Food Gifts for New Parents
Posted by cassie on Saturday, 8 March, 2008 @ 9:18 pm
I’ve recently been thinking a lot of different types of food “plates” that can be made ahead of time and frozen to give to new moms and dads. I remember when Anthony was born it was difficult some days to get anything done, let alone care about what food to make. In my household I am the sole cook - unless we are eating BBQ or eggs, the extent of Nick’s prowess. And frankly, living off of fast food and pizza just doesn’t work for long either.
I know this pondering is partly due to my own looming birth of #2 but also because several of my girlfriend’s are pregnant or have given birth recently. Below are some foods that are good make ahead meals and freeze well. They are also extremely appreciated by anyone that I’ve talked or given them too.
- Spaghetti sauce in quart size containers (don’t forget the pasta)
- Pot pies (turkey and chicken both work well)
- Pot roast with sides
- Ham soup with vegetables (especially good for right after delivery)
- Chicken soup (good choices for pasta are egg noodles, pastina, and orzo)
- Wontons for soup (turkey or pork work well)
- Lasagna
- Seasoned Chicken Breasts with Rice
- Casseroles
- Quiche
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Biscuits or Muffins
- Banana, pumpkin, apple sauce, or zucchini bread
If you are bringing these over please remember to put the items in containers you don’t mind if you never see again (if you really want it back put your name on it!), make sure the containers are in meal-sized portions and include re-heating instructions if they are needed. I also like to provide the additional items to make it a meal. For example, include the pasta for the spaghetti sauce or cans of vegetables for side dishes, etc.
Several other tips - make sure you know about likes/dislikes; allergies; religious inclinations; and freezer space. For any of the ideas mentioned above you can find recipes by doing a quick search on google or cooks.com.
If you can’t cook or don’t have time ~ don’t fret! I’ll be doing a review later this week on the various prepared food delivery venues.