what to cook

[momz]

I was invited to help provide dinners for a family, in which the mother is gravely ill. There are 2 adults and 2 small children. Any suggestions on what might be easy to make, easy to take, and perhaps easy to store if they don't get to it right away? She cannot have any fresh fruits or vegetables. Everything must be thoroughly cooked...no risk of any microbes remaining.

 

[tvguy]

Macaroni and Cheese has been the standard comfort food around here in these type situations. Any casserole is good.
Deviled eggs are another biggie.

 

[AKL_Megs]

Spaghetti Bake with garlic bread...

Chili...

Chicken Noodle Soup...

Meatballs and Saucy Noodles...

Baked Chicken and Rice...

 

[Stacerita]

Lasagna or other pasta, sauce and cheese dish. Can be frozen and cooked when neede.

 

[monkeyboy]

Chili
It good and reheats well

 

[Darcy03231]

These two always go over well. If I'm making them for a church dinner or to give away I get the throw away casserole pans with the lids. Both can be frozen and reheated.

Wicked Chicken Casserole

1.5 - 2 lbs of cooked chunked chicken (3 breasts)
1 package stuffing mix
1 package of frozen peas
2 cans of mushrooms (or 1 box fresh sliced ones)
1 can cream of chicken soup
2/3 soup can of milk

Grease a 2 qt casserole dish. Layer enough dry stuffing mix in the bottom to just cover it. Layer in peas (defrosted), mushrooms (cooked if using fresh), cooked chunked chicken. Mix cream of chicken soup with 2/3 soup can of milk and pour over the top. Make the rest of the stuffing mix according to the package directions and place on top. Cook at 350 for 30 minutes.

Mexican Shepard's Pie

1 lb ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
1 package of taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package of frozen corn (defrosted)
6-8 servings of mashed potatoes (I use about 6 big potatoes and make my own, but you can use instant)

Brown the ground beef and drain. Add the taco seasoning and 2 tbsp of water. Layer in the bottom of a 2 qt casserolle. Layer in cheese, corn and potates. Cook at 350 for 30 minutes. I serve mine with salsa, sour cream and a side salad.

 

[si-am]

BBQ pulled pork is easy to make in the crockpot; bring some buns with it and some sides (baked beans, chips, potato salad, etc.)

 

[Ceila]

Lots of good ideas already. I just want to add that even though the mom can't have frest fruit or veggies, the kids and dad still can, and I'm sure nobody has time or energy to prep them. Along with the dinners, I would provide some fresh produce, washed and ready to eat, for the other three family members.

 

[krcit]

I am in the midst of this myself with my friend. We were doing meals for her family while she was hospitalized for a month. Mac and cheese was a huge hit. I also made tacos one night. I live around the corner so I brough the meat there hot and had sour cream. taco shells, cheese and salsa. we did a calendar so that there was always dinner instead of having 3 one night and then none the next. You're a great friend

 

[CanadianPaco]

BBQ pulled pork is easy to make in the crockpot; bring some buns with it and some sides (baked beans, chips, potato salad, etc.)

Or pulled beef, our family's favourite. Best of luck ...

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Another vote of Mac and Cheese, Lasagna, Baked Ziti. How about Kielbasi and Perogies?

 

[LuvOrlando]

I always make 3 Meatloaf at a time. I bake one, mold 2 on a cookie sheet and freeze them. once they are frozen to keep their shape I put them in ziploc bags and pop them back in the freezer, defrostand bake. I use my MIL's recipe, it's Lipton Soups Souperior Meatloaf. Another thing I do is cook up a big pot of tomato sauce and freeze it in smaller containers that I drop it off with options like English muffins for mini pizza & pastas.

 

[anniemae]

beef stew with a nice loaf of crusty bread. Also something sweet, like a cake.

I also agree that even if mom can't eat it, the rest of the family can. If she is gravely ill, she probably has a strict diet, or maybe even a liquid diet and is most likely monitored by a dietician.

 

[crazyme5kids]

Home made soups! Veggie or chicken soup is always a great choice. Then they could freeze some for another time.

 

[ilovepcot]

What a nice thing you're doing! People here have made wonderful suggestions. I don't have a favorite recipe to offer, but rather a site I like and often turn to. The recipes are relatively easy but I especially like that there are pics of the prep and finished dish. I really like seeing how the dish is "supposed" to look.

http://fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com/

 

[Swimnoid]

Once when I was in that situation a family gave me a honey baked ham and a couple of sides. That was the best! Kind of expensive for one person to do but it you shared with another person it would be ok. It was great because it was different from the pasta that everybody gives you and it lasts a long time.

Someone else also made a great beef goulash that was different and plentiful.

A rotisserie chicken would be good too.