March 4, 2025

Give a helping hand

Whether for a sick friend, to help after a new baby or in my case, my mom. A meal or two can be very welcomed. Offering a meal is something you can do instead of asking them to call you if they need anything. An open offer is nice, but they rarely will call you to ask for help.

Supplies

First, do menu planning, then put together a grocery list. Buy disposable food containers or use gallon sized ziplock bags. That way, they don’t have to return any containers. Label and date the contents on the container.

I make up 6-10 meals over the course of two weeks, then freeze them, so I can give my mom a variety of meals to chose from.

Meal ideas

The question is always, what to make? Soups and casseroles freeze weIl.

Make these healthy waffles Banana Oatmeal Waffle

Meats can be made with sides for a complete meal.

Keeping it Souper simple

Simply Ramen Chicken Soup
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

28 oz chicken broth
2 pkgs chicken flavored Ramen noodles
1/2 tsp oregano
1 pkg cut broccoli
2 cups cubed cooked chicken

Directions:

First in a large saucepan, bring chicken broth, seasonings from the flavor packets (in with the noodles) and oregano to boiling. 

Next, break up noodles. Now add the noodles and broccoli to mixture in saucepan, return to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 minutes. Sir in chicken, heat through.

Ladle into bowls.

Tacos in a soup

Tortilla Soup
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 4 hr | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

16 oz refried beans
15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
14 oz chicken broth
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
3/4 cup chunky salsa
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup cubed cooked chicken
1 bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except chips and cheese in a crockpot.

Cook on low 3-4 hrs.

Add 1/2 cheese. Stir until melted.

Ladle into soup bowls. Top with more cheese and chips.

Vegetable rich soup

Tortellini Soup Italian Style
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 7-8 hr | Servings: 4-6 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1# fresh ground Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped

6 cups beef broth
14 oz canned diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 small yellow zucchini, slice or diced
1 small green zucchini, sliced or diced
2 carrots, sliced or diced
1 can green and yellow string beans

1 tsp ground oregano
1 tbsp basil
salt and pepper
1# fresh or frozen cheese tortellini

Directions:

Start by using a skillet to brown sausage; toss in the onion and garlic. Cook until golden brown.

Next in a crockpot, pour in broth, sausage/onion mixture, and all above ingredients down to beans. You can let it sit in the refrigerator overnight @ this point.

Now sprinkle in the seasonings before turning the crock pot on low for 7-8 hours. Lastly, add tortellini and cook until done. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!