Dinner for two OR meals on wheels for a friend

[Dismom+two]

The husband of a good friend of mine is in the hospital after a terrible accident. A neighbor has put together a list of people willing to cook dinner for my friend and her highschool age daughter so they have a hot meal each night without having to cook. I of course am on this list and what I am looking for is some ideas for dinner that I could make. They are very healthy eaters and I need some help!!

Any suggestions???

[MazdaUK]

I take it this is for them to reheat rather than them going to a different house every night?

Some sort of one-pot thing like casseroles, or shepherds pie/fish pie would be good. Or a (low fat) lasagne (WW has a good recipe) with a side salad. Or how about making some toppings for pasta/jacket potatoes (like a good bolognaise)?

When I had DS(8) our next-door neighbours gave me a main and dessert to cook when I needed it - really thoughtful and much appreciated! You might want to include some sort of dessert, or maybe something like cinnamon buns so that if her husband is up to eating she could take one for him as a change/supplement to hospital food- I don't know what its like there, but here its terrible!

You mgiht also want to agree with the others on the rota in advance so they don't get lasagne for a week ;)

[Dismom+two]

I take it this is for them to reheat rather than them going to a different house every night?

Some sort of one-pot thing like casseroles, or shepherds pie/fish pie would be good. Or a (low fat) lasagne (WW has a good recipe) with a side salad. Or how about making some toppings for pasta/jacket potatoes (like a good bolognaise)?

When I had DS(8) our next-door neighbours gave me a main and dessert to cook when I needed it - really thoughtful and much appreciated! You might want to include some sort of dessert, or maybe something like cinnamon buns so that if her husband is up to eating she could take one for him as a change/supplement to hospital food- I don't know what its like there, but here its terrible!

You mgiht also want to agree with the others on the rota in advance so they don't get lasagne for a week ;)


Thank you...that gave me some good ideas. I'm not sure exactly how this is working...all I know is that I am on "the list" and the list is quite long!

If there is anyone else with ideas...please share.

[CrazedDisFan]

I would strongly recommend making something that is freezable. I know that when my husband had knee replacement surgery we ended up having to toss several things because we had wonderful people bringing dinner nightly. Unfortunately, several of the meals couldn't be frozen and never got eaten.
:(

Also, if they are a smaller family you could make one large lasagna recipe and split it in two pans, one for your family and a disposable plan for theirs.

[CrazedDisFan]

Chicken Cacciatore


Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil
6 boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds), cubed
1 can (15 ounces) whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (about 6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups pasta sauce
1/2 cup coarsely chopped onion (1 medium)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper (1/2 medium)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped green bell pepper (1/2 medium)
6 cups cooked pasta

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Makes 6 servings



Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly coat a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken; cook, stirring frequently, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

3. Combine the tomatoes, mushrooms, pasta sauce, onion and red and green bell peppers in a large bowl; mix well. Stir in the cooked chicken. Spread in the prepared dish.

4. Bake until the mixture is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve with the pasta.

Per serving: 400 Cal.; 32g Protein; 7g Fat; 50g Carb.; 385mg Sodium; 63mg Chol.; 5g Fiber

You would not be able to include the pasta for freezing, but could take over a nice dried pasta or fresh pasta for them to boil while the cacciatore is baking.

[Dismom+two]

I would strongly recommend making something that is freezable. I know that when my husband had knee replacement surgery we ended up having to toss several things because we had wonderful people bringing dinner nightly. Unfortunately, several of the meals couldn't be frozen and never got eaten.
:(

Also, if they are a smaller family you could make one large lasagna recipe and split it in two pans, one for your family and a disposable plan for theirs.


There is a neighbor that is organizing this dinner thing. We will get a call when she needs us to make something for a spacific night. Its not just random.
I will be sure to make something that CAN be frozen however just in case.

[Twigs]

Our PTA does this a lot when a family has had some sort of crisis or health issue. One of the things that I know the families have appreciatied is gift certificates for local restaurants that deliver. Otherwise things like Chicken Cutlets, Baked Ziti, and Casseroles along with salads are the usual type things that are made.