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Support a loved one with 15 comforting meals to take to a friend in need. These easy recipes can be made ahead and travel well.
Making a meal for a loved one is a wonderful, tangible way to show you care. Whether they are welcoming a new baby or recovering from surgery or an illness, a home-cooked meal is such a blessing.
We've got lots of great ideas for you today. These recipes can be made ahead and travel well. There are plenty of main course options. We love to round out the meal with a salad, bread or homemade cookies. If I have time, I love to make muffins or granola for an easy snack or breakfast.
Here are some tips to think about when taking a meal-
- Try and use disposable containers that you don't need back, it's one less thing for them to worry about.
- The meal you take doesn't have to be dinner! Breakfast, lunch and snacks are also appreciated.
- Double the recipe so that you're not also cooking for your own family.
- You don't have to make everything! Store bought treats or some cut fresh fruit from the store round out the meal without making things overwhelming.
- Label the food with reheating instructions.
Save these recipes for the next time you sign up for a meal train. I know it will be appreciated!
Easy Lemon Crumble Muffins with Buttery Streusel Topping
These Lemon Crumble Muffins are soft, moist and bursting with bright lemon flavor, topped with a buttery crumble and finished with an optional lemon glaze or dusting of powdered sugar. Easy, no-mixer and bakery-worthy!
Crispy Blueberry Almond Granola
Just a little heads up... this crispy Blueberry Almond Granola is addictive and it's impossible to eat just one little handful! No worries though... with oats, wheat germ, coconut, maple syrup, honey and a secret ingredient, it's also hearty and healthy!
Ridiculously Easy Same-Day Focaccia
This Same-Day Focaccia, with large air bubbles and delicious, old-world flavor, takes less than 15 minutes of hands-on time and comes together in significantly less time than traditional, slow-rise focaccia bread.
Classic French Bistro Salad
This simple Classic French Bistro Salad, served at cafés, brasseries and bistros all over France, is beyond easy and yet one of those recipes you'll be turning to again and again (especially when you want to feel a little "fancy" with minimal effort on your part.
Pepita Pecorino Kale Salad (Hillman's Pub Copycat Recipe)
A bright, vibrantly flavored salad, this Pepita Pecorino Kale Salad pairs deliciously with pizza, burgers, roasted or grilled entreés and it makes a healthy, hearty meal topped with grilled chicken. The easy brown-butter-roasted pepitas are the crunchy crowning glory!
Easy Zucchini Summer Quiche
This easy summer quiche, loaded with fresh corn, smoky bacon, parmesan cheese and thinly sliced zucchini makes a fabulous entree for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Easy Lemongrass Coconut Chicken Curry
This Lemongrass Coconut Chicken Curry features tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions simmered in a fragrant coconut-lemongrass sauce. It's a bright, Thai-inspired dish that's easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for guests.
Italian Chicken and Spinach Ravioli Lasagna
This creamy Italian Chicken and Spinach Ravioli Lasagna is an easy make-ahead white lasagna recipe with cheese ravioli, rotisserie chicken, spinach, mozzarella, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, and entertaining.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are fast, easy, and loaded with fabulous flavor! Ready in minutes with a smoky spice rub (and optional Chipotle Yum Yum Sauce), they're guaranteed to get rave reviews around the table.
Ginger Scallion Meatballs with Potsticker Dipping Sauce
If you enjoy Asian potstickers, you're going to LOVE these Ginger Scallion Meatballs. Both the meatballs and the Potsticker Dipping Sauce come together quickly with minimal fuss.
Make-Ahead Chicken Cacciatore
This Make-Ahead Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic Italian classic simmered with mushrooms, peppers, and herbs in a rich tomato sauce. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.
Slow Roasted Honey Soy Pork
Tender and full of Asian flavor, the oven does the magic with this Slow Roasted Honey Soy Pork after your 10 minutes of hands-on time. Serve it in tacos, wraps, sandwiches, rice bowls...
Italian Chicken Pastina Soup
This cozy, comforting 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!
The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
This easy, one-bowl, no-mixer recipe does produce the BEST chocolate chip cookies we've ever tasted. They're buttery and crinkly with crisp edges, chewy interior and lots of delicious chocolate chips.
Ridiculously Easy Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
These Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats are soft, chewy and packed with real strawberry flavor from freeze-dried strawberries. Easy to make with gooey marshmallow pockets and simple pantry ingredients, they're the perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion.
Shop Our Café Loves
We’ve gathered our favorite kitchen tools, tableware, and entertaining treasures in one place, the Café Loves store. It’s a wonderful spot to find something special for yourself or the cooks and hosts you love!
Thanks for this well-curated collection of comforting recipes. They’re all beautiful and I’ve saved every one.
Hi Sherri, Thanks for your encouraging comments! If you end up making any of these recipes, we'd love to hear how they turn out for you. So glad to hear how much you like this recipe collection - we appreciate you taking the time to let us know!