Melt the Meal Idea Block

Sometimes I get “meal-idea-block”, unable to think of a “good” meal idea when I am asked to help a family with a dinner. Oh, the pressure. As though the meal needs to be amazing or they may think I’m a lousy cook! Sound familiar? Trust me, the struggle is real. So, let’s melt that “block”, together.

Here are a few ideas to keep up your sleeve (or anywhere handy that you’ll remember) for the next time you get asked to help with a Food Tidings schedule or a meal for a family.

I can assure you, these meal ideas are easy and travel well: 

1. Breakfast for dinner: Scrambled eggs, or a quick egg casserole with onions, peppers, ham, and cheese; baked at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Add some pancakes or cinnamon rolls (from the tube at your local store), with fruit on the side.

2. Taco night: Brown up some ground beef (seasoned to taste), and package up shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, jar of salsa and some tortillas and/or chips on the side. Feeling fancy? Throw in some guacamole!

3. Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner: Roast a chicken with potatoes and broccoli, seasoned with butter and salt. A one-pan dinner! Or, in a hurry? Pick up a pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken from Costco or local store, add your roasted veggies on the side.

4. Casserole a la Easy: Make a chicken and rice casserole with mixed veggies: Add chicken (pre-cooked), rice, mixed veggies (frozen, works great!), can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream and top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Add fruit on the side, and you gift “fresh-comfort” all in one.

While these recipes or ideas may not win fancy awards, but they are meals that most families can and will eat. When a family is in need, that’s the most appreciated thing about getting a meal; they can enjoy it without having to think about it. Also, these meals require no special ingredients and can be made in double batches so you can feed your family that night, too!

Tiding Tip Once you’ve signed up to make a Food Tiding dinner, plan to make it in a double batch so you can feed your family that night, too.

Again, these are just a few general ideas to keep in mind. Go with it as they are, or use them as general themes to start the ideas flowing. If you’d like more specific recipe details, you can always use your favorite recipe(s) or find something on Pinterest or online.

In the end, I hope you’ve gained a few simple, quick, go-to dinner ideas to relieve the pressure the next time you are asked to serve another with a Food Tidings. Never be “meal-idea-blocked”, again. Be confident and, most importantly, know that anything will be appreciated!