What meal to bring to friend recovering?

[Anonymous]

I am bringing a friend (and her family) dinner as she is recovering surgery. Help me! I’m not a great cook, but can do it if I have to. Or a restaurant? Wegmans? What’s a good meal to take over? I’m very tired taking care of a sick elderly mom so out of energy and imagination.

No peanuts, shellfish or red meat.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Depends entirely on her tastes and any post-surgery instructions. I didn't have any special restrictions but preferred eating bland/light food for the first few days, so don't be offended if she doesn't want any. Best bet is probably a prepared/restaurant meal that you know the family likes, or just a gift card and some holiday treats for snacking.

[Anonymous]

Why did you volunteer? Give them a Door Dash gift card if you need to feel good that you did something.

[Anonymous]

You can always do a Door Dash GC. I have a go to chicken chili I make everyone, but honestly if there are nut allergies I give a GC instead of cook. My kitchen contains nuts in our normal life so even if I don't put nuts in the dish I worry about cross contamination if there are allergies.

[Anonymous]

You shouldn't be helping ANYONE if you're currently doing eldercare! Especially with all those dietary restrictions.

I would just send a gift card in your shoes.

[Anonymous]

Ask them what they like/want.

[Anonymous]

Gift card to DoorDash or UberEats. Hand-deliver on top of a box of cupcakes or pastries, if you're extra.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You shouldn't be helping ANYONE if you're currently doing eldercare! Especially with all those dietary restrictions.

I would just send a gift card in your shoes.

+1. Doordash gift card

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask them what they like/want.

Don't bother them with this.

[Anonymous]

Does she have a DH? They are fine. Take care of yourself OP.

[Anonymous]

No one wants your home made food. He best gift is delivery from a quality restaurant. I would start with the Great American restaurant chain and go from there.

[Anonymous]

If she has help at home something delivered to heat or reheat like chicken pot pie might be comforting.

[Anonymous]

Baked ziti, salad and garlic bread fit your criteria.

[Anonymous]

A tray of chicken enchiladas would be good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No one wants your home made food. He best gift is delivery from a quality restaurant. I would start with the Great American restaurant chain and go from there.

I strongly disagree with this. If people say they want a meal train, they happily take home cooked food. The people who don’t like other people cooking for them decline a meal train.