Buget friendly meals for sick friend

[bedillamouse]

I need your guys' help with meal suggestions for a friend who's surgery didn't go as well as possible and will be laid up for a while. I was asked to make a few meals and snacks and I want to help but need ideas. They have two kids 8 years old who can be picky (which kids aren't?). So any ideas of food that won't break the bank but can be easily popped into the oven or microwaved for this family?

Thanks for any ideas that you guys can give me.

 

[java]

Lasgana
Chicken Spaghetti
Baked Ziti
I have made fresh chicken cutlets- but those weren't cheap.
Enchilladas- I just add shredded chicken to enchillada sauce and heat- then put that inside a tortilla- add shredded cheddar - roll up and top with more enchillada sauce and cheese- bake (simple and my kids will eat this and they are picky)

Soups- like a chicken noodle
Oh I make this often when I have to take over a meal (it's chicken Thighs so it's inexpensive but tastes very expensive)my kids love this one served over white rice

Honey Mustard Chicken thighs

4 small skinless boneless chicken thighs (about 12 ounces)
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
1/4 cup Creole or whole-grain Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
print a shopping list for this recipe

preparation

Sprinkle chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until brown, about 6 minutes per side. Add orange juice and broth to skillet. Simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate. Add mustard, honey and pepper sauce to skillet. Increase heat and boil until sauce thickens enough to coat spoon, whisking occasionally, about 7 minutes. Return chicken to skillet. Simmer until heated through, about 1 minute. Transfer chicken to plates; top with sauce and serve.


Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/f...reole-Mustard-Orange-Sauce-5665#ixzz0gH4vQLMR

 

[Mathfailure]

My first thought was any soup.

Then I would do individual items IE
Make up some rice, package by itself in meal size portions, same with meat balls, sauce, perhaps some ham slices, bring veggies separate.

The family can mix and match, and the individual items are not expensive.

Also, some quick breads, muffins, biscuts etc. are not expensive and easily made from scratch.

What a nice gesture.

 

[bedillamouse]

Thank you guys...that's a good start for me. I had thought muffins would be easy and give them choices for a snack...I totally blanked on ziti...that's got to be kid friendly. Soup is a good idea too...

Thanks for the help.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Here's a family-friendly shepherd's pie. You can make it in advance and freeze it.

Ingredients
8 potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (15 ounce) can carrots, drained
1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish; set aside.

2.Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. (Instant is fine as well!)

3.Place lean ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Cook and stir over medium high heat until beef is evenly browned and onion is tender. Drain fat and stir in carrots, green beans, cream of mushroom soup and tomato soup.

4.Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are lightly browned.

 

[bedillamouse]

lovesmurfs....that sounds yummy...I may make 2 batches one for them and one for us! I love that you can freeze it!
Thanks!