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Comfort food care pack
When the unthinkable happens and friends or family lose a loved one or are recovering from an illness, gifts of food not only nourish the body but can also nourish the soul.
No matter what life events are occurring, we still need to eat, and preferably food that’s comforting, familiar and easy to prepare. These meals can be easily served, reheated or frozen and can be delivered in disposable containers the family can recycle rather than return to you. Always remember to provide a note with cooking or reheating directions along with a little encouragement and sympathy.
Scroll through the arrows above for some nourishing recipes.
Nourishing muffins
We often forget about breakfast, but it is the most important meal of the day. A healthy, hearty muffin, like morning glory muffins from Once Upon a Chef can be eaten fresh for a few days or frozen and defrosted on the counter for an hour before eating. Plus, they are the perfect balance between sweet and healthy.
Lasagna Florentine
There is a reason casseroles are the quintessential food-train dish. They are easy, comforting and freezable. And nothing is more warming than classic lasagna. Pinch of Yum adds a layer of spinach, which provides a pop of color, a fresh flavor and a nod to health in this indulgent dish. It’s also super easy to prepare and requires no pre-cooking of the noodles.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Jewish grandmothers the world over know that chicken noodle soup is good for the soul, and there’s even a bit of scientific evidence behind it. Averie Cooks knows that ingredients like chicken broth, chicken and veggies pack this soup with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a healthy amount of fat and protein. Not only is it easy to reheat and comforting to eat, it may help families fight off colds while visiting with loved ones.
Freezer-friendly marinara sauce
A versatile dish from Simply Sisson, this Italian classic is vegan, dairy-free and Whole-30. Plus, it’s easy to make. Send it in resealable freezer pint bags so families can use some now and freeze some for later. Provide a few boxes of your favorite dried pasta, shelf-stable pizza dough or some frozen homemade meatballs to go along with the sauce for a complete meal.
Asian Quinoa Salad
Food that packs well is a boon to any family who is traveling to and from a hospital or nursing facility. Packing them a picnic that they can eat on the go provides a better and tastier alternative to bland hospital cafeteria food. Filled with colorful vegetables and nutritious, gluten-free quinoa, this salad from Two Peas & Their Pod can be made in advance and travels well.
Macaroni and cheese
Don’t forget that the meal you bring should appeal to all members of the family, including children. A go-to dish that pleases everyone is the classic macaroni and cheese. It’s filling, warming, comforting and freezes and reheats perfectly. This version from Blissfully Delicious tastes even better after it has been reheated, with a touch of dry mustard and a ton of cheese.
Fruit tray
Though comfort is often key, we shouldn’t forget healthy. People tend to eat irregularly or reach for high-calorie or processed snacks in times of crisis or sadness. Sharing a dish like a beautiful fruit tray with Good Cheap Eats’ guidance is a nice change from the usual heavier dishes, and adds a fresh and healthy option to the table. One note: If you’re bringing something fresh to someone’s house, arrange it with them ahead of time as this does not have the flexibility of a freezable casserole.
The best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever
In times of sadness, we all tend to reach for something sweet. Having a small treat now and then can provide a moment of much-needed comfort. A classic recipe from Joy Food Sunshine, these chocolate chip cookies are made with simple, straightforward ingredients and bake up perfectly every time.
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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in December 2019, and updated in December 2022.
