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Many of us have been in a position where we have taken a meal to a friend or someone else we know. Life circumstances like having a new baby, surgery, moving or lost of employment to those we care about can make us want to help them out a little. A good meal taken into someone can lift their spirits as well as keep the stress level for that day low…they don’t have to worry about fixing dinner that evening.

Here are a few tips if you are planning to take dinner into someone you care about.
(The meal pictured above is one I took to a friend yesterday who is moving this week. I forgot to take a photo at home, so I took it in my car. Sorry about the photo quality.)


1. Find out if there are any food allergies or strong dislikes. You don’t want to make something they cannot eat.


2. Make something that is family-friendly, especially if they have children. Foods that most everyone will like and appreciate. This is not the time to try out a new recipe! Make something that you know will turn out and that your family enjoys. Some of my favorite take-in meals are homemade lasagna, baked ziti, lemon chicken, sloppy joes, chicken noodle soup, taco soup, and spaghetti pie.


3. Take the food in containers that do not have to be returned. There is nothing worse that someone having extra dishes at home and trying to get them back to you. Invest a few small dollars in disposable pans that you can cook the food in and they can throw away when they are finished.


4. Take a balanced meal. I like to take in a salad or side dish with the main dish, then a simple dessert. We all need a little sweet at the end!


5. Depending on the situation, make enough for leftovers. Sometimes they might need leftovers the next day for lunch or dinner, or to freeze for next week. Gauge that by the individual situation.


6. Sometimes taking in a meal that is not cooked, but can be immediately frozen, is a good idea. Then they can make it when they need it most. Just make sure you send cooking directions with it.