I am going to visit a friend of mine who had her baby about one month ago. I have offered to bring something for dinner to lighten the family's load. What is a good dish to bring, or even a basket of snacks, for a new family? Should I instead pick up something pre-made? I asked their preferences and they said bring anything! They have no allergies. Any suggestions?!
Thanks in advance moms!
Anyone have a great baked mostaccioli recipe that is yummy AND easy?!
I alwyas bring homemade, whole grain, waffles, pancakes or French toast. Which can be frozen and reheated for a nutritious, fast, no big clean up kind of meal. Someone did this for me and it was a lifesaver - particularily since I had an 18month old when my twins were born. I could fix breakfast in a snap and we ate it for dinner too!
A pan of lasagna is always good. They can freeze it or cook it right away. Plus you can make 2 at the same time so that you have an extra for your family. Also, you could include a bagged salad and a french roll or a frozen loaf of garlic bread to complete the meal.
I agree with lots of something that can be reheated! Casserole type dishes work well. We had a friend who recently had a baby & we visited the baby & brought burgers for the grill & all the fixings. It was different than I had done before, but it was nice. In retrospect, I'd have taken paper plates too to eliminate dinner mess, but it was okay. We supplied the meat, toppings, bread, sides -- it was a lot of fun! For my June baby, we got lots of pasta, which was fabulous, Chilis to go, steaks on the grill...it was fabulous! If you are looking for something unique, go to www.homebistro.com and you can have frozen, delicious dinners sent to their house. I have done this for a friend before (out of state) and she told me that the single portion sizes were large enough for two meals each, and swore that they were amazing dinners!
Huge bowl of salad with lots of veggies/toppings and throw in a bottle of dressing.
Refrigerator containers of cut up fruit so they can just grab and go without doing any prep.
How could I have forgotten - also (I had a family friend get this for me and it was awesome!) you could send her some Lou to Go pizza if they like Lou Malnati's pizza. I cannot tell you how nice it was to just preheat the oven and pop the pizza in and do basically nothing.
anything home made with lots of left overs that can easily be reheated.
Lasagna is great. Or fruit salad,7 layer salad,pizza,or really anything. It is so nice to have someone else help take care of you when you don't have a minute to yourself:)
I always like home-cooked best. Lasagna does seem like a "new baby" classic. Veggie lasagna is nice - lighter for summer, with lots of zucchini and bell peppers - yummy! I like the enchilada tray idea, too.
We have also made chicken parmesan for a similar one-dish gift. Make a coating out of bread crumbs, italian seasonings, and parmesan cheese. Dip boneless chicken into a bowl of milk (with egg if you like a thicker breading) and then roll in crumb mixture. Cook in a big nonstick skillet on top of the stove, browning both sides. Don't overcook or the chicken will get tough. Right before it's done, put a dollop of spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese on top of each piece, cover for minute to melt cheese.
I packaged the chicken and a marinade separately (in case anyone doesn't eat meat). Also include cooked pasta of your choice (bigger noodles like mostaciolli seem better for reheating.)
It also might be cool to do a soup - I just bookmarked this one from the NYT to try this week because it seems nice and seasonal: http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/featured-recip...
I agree with lasagna, they can freeze and re-heat as often as needed just adding a little bit of marinara. Target had (haven't bought in a while) no boil whole wheat lasagna noodles.
Enchiladas are easy to warm up and yummy.
A tray of baked mostaccioli is great and lasts. Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier pasta choice, too. :)
