Have you ever made a meal for a family in need?
If not, I encourage you to!
Do you know someone who is unwell? Or dealing with sick kids?
A friend who has just had a baby?
A neighbour moving house?
or a person that has lost a loved one?
I know there has been times when a friend has dropped over a meal to me at just the right time and it just takes the pressure off!!! When Luke had his accident, we had plenty of meals, it was so nice to know people cared enough and showed in action. It was nice to eat a meal that wasn't baked beans on toast or scrambled eggs (No there is nothing wrong with those meals).
My tips for cooking for others
1. Ask if there is any dietary requirements! Lots of families these days have a member that may be gluten free, lactose free or allergic to eggs etc... whatever it is, don't let it put you off, rise to the challenge to cook them a beautiful meal aware of their dietary requirements! (They also may just not like a certain food - be aware and ask!)
2. Cook Healthy! When you're going through a rough period, its easy to live off canned food, pasta and bread... so I try to stay away from them and cook a meal full of veggies and nutrition, something I know will benefit their bodies especially if they are not well and need to recover from sickness - Go a Chicken and Veggie Soup :)
3. Use Takeaway containers! You may never get that lovely ceramic dish back! When people are getting a few meals delivered each day, its hard to keep track with what dish belongs to who... so the best way for them...and for me... is if you use these (above) aluminium foiled trays or throw out plastic containers. You can pick up these quite cheap from your local supermarket. I always have some in my draw for a last minute meals) It saves that awkward conversation asking for your dishes back.
4. Cook Double the amount - So you have cooked for your family too! No need to cook 2 separate meals! I try to do this as it saves me time and energy.
5. Package it pretty - ok this isn't a requirement - its just a Jess thing to do :)
A little ribbon goes a long way :) lol!!!
6. Just write a little note stating what needs to make you meal ready for consumption! THIS IS NOT A RECIPE CARD and your suppling the ingredients!!!!... its just an instruction with the best way to warm it up!
7. A tip I am adding from my friend Melody (an INCREDIBLE mother of 6) - which I also think is a great idea...in her words...
"if there are kids in the family, make something a little bit extra like biscuits or cupcakes with some bright icing. Kids love to feel loved in hard times too & with new baby or sick sibling/parent, other siblings can feel very forgotten & left out. So whip up something with the kids in mind or even just add a pack of timtams"
8. Deliver it! - yep its usually crazy hour when its time to deliver, but so worth it just to bless another :)
Proverbs 11:25 "He who refreshes others, will himself be refreshed"
Bless someone today! xx
Jess xx
