I have been asked on occasion for suggestions as to what kind of meals to take to those who are sick, shut-in or for new moms. As I was preparing a meal for a friend who is undergoing cancer treatments, I thought I would share my meal prep ideas with you. A meal of soup, buns/bread and dessert is very basic and always easy to transport.
Toscano Soup
Bran Buns
Rustic Rhubarb Apple Pies
Toscano soup is always a favorite of mine at the Olive Garden...and we happen to have two similar soups on our blog. The soup I cooked up the other day was based on those recipes...Char's version and Lovella's version. Other soups that I have taken on the road are January Skiers Soup, green bean soup, borscht, and cauliflower cheese soup.
I thought I would post the recipe for bran buns...which have been a staple over here through the years...but found Charlotte had already posted a very similar recipe...so I'll just link to that. Another favorite bread recipe which is easy to prepare quickly for 'dinner to go', is Anneliese's French bread. It makes two loaves...so you can enjoy one and share one.
As for the rustic pie for dessert...I combined rhubarb and apple (with rhubarb fresh from the garden). Each free-form pie uses pastry for a single pie crust and approximately 1/2 the filling of a regular fruit pie. There are a few varieties of rustic pies posted on our blog....check out Betty's peach plum galette and Lovella's rustic rhubarb pie. Rustic pies are simple and quick to make...and so delicious with a scoop of ice-cream.
Those are my dinner-to-go menu suggestions for today. So...cook up a pot of soup, bake some bread to go with it, add a simple dessert and share it with someone who needs a little encouragement. And remember to package your meal in such a way, that nothing needs to be returned!
By instant yeast, do you mean quick rise like for bread machines, or regular traditional yeast?
ReplyDeleteMaxine from SK
Yes, instant yeast is the same as rapid-rise yeast...and has smaller granules than the traditional active dry yeast. It can be added directly to the dough without 'proofing' in warm water first.
DeleteThank you! this is sooooo helpful! it's so hard to know what/how to take things in those situations! and the rustic pie im going to try soon! - - - love this site , come here every day! tried and love many of the recipes and always meaningful BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful meal...
ReplyDeleteBlessings to All,
Anna
Love all the recipes you mention. My daughter in law made us tuscan bean soup years ago and it's a favorite as is the one from olive garden. Years ago we needed help and then i was left with dishes to return when i really wasn't up to worrying about it. Ever since then i either send things in disposibles so really like your suggestion Have a great day and thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing - to send nourishment to someone in need. Your meal to go sounds delicious and comforting. I too like to send meals in containers that don't need to be returned - great tip!
ReplyDeleteI use Mennonite Farmer Sausage instead of the italian sausage and put it in the food processor before using it. It tastes so good! Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Petra. I'll try that next time...and maybe add a dash of cayenne for a bit of zip!
DeleteBeautiful, Judy!
ReplyDeleteA great post, Judy with very practical suggestions. Sometimes the hardest part of sending a meal to someone is deciding what to make!
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate the encouragement to do this. In our busy lives we often forget, or think we don't have time to help someone else but when we are the recipients of a kindness, it reminds us that it really takes little time to encourage someone in this way and is probably one of the more important things we can do.
Thanks for these ideas. I've seen that rustic pie on here a couple times now, and I'm thinking that I just need to try it!
ReplyDelete