First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday. I know I certainly did. I am absolutely stuffed to the point where I can barely think (about anything other than food, anyway). Therefore, I guess it is appropriate that my first post-holiday blog post is all about food.
During our holiday meal, my sister (who just had a new baby) thanked my mom for all of the food she brought her when she arrived home from the hospital. While most people send flowers, bring clothes, blankies and other baby gifts my mom brought a baked ham, some crock-pot cheesy potatoes, a “jello-salad” (those of you in the Midwest will understand what I am talking about) along with some buns.
My sister used the ham for breakfast omelets, lunch sandwiches and quick dinners. She used the potatoes and ham sandwiches as quick meals for unexpected guests who stopped in to see the baby. She and her husband agreed that it was the best “baby gift” they’d received.
I hope you are following Nicole’s wonderful series on Once a Month Cooking. If you plan to give it a try (which I highly recommend) why don’t you fix a few additional meals that you can give as gifts? Have you ever received a meal as a gift after a hospitalization, family death, illness, or new baby? Chances are, you remembered the comfort of a hot meal long after the flowers had already wilted.
Personally, I’ll never forget the day I drove home from the hospital with my husband after having my second child. As I walked into my home after two days of having very little sleep…(not to mention being in labor for 12 hours) I was completely wiped out. I opened the refrigerator door hoping I would find some old mac-and-cheese to serve. Instead, I found two salads, lasagna, a loaf of bread, soda and a cheesecake for dessert that my brother-in-law had made and delivered for us.
I don’t remember the presents I got, the flowers, or even the people who visited that week. But, I remember that meal like it was yesterday.
Imagine offering a cooler full of frozen meals to a friend who has an ill family member? Are you making a homemade pizza for your family this week? Why not double the recipe and freeze the second one for an elderly neighbor.
There are so many ways that you can use food to comfort someone else. While tater-tot casseroles or crock-pot turkey bakes don’t make the prettiest, fanciest, or most expensive gifts – they will likely be viewed as the most thoughtful.