Caring is Sharing – Easy, Make Ahead Recipes for Friends in Need

Caring is Sharing – Easy, Make Ahead Recipes for Friends in Need

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Wondering what to take to a friend in need? We’ve got plenty of ideas for you in this post! These recipes are all make-ahead and travel well.

Life can take lots of ups and downs and when a downturn comes, it means so much to have family and/or friends who care. One of the nicest ways of showing that care is with a gift of food, whether it’s a loaf of warm bread on the doorstep, a plate of cookies or a meal that can be simply warmed and enjoyed.

Horizontal overhead photo of a pan of Italian Chicken Sausage Ravioli Lasagna on a blue and white striped bowl and garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Whether someone is ill, has had surgery, a difficult family situation or even something joyful (but tiring), like a new baby, food is a tangible way you can show that you care. These recipes are easy to make ahead and reheat well. We’ve included a range of options, so there’s something for everyone. Brighten someone’s day with one of these home-cooked recipes!

 

Vertical overhead photo of Honey Glazed Apple Bran Muffins in a blue and white porcelain muffin pan.

These delicious Honey-Glazed Apple Bran Muffins are moist, tender, studded with sweet chunks of apple and laced with cinnamon. They rise up with high-domed tops and come together quickly with one bowl and no mixer!

 

Vertical overhead photo of Tuscan Kale Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing in a white serving bowl.

Think you don’t like kale salad? Think again! This delicious Tuscan Kale Salad with crisp, buttery bread crumbs, salty, savory Parmesan and a fabulous lemon basil dressing will have even the most adamant kale hater requesting seconds!

 

Vertical overhead photo of a pot of Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup on a wood table.

If you’re looking for a creamy, delicious comfort soup that’s loaded with healthy veggies, lean chicken AND comes together quickly, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Soup is IT!

 

Vertical overhead photo of two bowls of Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai) on a wood table garnished with basmati rice, fresh vegetables, peppers and herbs.

With super tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and a silky smooth sauce loaded with fresh veggies and tons of bright, fresh flavor, this Thai Coconut Chicken Soup ticks all the boxes! This soup has also been reported to be something that’s comforting and appealing to patients while going through chemotherapy.

Vertical closeup photo of a Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with salad serving utensils being used to lift up the salad above the bowl it's in.

Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Honey Cider Dressing – an insanely delicious and super healthy salad – perfect for any get-together with family and friends!

 

Vertical closeup photo of Ridiculously Easy Focaccia Bread being sliced.

With less than 10-minutes of hands-on time and no-kneading, the name Ridiculously Easy Focaccia Bread says it all! Almost. It’s also ridiculously delicious!

 

Overhead vertical photo of Eggplant and Italian Sausage Gratin in a stainless steel oval baking dish.

This Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin is bursting with fabulous Italian flavor. A delicious, make-ahead, dinner party-worthy meal!

 

Overhead picture of Italian Chicken Meatballs with Marinara in a large pot on a wooden table

These Italian Chicken Meatballs are made from boneless, skinless chicken breasts, not ground chicken. They’re lean, light, tender, juicy and full of flavor!

 

This fabulous Instant Pot (or oven) Pasta and Beef Soup is a throw-it-all in-the-pot soup that’s loaded tender chunks of beef and lots of healthy veggies!

 

Vertical close up picture of chicken pasta soup in a blue pot

This delicious Homemade Chicken Pasta Soup tastes like you spent all day laboring over it but in reality, you can put it together, start to finish in less than an hour! It’s also fabulous with leftover turkey!

 

Overhead vertical photo of Skillet Ravioli Lasagna.

This make-ahead Italian Chicken Sausage Ravioli Lasagna is bursting with fabulous Italian flavor and tastes as if you labored for hours. No one has to know the delicious little secret.

 

Vertical overhead photo of a pot of Black Bean Turkey Chili on a wood table.

This hearty, healthy Black Bean Turkey Chili is loaded with veggies, black beans, lean ground turkey and lots of delicious South-of-the-Border flavor!

 

Vertical overhead picture of Zucchini Involtini in a white oval baking dish

With cheese-stuffed ribbons of zucchini nestled in an easy Italian sausage-tomato sauce, this delicious Zucchini Involtini is a fabulous make-ahead meal that’s perfect for family dinners and entertaining!

 

Overhead picture of one pot Mexican Chicken and Rice in a bowl with chips

This fabulous Mexican Chicken and Rice comes together in one skillet in way less than an hour. It’s loaded with fresh veggies, lean chicken and lots of south-of-border flavor!

 

Close up vertical picture of Greek Chicken Meatballs with salad in a white bowl

These healthy, delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs come together quickly with lean chicken, lots of fresh veggies and a ton of fabulous flavor! Serve them as an appetizer, in sandwiches, in bowls with Greek salad, hummus and orzo (pictured), in wraps with pita bread and hummus…

 

Vertical picture of one bowl pumpkin cake on a white cake stand, decorated with orange flowers and small pumpkins

Need a fun, delicious dessert for an upcoming fall event, or a sweet surprise for family and/or friends? This moist one-bowl pumpkin cake comes together in minutes, with no mixer needed. The fabulous salted caramel icing takes it to nirvana status!

 

Vertical picture of the best chocolate chip cookies in a stack

This easy, one-bowl, no-mixer recipe really does produce the BEST chocolate chip cookies we’ve ever tasted. They’re buttery and crinkly with crisp edges, a chewy interior and lots of delicious chocolate chips.

 

Thought  for the day:

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

What we’re listening to for inspiration:

Give Thanks

 

If you enjoy any of these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.

Caring is Sharing - Easy, Make Ahead Recipes for Friends in Need

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