One of my favorite things to give [and receive] is food, especially for someone going through a tough time. New moms make that list - there's no doubt having a newborn, and oftentimes other children to care for, is a huge life change that demands all of you.
Before jumping to the kitchen just yet, I want to share some important tips with you when making a meal for a new mom.
Tip #1: Ask about any allergies or dislikes beforehand
There's nothing worse than getting a meal from a friend and realizing no one will eat it so you end up having to make a second dinner. Be proactive in making sure what you make will be a hit!
Common allergies include: peanuts, dairy, gluten, or shellfish. The mom you're cooking for will be so thankful you checked with her about allergies, even if no one has any. It really shows thoughtfulness and care on your part.
Tip #2: The easier the better!
The less that mom has to do to complete the recipe on her own, the better. I know it can be tempting to make a fancy dinner with all the fixings and extras, but the simpler the meal, the easier it will be for her to pull off on her own holding a newborn in one hand and a toddler in the other.
Meals like casseroles, slow cooker dishes, one pot dump and cook style meals will make it easier on that mama.
Heck, I've had a friend come with her own slow cooker that she plugged into my kitchen and told me in a couple hours it'll be ready! Now that's amazing service :)
Tip #3: Use disposable pans if possible
Receiving a meal is wonderful, but it can feel like a burden to figure out how to return someone else's cookware when it's already difficult for a mom to get out of the house.
That's why I love using disposable pans for casserole dishes. This way the mom can toss the pan without guilt and even skip dishes for the night!
I like to buy a bundle of these heavy duty pans to have on hand for when a mom in need pops up.
When you use these pans, you also have the added bonus of using the lid to write out cooking instructions like this:
Tip #4: Cook yourself the same meal, double the recipe for them
You're already in the kitchen cooking, may as well double the recipe!
This tip really takes the stress off of you, the cook's, shoulders so that you're not feeling like you have to make another meal for your family.
Doubling recipes for dishes like casseroles, soups, stews or pasta dishes can be done quite easily. Use a disposable pan for your meal as well so you have less clean up, too!
Tip #5: Add a special treat to the meal
Of course it's not necessary, but whenever I've been given a meal with a little chocolate or small dish of brownies to enjoy it has felt extra special.
Buying something already baked is totally fine, too. Brownies, specialty chocolates, cookies - keep it simple.
If you want to keep it small, the mom you are providing a meal for may appreciate a special treat that's just for her, especially during a time when she's giving all of herself to everyone else.
Tip #6: You don't even have to cook!
I totally get it - you barely have time to cook for your own family as it is, how can you fit in time to cook for someone else?!
There are also situations where you may live far away from a friend, a friend unexpectedly has a meal need, or you're on vacation you need a super convenient option.
Instead of cooking a homemade meal yourself, here are a couple options:
1) do a quick search for a restaurant in their area and plan a night for a meal to be delivered.
When doing this, I love looking for restaurants that offer family combo meals - TGI Fridays, Applebee's, Acapulco Mexican Restaurant are a few restaurants that come to mind who offer family platter meals.
2) Another option is to order meals through Amazon using their Amazon Kitchen catalog.
Meals like the ones below would be amazing for a new mom to keep in her freezer:
With these tips in mind, now here are a handful of recipes that would be PERFECT to cook for a new mom and her family:
Shredded Pork Sandwiches (with a side salad)
Egg Casserole {Prep them an easy breakfast!}
