Making Dinner for a Sick Friend

The Benefits of Bringing Dinner to Someone Who is Sick 

Cooking dinner for someone is one of the greatest acts of caring that you can show. If you have a friend that could use a little pick-me-up, or a hand in keeping the kids fed during illness or a hardship, consider preparing a simple but flavorful meal for them. Making a great dinner is not only a practical and undeniable help, but it is a gift of your time and effort that is always appreciated. As well, it is a quiet gesture that does not intrude, yet it speaks volumes.

Knowing your friend and their family's needs is important when you choose what meal to make. I feel that homemade chicken noodle soup, a fresh loaf of store-bought baked bread (available at almost all local grocery stores, unsliced), a bag of salad such as Dole's Caesar Salad Kit, and brownies (store bought or fresh baked) is the perfect meal for the following several reasons. In addition to the below, this dinner choice makes a beautiful presentation and is very little work - especially if you use the recipe that follows. 

It Is a Healthy and Child-Friendly Meal 

If you are cooking for your friend because you want to help them feed their family while they are not able, this chicken noodle soup meal really fits the bill. I have yet to meet a child or an adult for that matter who did not like this soup. It is simple enough that most everyone should be a fan. It is also healthy so that while your friend cannot feed her little ones, you will be ensuring that they will be receiving the proper nutrients (all four food groups represented) as well as a sweet treat to show your love.

It Is Comfort Food At Its Best 

What is more comforting than soup and what is more loving than making chicken noodle soup for someone you want to take care of? Your friend will feel treasured and pampered.

It is Easily Transported and a Comprehensive Meal 

This meal is easily transported and with the delivery hints below, you will not need to bother your friend with any returning of dishes. It also is a complete dinner, from salad to dessert and requires no additions from your friend's pantry, so really is a complete gift that will save all trips to the grocery store for at least that night. Furthermore, it is very easily served and does not dirty a lot of additional dishes. Just heat the soup, or microwave, and dinner is ready.

It Is Inexpensive, Easy to Make and Makes A Lot

I like this meal because it is extremely inexpensive. When making dinner for your friend, it is often times difficult because you have to make a dinner for your family, too, and sometimes that can be a bit of a taxing expense on your weekly grocery bill. However, this recipe is quite economical and has few ingredients. It is extremely quick to make and it will feed a large family with left overs.

You Can Easily Double This Recipe to Have a Simultaneous Dinner for Your Family

If you just double this recipe, you can make two soups, one for your own family at only a little higher expense. Some ingredients like the celery, carrots, chicken and even noodles can just be split into two halves for each meal and will require no additional purchases. It is a win all around.

You Can Include Your Own Kids in the Process of Making This Thoughtful Meal

In an attempt to teach your children about the importance of kindness, giving and caring for others, having them help you with this meal is sure to go far in making an impression that lasts. As well, it will be some quality time spent together and teaches them a great skill! If you use pre-made Nestle break apart cookies or brownies, they can help you without introducing new messes into the equation. Warm brownies or cookies are the perfect topper to this lovely meal and an extra touch that your children will be proud to be a part of.

The Recipe for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:

Ingredients:

4 carrots, roughly chopped (no need to peel)

4 celery stalks, roughly chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 rotisserie chicken

3 large cans of chicken broth 48 oz. each

large flat egg noodles, no yolk dumpling, 12 oz. bag

salt to taste

pepper to taste

Directions: Put chopped onion, celery and carrots into large pot on the burner over medium heat. Pour in 2 cans of the chicken broth. Pull apart pieces of the rotisserie chicken and put into the soup (you need not use the whole chicken and only use good pieces, the white meat). Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to package directions in a separate pot, opting for them to be just slightly underdone. Add the cooked noodles at the end of the 40 minutes. Add the third can of chicken broth if needed, or include the extra can with your meal upon delivery to your friend, along with the other sides listed below (your friend can add later). Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Making the Meal Complete - Packaging and Extras

To make your meal complete and package it up easily, here is a checklist of what you will need:

• Homemade soup
• Disposable Tupperware-like container to put the soup in so your friend won't need to return a dish
• Store bought or fresh baked brownies on a paper plate covered in cellophane
• Store bought fresh baked bread loaf, unsliced
• Prepackaged Caesar salad kit bag of salad
• Cardboard box to transport dinner in

Delivering Your Meal with Love 

Pack up the soup in your disposable Tupperware and add it with the bread, brownies and bag of salad to your cardboard box. Leave on doorstep with a get-well card and feel good about doing something nice for your deserving friend. Leave a text message to let them know their meal is waiting for them outside.