HoneyBaked Ham.

Shepherd's pie is my go to option.

Fruit salad? Colorful and already washed, cut up and ready to eat (or pack portions in the kids' lunchboxes).

It doesn't keep long, but in my experience, it's eaten right away.

Order some Chinese food. Or pick up some BBQ ribs. They probably love it!

I always either roast a chicken with lemon, thyme, carrots, potatoes and onions, or a pot roast with a red wine sauce and carrots, potatoes, onions, sometimes mushrooms. There are tons of recipes online. If you want to get really creative, you could also do a pork roast with a Mexican rub and take taco fixings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, guac, tortillas) and they can always freeze the leftovers. Fresh fruit is also good.

There is usually a lot of food and family from out of town. I was so happy when a neighbor brought over extra garbage bags, paper towels, napkins etc. I know it is bad for the environment but during those times it does make it easier for the family while getting things together.

I make chili and then transport in ziplock freezer bags. I also bring over a bag of salad and a loaf of some good bread.

another idea ..... chicken pot pie!

meatballs and the mixings to make meatball subs

OP here: thanks for all of the great suggestions and nice words. I feel like my repertoire of ideas means I now never have to bring people pasta again

I ended up doing roast chicken and red potatoes with paprika and rosemary, a salad, and chocolate chip cookies. Because, really, who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies!?!

Quiche with salad and bread
Chili and cornbread
Pulled pork with rolls and coleslaw

Anonymous wrote:A family in our school lost their mom a few weeks ago and I am bringing over dinner to the father and son. They eat pretty much anything, but are overloaded on pasta. Since that is my usual go-to recipe for bringing to others, I am seeking EASY, but delicious options for dishes to bring by their house.

Thanks!!!

-Moussaka
-Taboule
-cheese and charcuterie platter
-Mini pizzas(easy to freeze for the kids)
-Roasted chicken with sautéed green beans and mashed potatoes
You sound like a great person OP!

BBQ Meatballs, mashed potatoes and a veggie.

Homemade Mac and cheese and some pulled pork and buns for DS sandwiches. Plus baked beans or cole slaw.

Pot roast, au gratin potatoes, creamed spinach.

Pasta salad and sandwiches for a lunch. Muffins for breakfast. I feel like people forget these meals and they are nice to have too! I usually throw in some muffins for breakfast when I bring dinner to someone.

When my father passed away I got a few gift cards to local take out eateries from co workers. They were much appreciated because when I went back to work it was easy to pick up something on the way home without having to worry about defrosting something in advance since my brain was on overload. Plus, my fridge/freezer was stuffed to the brim so some things went to waste.

Was just mulling this re: coworker and new baby. I'm making a quiche and a zucchini soup. Easy to freeze and fairly summer-y.

Op first off, this is a kind gesture on your part. It's tricky when people have restrictions and it's great that you are being sensitive.

What I have done in the past (since I'm not much of a cook) is to order out from someplace (not fast food, someplace good) and bring it over.

I don't think anyone minds this; they just need to eat and not worry about it!