When someone we care about is going through a tough time, what can we do to show our support? For many of us, the answer lies in the kitchen. Cooking a nourishing meal for a friend in need can be a powerful way to demonstrate our love and care. As chef and author Zahra Tangorra so aptly puts it, “Cooking is such a powerful way to care for someone. In an ever-more-technological world, cooking is an ‘analog’ love language.” In this article, we’ll explore nine nourishing meals to bring to friends who need a little extra love.
Why Meals Matter
When we’re feeling down or struggling to cope with a difficult situation, the last thing we often want to do is cook a meal. But the truth is, a homemade meal can be just the thing to bring some comfort and joy into our lives. In fact, research has shown that cooking and sharing meals with others can have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that cooking and sharing meals with others can increase feelings of social connection and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Another study published in the Journal of Food Science found that cooking and consuming meals made with love can increase the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “cuddle hormone,” which can help to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.
9 Nourishing Meals to Bring to Friends in Need
1. Lasagna: A Sturdy and Heartfelt Option
Chef and author Zahra Tangorra swears by lasagna as her go-to TLC meal. “Lasagna is what I always make when someone loses a parent, has a baby, or just needs a little extra warmth,” she says. “It’s a simple, heartfelt meal, and as I layer in the pasta, sauce, and cheese, it feels as though I’m layering in a simple, heartfelt message: I care about you.”
Lasagna is a great option because it’s easy to make in large quantities, can be reheated easily, and is a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for a friend in need.
2. Vegetable-Loaded Pasta Salad: A Rainbow of Comfort
Food writer Eric Kim recommends a vegetable-loaded pasta salad as his go-to TLC meal. “I aim for three things when making a dish for friends in need,” he says. “Something that can be eaten cold or at room temperature, something that requires a lot of vegetable prep and knife-work, and something that won’t take up too much fridge space.”
Eric’s pasta salad recipe is packed with a rainbow of crunchy veggies, including bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. This salad is a great option because it’s easy to make, can be customized to suit your friend’s tastes, and is a healthy, nourishing meal.
3. Moist Cake: A Comforting Treat
Writer Melisa Denizeri Orley swears by moist cake as her go-to TLC treat. “There’s something comforting about a moist cake sitting on the counter for a few days — one you can go back to for a slice, as needed,” she says. “I drop off cakes for both celebratory occasions and hard times.”
Melisa’s favorite recipe is a Buttery Orange Tahini cake, which is topped with whipped cream and orange zest for a delightful little zing. This cake is a great option because it’s easy to make, can be frozen for later, and is a comforting treat that’s sure to bring a smile to your friend’s face.
4. Quiche: A Perfect Meal for All Occasions
Big Salad newsletter editor Kaitlyn Teer recommends quiche as her go-to TLC meal. “My theory is that quiche is the perfect meal for people who are convalescing, grieving, or postpartum, because it works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner,” she says.
Quiche is a great option because it’s easy to make, can be customized to suit your friend’s tastes, and is a nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
5. Cookies: A Sweet Treat
Author Klancy Miller swears by cookies as her go-to TLC treat. “Easy answer: Cookies!” she says. “I usually make chocolate chip or ginger-molasses cookies, which are a favorite among my friends.”
Cookies are a great option because they’re easy to make, can be customized to suit your friend’s tastes, and are a sweet treat that’s sure to bring a smile to their face.
6. Grain Salad: A Nutritious and Delicious Option
Author Melina Hammer recommends grain salad as her go-to TLC meal. “Grain salads are great in these situations,” she says. “This is my personal favorite, which is made with a variety of grains, roasted vegetables, and a tangy dressing.”
Grain salad is a great option because it’s easy to make, can be customized to suit your friend’s tastes, and is a nutritious and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
7. Malted Cookie Dough Chocolate Chunk Bars: A Sweet and Salty Treat
Journalist and author Ella Quittner recommends malted cookie dough chocolate chunk bars as her go-to TLC treat. “I like to bring something savory and something sweet,” she says. “I aim for recipes with a long freezer-life, in case they’re already overloaded with food.”
Ella’s recipe is a great option because it’s easy to make, can be frozen for later, and is a sweet and salty treat that’s sure to bring a smile to your friend’s face.
8. Green Mac and Cheese: A Comforting and Nourishing Meal
Food writer Alex Beggs recommends green mac and cheese as her go-to TLC meal. “I like to bring something savory and something sweet,” she says. “I aim for recipes with a long freezer-life, in case they’re already overloaded with food.”
Alex’s recipe is a great option because it’s easy to make, can be customized to suit your friend’s tastes, and is a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
9. Scottish Flapjack: A Sweet and Satisfying Treat
Food writer Kaitlyn Teer recommends Scottish flapjack as her go-to TLC treat. “My bring-over food is Scottish flapjack,” she says. “It’s a sweet and satisfying treat that’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your friend’s tastes.”
Scottish flapjack is a great option because it’s easy to make, can be frozen for later, and is a sweet and satisfying treat that’s sure to bring a smile to your friend’s face.
Conclusion
When it comes to showing our love and care for friends in need, cooking a nourishing meal is a powerful way to demonstrate our support. By choosing one of the nine meals outlined in this article, you can provide your friend with a healthy, comforting meal that’s sure to bring a smile to their face.
Remember, the most important thing is to show up and care for your friend in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Whether it’s a home-cooked meal or a sweet treat, the act of showing up and caring for someone in need is what truly matters.
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