7/14/09

Drop and Run MEALS!



Meet my Guest: GiBee from Kisses of Sunshine

GiBee has been my friend for a long time.  She is the author of Kisses of Sunshine, where she talks about faith, family, fertility and foods. I've always been impressed by her servant's heart and willingness to give to others.  I'd say she is NOT a reluctant entertainer, by any means, and because of that, she has some great advice for all of us ...

Thanks for sharing with us on 4RE, GiBee!

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I can’t even begin to count the times I’ve taken a meal to someone who was sick, or just gave birth, or even experienced a death in the family. In fact, this past month, I’ve had no less than two friends in need of meals. One friend has three kids under the age of 5, and she’s pregnant with her fourth, having sinus problems. At the same time, another young woman in our church was having seizures. Both of these instances were opportunities for me to minister to them with food.

And that’s when it dawned on me. We all have people within our circle of family, friends and neighbors that for one reason or another are in need of being ministered to in the form of a good meal delivered to their front door step… whether someone has had a birth of a new child, the loss of a loved one, are ill, severely depressed, stressed, overworked and exhausted, or have had surgery… there are plenty of needs.
First, I have a few simple rules for delivering meals: 1) communicate with the receiver about likes, dislikes, allergies, etc.; 2) take into account the receiver’s needs; 3) keep the meal simple; 4) make enough for their family; 5) don’t make new and un-tried recipes; 6) don’t burden the receiver by inviting yourself to stay; 7) make it a blessing.



MY FIRST MEAL: I decided to “dress” this meal delivery up a bit – something I enjoy doing often. I got a tray that I had among my serving pieces (a box will work nicely), and placed a pretty cloth napkin on it. I made a hearty layered salad (I got to pick fresh lettuce from my garden – woohoo!) in a clear acrylic bowl (with big chunks of ham, plenty of cheese and bacon), made a quick loaf of bread from refrigerated dough, and made some chocolate chip cookies from refrigerated dough. I also made some strawberry lemonade (I know they are fond of lemonade) and placed it in a large snap-lid glass jar. 

Menu Recap: Layered salad; bread; chocolate chip cookies; lemonade.



MY SECOND MEAL: I started off with disposable “anyone-can-do-this” aluminum trays with lids that I got from the grocery store; I made a simple one-dish pasta meal (Basil Chicken Pasta) with store-bought Alfredo sauce (normally I’d make it from scratch), chicken from my freezer, and a few vegetables and herbs that I had in my refrigerator and freezer. Since she was not allowed to eat chocolate, I added some sliced watermelon, and for a special snack late at night, I picked up a pint of Brewster’s Peach ice cream on my way to her home. I tied the containers together with ribbon I had on hand and added a flower from my garden. 

Menu Recap: Basil Chicken Pasta; Watermelon; Ice Cream.

With just a little forethought, anyone can pull together a simple meal (Drop and Run!) to bless a family in need. It doesn’t need to be a “home cooked” meal, either. You can even take one of the many meals that Costco, WalMart, or other grocery stores provide, with a bagged salad, and a bakery dessert.

Most meals can be super easy, and will always be welcomed and appreciated by the recipient.

Sandy has mentioned before how she got a group of moms in her daughter’s class to cook a meal twice a month for her daughter’s teacher, and how she and her daughter and the Balcony Girls will take small plates of baked goods or flowers from her yard to the neighbors.

Next time a friend mentions to you that they’ve been harried, and/or under the weather why not try putting together a quick meal that will bless their socks off? 

It isn’t as hard as you think!

How do YOU bless other people with food?

25 comments:

Courtney said...

I love the special touches you recommend: tying with ribbon, snap-close jar. Thanks for the tips!

The Blushing Hostess said...

I take a lot of our home grown veggies around. When someone is sick or just out of the hospital I cook for them, garden-healthy meals to keep their strength up!!!

Lovely post, glad to be introduced to this new blog also.

Kim said...

Great ideas! I'm so "impressed" with the little added touches of the ribbon and flowers. The meal looks so "put together"!

Anonymous said...

I love your creative ideas! I think they would make the receiver feel very special that you took the time to make it creative. The Basil Chicken Pasta sounds wonderful.

Laura said...

Thanks for the creative ideas! I especially love the ribbon. I have found it is easier on the recipient if you use disposable containers. By not needing to keep track of what to return to whom, it is one less thing for them to worry about in their time of trouble.

Chris for Connected at the Crossroads said...

I think that taking meals is one of the nicest ways to show you care. I am making some freezer meals for a friend who is having her third baby soon. She has been very sick throughout the pregnancy. She loved the idea that she would have homemade, healthy dinners to serve her family! I love doing something special for them.

Jen said...

I do food alot...but I so enjoy doing it....I always send chicken and Dressing to new mothers...its soothing and everyone loves a little Thanksgiving taste year around...

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

Who wouldn't be thrilled to be on the receiving end of those meals? I love the pretty ribbon too! I just never think of making something like that pretty .... maybe I'll think of doing it now!

Renee said...

What a cool idea! I may have to adopt that one. Thanks for sharing.

Natalie Meester said...

How thoughtful and kind you are. Great job on presentation of the meals too...they look beautiful!

Donnetta said...

Such a great job dressing the dishes up to be an even bigger treat! What a fun idea!

ellen b. said...

I've learned the same things you've mentioned over the years in delivering meals. I love how you packaged the take away cartons. A wonderful touch. Blessings...

Runner Mom said...

THese are great ideas! I am always on the lookout for something different to take!! And..it is such a blessing.

Hugs!
Susan

Kirstin said...

Wonderful post and I love the packaging...i might try this next time.

I too often bring meals to those who need it. I'm actually planning on taking some homemade strawberry jam and zuchhini bread to our neighbors this week as a thanks for letting us use their mower.

I usually take tried and true recipes to others. Chicken soup with yummy bread and salad. Fettucini alfredo with bread and salad, or spaghetti. Sometimes I'll do a casserole. I love being able to be a blessing and I always make sure that it's soemthing they're going to like and can eat.

Laura said...

Beautiful Gibee!!

Gina said...

I can remember fondly all the times I've been the reciepent of amazing meals....what a gift and blessing those were. Now I do the same whenever I can for those who have the need (and we all need to eat, right?)

We're planning on putting the youth group girls to work the next time a need comes along in our church-they can work with me to prepare and deliver the meal. We'll be sure to add special, pretty touches like these!

GiBee said...

I was having internet problems today, so I'm late posting, but I ws able to put up the recipe for the Chicken Basil. I hope everyone enjoys it!

Jen -- The baked chicken and stuffing recipe is an AWESOME comfort-food idea!

Marianna said...

I love how you dress these meals up. I always try to make sure the meal is packaged in containers that do not need to be returned as I've found that creates a burden on those whose burdens we are suppossed to be lightening. However, these aren't always the most attractive containers. Next time I'll add a little ribbon!

Sandy said...

GiBee, these meal ideas are fantastic! I love your enthusiasm in helping others - it's catching!

Thanks for being my guest today!

jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas said...

Hi! I did a little post about this last year:

http://jeannewinters.blogspot.com/2008/05/its-girl.html

Yours looks so beautiful! It's just a nice touch to dress up disposables!

mary beth said...

Thank you for your great ideas! I would love to have the recipes!

Suzann said...

Some truly amazing ideas here! Thanks.

The Buntens said...

These are great ideas! I can't wait to use them. I love to take dinner to people. Thank you!

Clarity said...

That is a beautiful thought. I think doing such things often is a blessing and true kindness.

Mana Laura said...

Hello!
This may be a bit odd but I'm actually leaving a comment to see if the guest author, or any of the readers!, can tell me how to make the photo collages in this post! I love it! Would love to use that on my blog!
Thanks, Laura