Need help...with a dinner for a teacher

[my2boyzrock]

It is my turn to make a dinner for a teacher at my kid's school that is going thru chemo. It is her/hubby/4 kids. I am racking my brain trying to come up w/ something other than pasta (which I know has been made several times) and something that won't get soggy etc. There are no dietary restrictions that I have been told of. Any suggestions?

 

[MAKmom]

I think most meals except fish reheat well. You can make a roast, pork chops, Beef stew or Chicken cutlets.

 

[AprilShowers]

Meatloaf
Beef Roast
Baked Chicken
Chili
Homemade soup & bread & salad

I think it's wonderful of you to help someone out in this way. There's nothing like a home cooked meal to make you feel "normal" when something like this is going on.

 

[akhenaten]

Beef stew??

 

[DISUNC]

Just dont forget the APPLE for desert!

 

[mjkacmom]

I was part of a food chain for a family who's mom was undergoing chemo. I think the only restriction was no uncooked fruits or veggies - salad was out. I made a chicken pot-pie one time(Paula Dean's - heavy cream and cheese - they were trying to help her gain weight), macaroni and cheese with some ham, the next, and chicken noodle soup with a stuffed bread the next. It's hard, because you know the mom won't have an appetite, and kids can be picky. As a mom of twins who has been on the receiving end up a food chain, I was a little tired of lasagna, baked zit, and chicken parm, although still greatful. I don't know how often they schedule meals, but don't do it daily - it's just too much!

 

[1Prince2Princesses]

Soups and stews are fantastic food for this type of thing. They reheat well and are a great comfort food. A big pot of soup and a crusty loaf of bread will warm them up (and fill their tummies).

 

[mamacatnv]

Enchilladas - I make a chicken enchillada dish with a mild green chile verde sauce for just this type of situation.

How about taco's?
The meat, rice and beans can all be made ahead and frozen. Then supply the shells/tortillas, produce and cheese to garnish.


PotRoast - crockpot with potatoes, plug in and serve.

 

[shelly3girls]

Chicken and Dumplings tends to be easy on the stomach and easy to reheat.

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

Ahhhh, that is really so sweet.

baked/fried/shake and bake chicken
mashed potatos and corn/greenbeans/peas

coldcuts
meatloaf
pancakes and sausage or some other breakfast type food.

How about giving them a gift certificate to a local subshop or something so they can order something themselves?

 

[justjulie]

The Thigh’s The Limit



12 skinless chicken thighs (I like to buy the boneless ones, but it isn’t necessary)

¾ cup salsa

1/3 cup honey

¼ cup each – soya sauce and orange juice

2 TBSP Dijon mustard

2 tsp olive oil

1 ½ TBSP grated ginger (optional)



Mix sauce and pour over chicken. Marinate (if you have time). Bake in a 9x13 pan, covered, at 400° for 40 minutes. Uncover for the last few minutes of baking.


Serve with rice.

 

[justjulie]

Miss American Thigh



Makes 4-6 servings



1 cup grape jelly

¾ cup ketchup

½ cup minced onions

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

3 pounds chicken thighs, skin removed



Preheat oven to 350° F.



In a small saucepan, stir together grape jelly, ketchup, onions, vinegar and dry mustard. Heat over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a boil and jelly is melted. Remove from heat.



Arrange chicken pieces in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Pour sauce evenly over chicken and turn pieces to coat both sides. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, until chicken is very tender.


Both are from the Looney Spoons cookbook so they're low fat.

 

[mjkacmom]

Enchilladas - I make a chicken enchillada dish with a mild green chile verde sauce for just this type of situation.

How about taco's?
The meat, rice and beans can all be made ahead and frozen. Then supply the shells/tortillas, produce and cheese to garnish.


PotRoast - crockpot with potatoes, plug in and serve.

One thing I used to really appreciate, when people brought us meals, was when they brought them over in a disposable container - they come in all shapes and sizes, and lots can be put in the oven and microwave. That way, no one has to do dishes, and have to worry about returning something.

 

[Katy Belle]

On a similar thread someone mentioned bringing a fruit tray or fruit salad. I think that would be very appreciated by a family with 4 kiddos.

You could also take a big package of paper plates to help out.

We did meals for about 4 months for a dear friend Cindy, who was going through chemo. At one point one of the "meal ladies" asked Sam, Cindy's youngest, what he wanted and he said "Steak!" That sweet lady grilled steak, baked potatoes, etc. Sam was happy for an evening.

Katy

 

[Disneycrazymom]

The last time it was my turn to take a meal to a church family I did the "company breakfast" dish that you make the night before and then put in the oven. I think there are several variations but basically I line the baking dish with bread, then mix eggs, cheese, canned milk, and cooked sausage and pour over the bread. Then it sits overnight. I took it over on a Friday afternoon and they had it for a Sat brunch. Anyway she said it was a change of pace.

 

[golfgal]

Can you check with the last 5 or so people that brought food to see what they have had lately? Maybe whoever is organizing the food could include the meals they have had for the past couple weeks so they don't get too many repeats.

Most people that do these tend to do all out meals and sometimes something more simple is a welcome treat like soup and some good bread or homemade mac-n-cheese. If all else fails, make your family's favorite dinner and bring that. For us that would be roast beef--which is nice because it is good leftover food for lunch.

 

[mamacatnv]

One thing I used to really appreciate, when people brought us meals, was when they brought them over in a disposable container - they come in all shapes and sizes, and lots can be put in the oven and microwave. That way, no one has to do dishes, and have to worry about returning something.

Good Point - I always send everything in throw aways. The invention of those CrockPot liner bags has really helped. We had a friend have triplets and we did a series of meals in the bags. All they did was place the bag in the crockpot and voila, dinner about 6 hours later.

 

[my2boyzrock]

Thank you everyone for all of your good ideas. Now I just have to decide what to make from all of the great choices you provided!

 

[HollyJoy]

You could always pick up a Rotisserie chicken, or two, and make a few side dishes.. mashed potatoes, rice, beans, etc...

 

[mjkacmom]

Good Point - I always send everything in throw aways. The invention of those CrockPot liner bags has really helped. We had a friend have triplets and we did a series of meals in the bags. All they did was place the bag in the crockpot and voila, dinner about 6 hours later.

What a great idea! I use them when I cook in the crockpot, but never thought to bring a meal that way - love it!