A sick relative, a new baby, a surgery, or just a Tuesday night. There are many reasons to make a meal for friends or family. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to make food for others.
Simple ideas are always best.
I like to bring something that can be eaten that day or that can be frozen if they don’t need it right away. I also try to make a dish that is not pasta. I feel that many people bring a baked ziti, macaroni and cheese, or other pasta-based casserole, so I try to think of something different. However, if you have a great pasta recipe—make it!
Some non-pasta ideas that I like to make:
Soups
Quiche
Chili
Pulled pork or chicken tacos with toppings (it’s easy to make pulled meat in your slow cooker).
Don’t stress about it. The idea is to feed your friends, and people will appreciate anything you bring. Make sure you double the recipe, so you can make the same thing for your family for dinner that night.
Maybe you don’t love to cook? It’s easy to bring things that can be assembled as well.
Pick up a rotisserie chicken, a bagged salad kit, and a loaf of bread. Dinner is done and delicious! It always nice to include something for breakfast as well—muffins, a loaf of banana bread, scones, or the like. Again, these are easy items to freeze if they have too many. If baking isn’t your thing pick up an item from a local bakery. (Remember to treat your family, too!)
Don’t forget to ask about food allergies or sensitivities. This is especially important with new moms who may be nursing or those who are sick.
Finally, don’t forget to include the cooking or reheating directions. You can tape a post-it note to the top of the item. Often, I like to write directly on the aluminum foil or Tupperware in Sharpie, so that the directions don’t get lost if the item goes in the freezer. I also like to send items in disposable foil pan, and plastic storage containers that do not need to be returned.
If you can’t think of anything to make, below is the EASIEST pasta recipe ever.
Baked Ravioli
INGREDIENTS
•1 large package refrigerated ravioli
•1 jar marinara sauce
•1 bag fresh baby spinach
•1 bag shredded mozzarella
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a 9×13 pan spread a thin layer of sauce.
2. Place ravioli on top in a single layer.
3. Place a few handfuls of spinach then top with shredded cheese. Place another layer of raviolis on top, cover with sauce.
4. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
5. Top layer should be sauce and cheese.
6. Cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of (585) Kids.
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