Fix, Freeze, Feast - Kati Neville [64]
Keeping meals on hand means needs can be met as they arise, not just when you have some extra time. Often meals are needed in a hurry, such as when there is a death, a sudden illness, or another unexpected trauma. Other times, the provision of meals can be planned for, as in the case of a scheduled surgery or a baby’s birth or adoption. It won’t take long before you begin to see needs all around you that can easily be met with make-ahead meals.
Structured ways of providing meals within communities exist, too. In many churches, support groups, and other groups of like-minded people, meal banks are becoming a popular way to keep nutritious food on hand for those in need. Small groups can gather to prepare entrées to be stored in a church or community freezer and delivered at the necessary time. The meal bank can be set up formally with set times for filling the freezer and specific people in charge of delivery, or it can be done more casually to supplement an existing hot meal delivery program.
Whether you want to explore this idea on your own or with a group, here are some things to keep in mind when considering recipe selection:
CHOOSE FOR FLAVOR. It’s best to choose recipes that are middle of the road on heat and spices. Children, the elderly, nursing mothers, and those who are ill may be more sensitive to spicy foods. This doesn’t mean you have to eliminate recipes for such dishes from the menu; just leave out the crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, or hot pepper sauce. Other good recipe choices are those that are classic, family-friendly fare. Choose entrées that will have the widest appeal.
CHOOSE FOR EASE OF PREPARATION. You never know who might be preparing the entrée on the other end—perhaps a spouse or a teenager who has little experience in the kitchen. Make no assumptions about cooking abilities; select entrées that are easily baked or reheated. Unless you’re certain a person has, say, a slow cooker, you will want to avoid recipes that require that method of cooking.
CHOOSE FOR VARIETY. When preparing entrées to hold as inventory, it’s wise to have some selections for vegetarians, those with dairy allergies, and those who have fat, sugar, or salt restrictions. There’s no need for a huge selection of items—just plan to have enough selections to meet the needs of a variety of potential recipients.
CHOOSE FOR COST. Maximize your budget by selecting recipes with less-expensive cuts of meat and those that can be stretched by serving the dish over rice or noodles. Recipes that use meat in smaller proportions, such as for soup, chili, or meatballs, are also good choices.
CHOOSE FOR MORE THAN JUST DINNER. People appreciate receiving breakfast, lunch, and snack items just as much as dinner entrées.
PACKAGING
Always consider the needs of the recipient when you are packaging meals for others. It can be problematic for someone to keep track of containers that need to be returned. Unless you are certain that the recipient would prefer otherwise, package the meals in freezer bags, plastic containers, or foil pans, and let the recipient know that you don’t expect to get them back.
Finally, if you’ve ever been the recipient of a meal when your life was turned upside down, you already know what a difference it can make. Until you have experienced it yourself, it may seem like an insignificant way to help. But to the mom who has had a sleepless night with her new baby or to a family grieving the death of a loved one, a meal can be a lifeline. More than just nourishment for the body, it is one way to connect us as a community.
Frozen Gifts: A hot meal is helpful, but frozen meals are more versatile. It can be a lifesaver to have a meal in the freezer several weeks after a life-changing event.
APPENDIXES
SAMPLE SHOPPING LIST
BASIL-BALSAMIC CHOPS
BERRY-ROASTED