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Taking a meal to a friend? We've got 13 delicious ideas for you! These cozy, comforting recipes can be made ahead and they travel well!
 If you've ever been in a difficult situation, you understand how much it means to have a friend who cares. It doesn't mean that they solve your problem(s) but somehow, a word of encouragement, a kind listening ear and/or an offer of help seems to make the load a little lighter.
And if your help can be tangible (and delicious)... let's just say it's like a shaft of golden sunshine on a dark dreary day! Below, you'll find 13 easy meal ideas to take to those "friends in need". They all come together without a lot of fuss, can be made ahead and travel well!
Pin this post so it will be at your fingertips when that friend in need comes across your path!
Honey Chicken Tikka Masala
If you've got 45 minutes, you can whip up this fabulous Chicken Tikka Masala with a lick-the-bowl-clean delicious sauce, plenty of tender, moist chicken. A splash of honey takes it over the top!
Black Bean Chicken Tortilla Soup (Sopa De Tortilla De Pollo Y Frijoles Negros)
This Black Bean Chicken Tortilla Soup is bursting with lean chicken, healthy veggies and South-of-the-Border flavor and it comes together in under an hour!
Beef Bourguinon Meatballs (Boulettes de BĹ“uf Bourguignon)
Want to feel a little fancy without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen? These make-ahead Beef Bourguinon Meatballs are outrageously delicious, work well for entertaining and will make an ordinary day quite special!
Slow Braised Italian Beef Stew
In addition to tender chunks of beef and carrots and a deeply flavored sauce, this Slow Braised Italian Beef Stew also features fire-roasted tomatoes, briny olives, pearl onions and lots of fresh rosemary for a delicious taste of Italy!
Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This delicious Chicken and Dumplings recipe comes together in well under an hour with tender chunks of chicken and fluffy buttermilk dumplings - it's the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day!
Italian Chicken Sausage Ravioli Lasagna
This make-ahead Italian Chicken Sausage Ravioli Lasagna is bursting with fabulous Italian flavor and tastes like you labored for hours! No one has to know the delicious little secret.
Smoky Black Bean Turkey Chili
This hearty, healthy Black Bean Turkey Chili is loaded with veggies, black beans, lean ground turkey and lots of delicious South-of-the-Border flavor!
Italian Chicken Pastina Soup (aka Italian Nonna's Penicillin Soup)
This cozy, comforting Chicken Pastina Soup is also called Italian Nonna's Penicillin soup because it's known to cure just about anything that ails you! It hits the spot on a chilly day, for sure!
Slow-Braised Sunday Sauce - An Italian Grandmother Favorite!
This fabulous Slow-Braised Sunday sauce requires only 30 minutes of hands-on time and will transform your kitchen into a fragrant Italian trattoria!
Easy, Make-Ahead Parisian Coq au Vin (with boneless chicken breasts)
Much easier than traditional Coq au Vin but just as delicious, the magical tenderizing trick results in amazingly tender chicken. It's a fabulous, make-ahead dish that's perfect for entertaining or an easy weeknight treat.
Oven Roasted Greek Chicken Meatballs
These healthy, delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs come together quickly with lean chicken, lots of fresh veggies and a ton of fabulous flavor! Serve them as an appetizer, in sandwiches, in bowls with Greek salad, hummus and orzo (pictured), in wraps with pita bread and hummus...
Curried Red Lentil Coconut Soup
With lots of fresh veggies and healthy lentils simmered in a flavorful coconut broth, this Curried Red Lentil Coconut Soup is a delicious meal in a bowl!
Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
With super tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and a silky smooth sauce loaded with fresh veggies and tons of bright, fresh flavor, this Thai Coconut Chicken Soup ticks all the boxes!
Thought for the day:
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If you enjoy any of these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It's so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
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First I want to say I love your website. The recipes, design and the closing are beautiful and lift my heart. I also want to wish you the best as you recover from the hurricane. Our son and daughter in law are newlyweds, live in Newland NC and they are facing challenges too. I forwarded your emails to them and I know they will enjoy your recipes and beautiful messages too.
Sending you love, good thoughts and prayers for recovery!
Aww, thanks so much, Cheryl! We appreciate your kind words 🥰