Comments on: You don’t have to take a Full Course Meal!

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:31:22 +0000

I work about 60+ hours a week. So I make meals for me and my family and friends usually only 1 or 2 days a week. I cook up individual meals usually about 40 meals at a time depending on what I have on hand and what space I have. I find it nice knowing my family is never more than 5 minutes from a meal when noone can cook. These meals I make make it easy for somone who isn't always capable and is on a strict diet but can at leaste use a microwave most people at worste can heat somethigg up in the microwave.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:49:23 +0000

Sandy, do you use the clear sheet protectors or the non-glare? I don't think I have ever used the non-glare before, but there was a choice at my Sam's and was wondering which you use for your memory books. Of course, our store did not have the 2" binders. Every other size, but not 2"! I'll have to look for those at the regular stores.

Thanks,

Lisa R.

By: Lazy Mom Amanda

Lazy Mom Amanda — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:03:22 +0000

Yay! ThAnks so much. I am so excited!

By: Tracey

Tracey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:53:19 +0000

It depends on how much time I have and what I have on hand. Sometimes it's just a one dish meal and a simple dessert. No matter how simple or elaborate, it's always appreciated.

By: titus2woman

titus2woman — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:06:52 +0000

We were so blessed to be able to take a meal to a friend and her husband last night. She had open heart surgery, and her church took such good care of her that we had to wait a good couple of weeks to get in the schedule~LOL! So we took a turkey/spinach meatloaf, colorful potato salad (that's not traditional), and a yummy fruit salad. I admit to going and spending $$$ to do it, as I did not have all the ingredients at home. Still, it was SOO GOOD to be able to see and spend time with her! (((((HUGS))))) sandi

By: Courtney

Courtney — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:54:44 +0000

In the caring ministry at our church, I signed up for meal making. I always make a quiche and pack a salad in a bag as well. I buy the ready-made crust when I don't have time to make homemade.

By: Mimi

Mimi — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:33:38 +0000

In the winter I usually take a one pot meal like a roast with all the trimmings. That way I can throw it all in the crock pot in the morning and forget about it.

If I don't take a roast I end up taking at least the main course with 2 side dishes.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:45:34 +0000

I'm always looking for good things to take to neighbors when they need dinner, and these enchiladas look perfect!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:23:52 +0000

I'm taking a "meal" to a friend tomorrow, who has a 3-week old baby. She mentioned that she is having trouble finding snack foods that won't make her baby gassy, so I'm bringing protien-rich, filling snack foods for her: deviled eggs, meatballs, and some frozen ziploc bags with all the ingredients for coconut-milk smoothies.
I'm glad she mentioned it–I can't wait to surprise her with the food!

By: G.

G. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:51:44 +0000

I do take meals to people. I love it! I will usually make a main course, side, and dessert but it could be something as simple as a Chicken, veggies, and a pan of brownies. A lot of times I'll just double what I'm making for my family to take to someone. It's really simple if you're taking something to a single- I just make a plate of what I've cooked for my family and take it to them.

By: Christy

Christy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:07:58 +0000

As a pastor's wife I take a lot of meals to people! I do like to bring a "full" meal, but I usually make the main dish from scratch, and then buy ready made for the rest. I might take homemade Chicken Tetrazzini, a bagged salad complete w/dressing, French bread or heat n' serve rolls, and some brownies made from a mix, or in the summer I might take a half gallon of a fresh, fruity sorbet. I also like to take fresh fruit, but I buy the ready made, cut up fruit from the produce section. I don't feel like I HAVE to take a full meal, but I like to! I also double the recipe and make feed my family the other half. That way I'm not stressed making two separate meals!

By: Janet

Janet — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:46:53 +0000

I usually take what we're having for supper-just make more of it. It keeps me from being nervous about preparing the "perfect meal". Also my mom will buy some ham and turkey lunchmeat and some cheese slices and arrange a nice meat tray on some lettuce leaves along with a loaf of bread when someone has a death in the family. I thought that was a great idea as people have a lot of company around at that time.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:40:23 +0000

I take lots of meals and have received lots of meals as well. One of my best ideas is to bake a batch of 24 muffins that can be used as dessert or breakfast or snacks for the kids. It has often been the morning time with a new baby and getting others ready for school that I need some assistance. I usually take a meatloaf and mashed potatoes with a veggie side. It is easy and very low cost. Meal taking has been a huge blessing to me and I am always glad to do it for others.

By: Tuscan Lady

Tuscan Lady — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:36:30 +0000

I have been involved in the *giving of meals* for many years. I agree with you that it doesn't have to be anything fancy.
I usually make a main dish, add a prepackaged salad from the store, some homemade brownies or cookies (store bought if I don't have the time), and the most important items … paper plates and plastic utensils … that way the family truly has a break.

By: Kirstin

Kirstin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:35:10 +0000

I usually make a full meal, but keep it simple. Sometimes chicken soup, rolls, salad and some cookies or muffins. Casseroles work, or spaghetti. I always make double and we have the same meal.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:33:27 +0000

I am a member of a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. One of the many ways that we bond is by taking meals to the ladies in our group when someone has a baby, has some sort of difficulty in the family (death, surgery even when there is illness or something that just takes it's toll on you as a mother). I enjoy doing this very much. It's a way that I can help someone that maybe I don't get to talk to at our meetings or don't know very well. I've made great friends with many of the ladies. There are approx. 30 of us in our group and it's hard to talk to each and every one during a meeting but when you take a meal to someone in their time of need…Wow, the bonds you make. It's a great feeling and I know that if I am ever in that situation where I need it, they will all be there for me too.
Amy

By: ellen b.

ellen b. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:45:59 +0000

Sorry you're laid up but happy to know you are in the receiving end of things right now. I usually take a main something and a veg/fruit something not a 4 course meal :0)

By: Donnetta

Donnetta — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:20:12 +0000

Again, I have been known to do both... take an entire meal or just make cookies, brownies, a loaf of bread, etc. Sometimes I do these things "just because".

When I do take a main course and I know the family is also receiving meals from others, I try to make it something that can be easily frozen if needed.

I know when I have received meals sometimes it is too much to eat at once. What a blessing it has been to get those occasional dishes that could be frozen and pulled out later on a follow up Dr. appt. day, etc!

Great CWO article with the steps of "how to"!

By: Suzann @ Lavender and Roses

Suzann @ Lavender and Roses — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:16:30 +0000

I have taken meals to others, originally I stressed out, but then I realized that if I put the meal together in the crockpot and brought it over to them, it could cook all day in their home, they could enjoy the aromas and they could eat when they were ready.

By: Christina

Christina — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:51:12 +0000

My church uses a free website to coordinate meals for families who have a new baby, surgery, etc. http://www.carecalendar.org/index.php

It is very user friendly and allows people to see what day there is a need and you can also put what you are bringing so that they don't get pasta 3 nights in a row.

Most of the time when I take a meal I do a casserole, bagged salad and either homemade bread or a dessert. I have also done taco salad and a dessert. Just depends on who I am making it for, the time of year and what I have on hand.