Here are a few tips for showing just how much you care.

Be Classically Nourishing

• Choose healthy, hearty dishes that are packed with maximum flavor and nutrition.
• This is the time for familiar comfort food, not the time to try out that newest trendy recipe.
• Keep in mind who will be eating your care meal. Children have a different palate than mom and dad or even grandma. Make sure you can satisfy everyone.
• Check for food allergies to make sure everyone can enjoy your care meal.
• Always ask whether there is something the recipient can’t eat. Sometimes diets change because of circumstances such as illness or nursing.

Make a Complete Meal

• Make a complete meal with side dishes. Some great combinations could be:

A pot of Chicken Noodle Soup with a bread loaf and butter

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with a big salad and dressing

Roasted Chicken and Root Vegetables with gravy and a loaf of bread

• Don’t forget dessert. A plate of cookies, a pan of brownies or even a homemade pie says you care about the details.
• Make enough to have leftovers. It’s always nice to get a few meals out of a care package.
• Throw in a couple of quick grab-and-go snacks that the recipient can eat right away. This is a big help if someone is sitting up with a newborn at midnight or needs a quick boost to get through the day.

Think Outside the Dinner Box

• You don’t care just at dinnertime! Breakfast and lunch meals are appreciated just as much.
• A great way to start the day is a breakfast care package. Great combinations could be:
  • Fluffy Quiche with Chicken
  • Muffins, honey, flavored butter and fresh juice
  • Yogurt, granola and fresh berries
• Lunch is another great care meal option to try:

Grilled Chicken Antipasto Salad with sliced baguettes

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders with potato chips

Apple Cran Chicken Salad Sandwich with potato rolls

No Cleanup Says You Care

• The goal is to make your care meal easy, so try to bring as much of your meal as you can in disposable containers.
• Casseroles travel well in aluminum pans and make for easy reheating of all those leftovers.
• Plastic utensils and paper plates make for no-wash dining.
• Package snacks in paper or plastic bags and tie with string or ribbon for a decorative touch.
• Pack all of your goodies in a decorative basket or box. The recipient can use the basket again or toss the box after unpacking.
• Finish the total package with a thoughtful keepsake, such as a card, flowers, a bottle of wine, a DVD or maybe just a square of bubble wrap to pop for stress relief!