10 Meal Ideas To Bring a Friend

Happy Wednesday Friends!  Today is a request I received from a reader.  She wanted some meal ideas to bring a new mom.  The meals below are great for not only a new mom but someone who had surgery, recently moved to town, experienced a loss, or just a someone you want to say thank you to!  They are for the most part one dish meals that are easy to make and can be enjoyed immediately or frozen.

When you bring a friend a meal I really recommend buying the aluminum disposable pans, that way no one has to remember to give your dishes back.  I also think it is nice to bring a bottle of wine with the meal ( if they are wine drinkers).

One tip is in the Dollar section at Target I try and stock up on the blank gift tags.  This way you can write who the meal is from and cooking instructions as well.  You can use twine from the dollar section as well to tie the tag on the dish.

O N E | T O M A T O  P I E

This is one of my all time favorite Southern Dishes.  It is just so good.  Usually when  I bring this to someone I only cook it partially about half the time and then I let them finish cooking it.  That way the crust doesn't get too over cooked.

T W O | C H I C K E N , S A U S A G E  + W I L D   R I C E   C A S S E R O L E 

This is one of Matt's favorite meals. Whenever one of our friends has a baby he tells me we must bring them this casserols.

T H R E E | S I M P L E  B A K E D   L A S A G N A 

This lasagna really is the best one I have ever made. It is so fresh and not too difficult to assemble.  

I like to send this and the chicken casserole above with a kale salad (see below). 

F O U R | T U S C A N  K A L E  S A L A D 

I usually always send this salad with any main dish I bring.  Mainly because kale is hearty and does not get soggy quickly so this salad will stay fresh for several days.  Whenever I bring it I always get asked for the recipe.  It is so easy and so tasty.

F I V E | S A L S A  V E R D E  C H I C K E N   E N C H I L A D A   C A S S E R O L E 

This dish is so good.  If you bring to a friend leave the avocado off since it will turn brown.  You can always bring an avocado with it for them to slice on top.  I would bring this with a corn salad, black beans, or Mexican rice.

S I X | C H I C K E N  A N D  K A L E   C A S S E R O L E 

I actually made this for the first time when my sister in law had her baby and I have since made it on several other occasions.  It is simple and delicious.  Martha Stewart really never disappoints with her recipes.

S E V E N |  C O C O N U T   G I N G E R  C H I C K E N

If you want to bring something a little different than the usual casserole this is a great meal.  Just bring the rice and chicken in two separate containers.

E I G H T |  C H I C K E N  M A R A B E L L A  +  O R A N G E  C O U S  C O U S

I fell in love with this dish when my parents made it for one of their supper clubs.  The flavors are so uniquely good.  It does require some marinating beforehand but nothing too crazy.

N I N E |  C H I C K E N +  A R T I C H O K E  L A S A G N A

This is a white lasagna and a great option is you want something different than classic lasagna.

T E N |  B U T T E R N U T  S Q U A S H + B A C O N + A R G U LA  Q U I C H E

I know not everyone loves quiche, but this is one of my favorite quiches. The arugula, butternut squash, and bacon are just perfect together.

EXTRAS. Sometimes I like to bring the new mom a little something extra on the side.  These Energy balls and muffins are a favorite treat of mine to bring.  They make for a handy snack for younger kids or a quick breakfast.

E N E R G Y  B A L L S 

They are super easy to make: 

Mix 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3/4 cups shredded coconut, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 mini chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla. 1 tsp cinnamon.  Refrigerate for 30 mins then roll into balls.  Add flax seed or chia seeds if desired. 

 C O C O N U T,  C A R R O T + Z U C H I N N I  M U F F I N S