I admit it - I'm a feeder. I feel like if I send somebody home with some food, it's like a hug that's waiting in their freezer when they need it.
For those of you who also like give people food when they are going through something, do you have a "go to"? Mine is Bolognese sauce (Emeril's recipe.) It's a lot of work to make, but not difficult. I've recently added pasticio. It's more of a hassle - you use 4 pots! Both of these freeze well, which is one of my prime qualifications for food gifts.
Since I would hate to have my gift send someone to the hospital... I give prepared food (deli boxes, boxed pastries, et cetera) or gift cards to a restaurant...
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"Yabba Dabba Doo" - Frederick J. Flintstone... So what?
(Judd Nelson as Atty. Robin 'Stormy' Weathers in "From the Hip")
I used to cook chicken alfredo, salad, breadsticks and blueberry muffins. But now I just realized it is easier and probably goes over better to give Panera gift cards or ask what they want and I go pick it up and bring it to them
I like to give food if the family is having some kind of problem. For example, a co-worker's wife had surgery recently, so I made them some food. It's not for a Christmas gift or anything, but for me I like the idea that they can have a good meal they don't have to cook themselves, when they are busy dealing with other stuff.
I know when my laste DH was killed people brought food and drinks and then the wives of the guys I work with brought my kids and I suppers for a week or so, it was a difficult time for me I had four young kids and my 41 yoa husband was killed in a work related accident
It was very appreciated
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~ 4 Wheels Move the Body~ ~2 Wheels Move the Soul~
I only give food as a gift if someone is sick or like had surgery or just had a baby or had a death in the family. I do give teacher's gifts to Panera.
I've only done it for family and my bff. I made her family Sheppard's pie for dinner when she was recovering from surgery. She called and cussed me out because it was so good she figured she would not be able to get them to eat the frozen one she typically bought and made for them :) Just in jest though. I sent her my recipe and she sent me back :P. She figured if she waited long enough, they would be fine with the frozen version!
I make lasagna for my dad. Various breads for my mom. Chicken enchiladas for my brother. Usually they ask for stuff.
After big family dinners, people take what they want. I don't make dinners for just anybody!
Every once in a while I make food to give away. A co-worker's wife had cancer a couple of years ago. While she was doing chemo, several of us made meals for him to take home. He doesn't cook well and they have two little girls. I made them a chiles rellenos pie. Luckily she is doing very well now and he is back to complaining that they have tuna casserole way to often. Last year when my husband's cousin died I made a raspberry cheesecake and a cranberry cake to take to the funeral luncheon.
When I was single and baked, sometimes I'd take large pieces and give them to friends so I wouldn't eat the whole thing.
I give rotisserie chicken. It is versatile, serve hot or cold, shred to use the meat on sandwiches...my neighbor and I play chicken tag, she brings me one when she goes to Sam's Club, I bring her one from Costco.