What is a good idea for a dinner I can take/leave for a friend's family? They've just lost two loved ones.!
Answers: A few of us (friends) have arranged a homemade 'dinner delivery' of sorts to help them out. The less fancy ideas the better, there are two children in the household who probably wouldn't go for anything too exotic.
My father in law passed away earlier this year I can tell you what NOT to bring and what items were really appreciated.
Do not bring desserts, cookies, pies, cakes, bars, etc. There was also a ton of macaroni and cheese, pasta dishes and baked beans. It pretty much all got thrown out because no one liked the brand/recipe that was made.
What was REALLY appreciated- sodas of all kinds, tea- in bottles and mixes, hot cocoa, coffee, bread & butter and english muffins & homemade jam. Someone also brought the makings for sandwiches- meat, bread, mayo, mustard and cheese.
The one thing that I remember that we all thought was really nice and we were really appreciative of was that a neighbor (who was a bachelor and doesn't cook) went to KFC and brought us dinner. It was just so nice to have a decent, simple, hot meal. He kept apologizing for not cooking, but it was one of the nicest things anyone could've done.
Lasagna is always nice.
Fried chicken is always good.
a ham, preferably spiral sliced.
mac & cheese
green salad
veggie casserole
rolls
Lasagna...thats what I have always brought
Stoufers make wonderful frozen casseroles from lasagna to chicken alfredo to others, you can take over a few and they can cook them when they need them, that way they're not dealing with food that needs to be consumed in a day or two. Take some bread and bagged salads too.
meat loaf, cassarole, roast, a macorni and cheese dish.
simple but classic!
Maybe some good soup or some chicken and cheese spaghetti?Or do a basket of things.A jar of tea,a bowl of soup,some sandwiches,and some fruit.
A pan of baked ziti with a bowl of salad to go with.
Bake up some muffins for breakfasts
When my parents died, I had no appetite for a long time. I did receive lovely casseroles, soups, pasta dishes, meat loaf from very kind friends and I was grateful for my family. One thing I do remember above all that I ate was a homemade cornbread make with finely chopped ham & green onions, with the ham sprinkled on top. It was tasty, I could have a small piece and be satisfied. It's odd the things you remember isn't it. That was 30 years ago and I still think about it.
chicken and dumplings
any chicken casserole
macaroni and cheese
potato salad
vegetable soup
sandwich meat/bread
cornbread/rolls
jello/cake/cookies
gallon of tea
soft drinks
take paper plates, cups, napkins, bagged ice, plastic utensils for their use.
if you are running short on time you can get the fried chicken tenders or pieces at the grocery store deli and a couple of sides and a package of rolls
I would bring a casserole, lasagna, enchiladas, anything that is a meal in itself. I was in a similar situation and was surprised how something as simple as buying simple groceries like milk, fruit, and cereal was what they used the most.
i would check the frozen food aisle and pick up a couple of those frozen dinners like the lasagna and chicken and rice. they can keep them in the freezer till ready to use and when they are ready they just have to heat them up. maybe bake a batch of cookies or something for the children. anything easy works.
I am so sorry for your friend's loss. It's so nice of you to do this for them. When we have had deaths in our family, it was so wonderful to receive frozen casseroles, hams, chicken, and etc.
Other items that were greatly appreciated were cans of coffee, soda or bottles of water, milk, buns or loaves of bread, butter or margarine, salads, bags of salad greens, assorted cheese and lunch meats, cookies or bars, breakfast rolls and juice.
Non-food items--Kleenex, paper plates, napkins, plastic ware, toilet tissue.
When my husband's brother died, we had over 50 people at our house for 3 days and having these food items on hand really helped. Bless you again for helping your friend out at this difficult time.
when i have friends or fam who lose loved ones i usually take a large soup or crockpot meal that last a couple days so they get plenty of food. and a warm bowl of stew or crock meal is really warming for the soul.