 10million Subways and someone in the family can always grab 2 footlongs.
Donna, I searched for your white chicken enchiladas recipe and it brought me to this post. I just wanted to say how completely heartwarming it is to spend 30 minutes re-reading the QLCS. What a wonderful corner of the internet you created and have preserved here. It's so much warmer than the new social medias. :D I'm going to try to remember to peak over here and randomly pick a post to read through the comments every few days.
ReplyDeleteSandy C.