8/22/08

Just Add the Meat! (and my RECIPES now linked on sidebar!)

Finally – you will notice that I have linked my favorite recipes for you on my sidebar! (Above photo: Paul's version of my Pavlova w/Cream & Strawberries! Recipe below post or linked at the right!)

I can’t tell you how many requests I have received from readers inquiring where to find my Mango Crockpot Chicken recipe!

Most of you know that I am a working mom, and I find trying to keep my blog totally updated frustrating at times. I never have time to put on the extra “bells and whistles” or to play the meme games with other bloggers.

It used to bother me, but now I know people come back to visit me because they know what they are going to get - inspiration, ideas, recipes and encouragement. To me, that is more important than a fancy blog!

I have a very easy idea for those of you who are incredibly busy as I am, but so desire to reach out and give to those in need.

I wrote about starting a meals ministry, here. And I’ve offered many ideas and ways to practice hospitality in and out of your home over the past 2 years.

But today I did something NEW. I took a meal to a family where the meal was not quite complete. It was missing the meat. So I instructed the family to, “Just add the meat!”


After a recent trip to Trader Joe’s, I packed up a grocery bag of goodies for my husband to take to his friend, who recently had a tragic, freak accident – but who is recovering amazingly at home after being in ICU/CCU for 2 weeks – Praise God!

I sent pasta, sauce, and fresh tomatoes from our garden. Chips and salsa for snack. A graham cracker treat for little Pomp (their 5 year old), and some chocolate for when you “just need a bite of something sweet.”

It wasn’t gourmet or overcomplicated. It was also a meal that the family would be able to cook at their convenience, without having to refrigerate any of it.

I believe that when we think of taking a meal to someone it can sometimes feel overwhelming. So how about a quick “going through your cupboards” and pulling out some ingredients, where the recipient can just add the meat? Most people keep different kinds of meat in their freezer, or they even like vegetarian!

Spaghetti or pasta is a great idea!

My desire is to stay open for new ideas.

Remember it doesn’t have to be a FULL MEAL, fancy and perfect. Those in need appreciate anything – so let’s be creative, gals!

Read The Golden Gift of Flexibility, over at Crosswalk.com, here!

23 comments:

ellen b. said...

Well how timely. I'll be making that Mango Crockpot chicken for our company on Saturday. Thanks for the update :0)
Blessings...

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

That is such a great idea and I think you blog is wonderful without the bells and whistles. You are also right to know that we will come back because we love what you are able to do in the time that you have. Keep it up!
Blessings,
Kim

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

I like the simple blogs best of all and yours is perfect the way it is. The visual over-stimulation, blinkies, music, videos, and ads on some blogs are way too much for my liking.

Jen said...

I totally agree with being creative..I just took a meal to friends who bought a new home and couldnt find any of their kitchen stuff in those first few days....I took homemade spaghetti sauce a mandarin orange salad and fresh garlic bread and snickerdoodles cookies.....I like to take a meal to a busy mom who is stressed too with kids and work....thanks for putting your recipes on the side....

Kirstin said...

That is a great idea and very true. When coordinating meals for people I've often told "busy" people to just purchase something maybe already made and just add some extras. After having my youngest someone knew our favorite restaurant in town and brought us food from there.

You do a great job on your blog Sandy. I never think it is lacking anything and I really think it all depends on what the focus of your blog is.

Tara said...

The meal we took to friends that I mentioned in my last comment was 100% from the store. I had two pies left from styling a photo shoot, so those were free. We picked up a roasted chicken, potatoes, baby greens salad and organic lemonade for $19 on the way home from the shoot and just swung by their house to drop it off. They were thrilled and I was happy to pay a few extra dollars to avoid extra time in the kitchen myself. Win-win.

I like simple blogs, too.

The Parson's Wife said...

Just showing that you care means so much more than the food items in the bag. I will try to remember this tip! Shawn <><

Kim said...

A big thanks for your recipes!

Connie said...

One more encouragement to you that your blog is great the way it is. I love your sharing along with the entertaining ideas. I look forward to trying some of your recipes.

Anonymous said...

How funny...I've been a regular reader for a long time and never even noticed you didn't have any "bells and whistles." The fact that you have pictures is enough to impress me...and categories. I guess I read for the words. Imagine that. LOL
Many Blessings,
Holly@aiminghigh
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/aiminghigh

Girl Raised in the South said...

Your blog is beautiful in all ways - how it looks, what it shares. Love that the recipes are right on n the sidebar! I had a girlfriend bring me a raw roast right after I had a baby and she told me, put it in your crockpot and turn it on! Her husband was a butcher so in that case all I got was the meat and it was much appreciated!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to look through your recipes!

I also am going to read through your meals ministry. Right now I'm off to get my family dinner but wanted to leave a quick comment.

I love Trader Joes!

maggie said...

I love your blog just as it is and I come by every day. Thank you the wonderful ideas and entertaining hints. I wish you had been there in my earlier days of married life when I stressed over so many silly things.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I think your blog is fantastic. Simple, easy to navigate, classic and so so helpful!
Thank you so much, Sandy!

Nadine said...

What a neat idea. I never thought of that.

Dee Light said...

I think your blog is just great. Like you say, you don't need all the bells and whistles when you have great content. I am always impressed with the thought you put into each post, I do good even get a posting done. So thank you for the time and energy you put into each post.

I love your idea for sharing meals with others. It makes it all more doable. Infact I have a friend I should do this for sometime this week. Thanks for the insperation!!

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

I love this idea! I have done a "snack basket" for nurses at a hospital using TJ's. That store is the best!

Ms. Tee said...

What a wonderful idea - taking the ingredients for the meal! :)

G. said...

yay! I'm so glad that you linked your recipes! I always drool over pics of your food. Thanks for sharing with us!

Susie said...

Your blog is awesome! I love that I know every time I come by, I will learn something new and be inspired. Thanks for sharing with us each week!

Tammy said...

I love the idea of putting together a meal that doesn't require refrigeration, freezing, or eating right away. Thanks for the great idea!

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

You are perfect just as you are!

What a great idea - to bring a meal such as you did. I always leave your blog with new, usable information. I appreciate it!

Whoo-hoo!!! I am thrilled about the recipe links. I had asked my blog designer to do that for me also. I can't wait to be able to check out your recipes!

-Andrea

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandy,
I posted your Mango Crockpot Chicken recipe on my blog and enchiladas I made with the leftovers with a link back here. Thanks for the recipe...