Saturday, August 23, 2014

Blessing New Moms and Dads

I know, haven't posted in a while.  We've been a little busy with our bundle of joy.  Here's a post I started but never actually posted....kinda appropriate since time is so precious nowadays.
I've always loved the sweet gesture of taking a meal over to new parents who have returned home from the hospital.  How practical is it to take a meal to a newly expanded, and newly busy, family?  You know they are hectically keeping up with a newborn's needs, and the last thing on their minds is cooking!
We've been able to bless many new families in our church with a yummy meal, usually a hearty meal for supper time.  But recently, I've been thinking, Mom and Dad (and siblings) need to eat breakfast and lunch, too!
Here are some ideas and recipes for lunch and breakfast meals to take to new families who have just brought home their new addition.

Breakfast:
Muffins (Here's my favorite blueberry muffin recipe)
Biscuits with jellies
Breakfast Casserole (see recipe below)
Sliced Fruit Medley or Whole Fresh Fruit
Orange Juice

Lunch:
Chicken Salad or Pimento Cheese (Here's a simple pimento cheese recipe)
with Crackers or Bread for Sandwiches
Pita Chips with Hummus
Dried Fruit or Trail Mix
Sweet Tea or Lemonade

Keep in mind any dietary restrictions, too.  Are they vegetarian or need gluten-free food options?
Check out your local bakery or even the dollar store to find containers to use for your delicious treats.  I always carry everything over in an insulated picnic basket, but use containers that I don't expect to get back.  Dress them up with ribbon or cute twine.  I also write instructions on the containers, like "keep refrigerated" or heating instructions for casseroles.
Not Susie Homemaker?  That's ok!  Check out the Deli and Bakery section of your grocery store.  Or pick up a platter from a local restaurant...doesn't have to be fancy...bagels, sub sandwiches, chicken nuggets, anything yummy.  The gesture will be appreciated, I promise!

Here's one of my favorite breakfast casseroles.  I've made it for family get-togethers, tailgates, you name it.
Sausage and Grits Casserole
1 pound Sausage (mild or hot)
1 cup Grits
2 Eggs, beaten
3 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Chopped Onions
Salt and Pepper

Brown and drain sausage and onion.  Cook grits according to package instructions. Mix the two together in a large pan, add 2 eggs and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Add a dash of salt and pepper.  Stir until incorporated well.  Pour into 9x13 baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Top with remaining shredded cheese (add more if desired).  Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.  Try it with diced bell peppers or jalapenos for some heat!