Meal to bring to new mom?

[SoonerTexan]

Any suggestions? I'm pretty sure they have been inundated with pasta and casseroles so far, so I'd like to mix it up a little bit. Maybe bring something a little...fresher?

[SuzySunshine]

Do they like to grill? You could always marinate some chicken breasts in a ziploc bag and take that plus a steamable bag of frozen veggies, a loaf of bread and a pan of brownies or cake. Then they could just toss them on the grill and in the microwave when it was time to eat.

[v-girl]

My favorite was a basket of sandwiches from Corner Bakery. Perfect! Oh, and my sister's husband made us some chicken spaghetti that was heavenly.

[ladymoreta]

I kind of liked the casseroles... But it sounds like I'm probably in the minority. I also loved a fruit salad one person brought. If I cook for a meal, I'll usually bring one of the salad kit bags, so they can mix it themselves or use their own dressing if they prefer.

Restaurant meals were great, too. People brought pizza, fajitas, and barbecue. Those were nice because there were leftovers for me for the next day.

I also like to bring some English muffins and preserves so they can have breakfast the next day.

[DCJenn]

We usually order one of those fruit basket w/ snacks things- munchies for the middle of the night.

J.

[Thirteen]

Things that can be consumed with one hand or limited prep/cooking.
Lamorna made a fruit salad (and made a yummy pasta dish!) and left it on our doorstep when DS was a newborn. I *cried* I was so grateful.

[SoonerTexan]

So I'm making this chicken: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/or...d_chicken.html
Mashed potatoes & corn
2 kinds of muffins
Greek Salad
Fruit Salad

Maybe a little overboard, but she told me they were surviving off leftovers from when her mom came.

Should I bring the chicken fully cooked or ready to stick in the oven? I put everything in disposable containers so they can just throw it away when they are done, but I'm not sure how well the chicken will reheat over and over.

[MrsK]

I'd bring it cooked with reheating directions. People were bringing us meals for weeks after BabyK was born. The specifics are a blur but I was really relieved to have the meals handled. The best were the ones where there were leftovers so I wouldn't have to worry about lunch the following day. And disposable dishware is a must. I was very stressed about returning containers. It also helps if you include your name, phone number, and address with the delivery. I wanted to send notes but didn't know everyone and couldn't remember who brought us stuff.

[SuzySunshine]

I preferred to receive my meals uncooked so that I didn't feel like I had to eat it as soon as it was delivered, can you ask her?

Meals with a new baby are FABULOUS, I didn't cook until A was about 4 months old thanks to meals and our freezer!

[diggitydot]

Have you also considered homemade soups? They can be eaten out of a mug (one handed), help with the hydration if mama is breastfeeding, and are easily frozen.

[Ladybug]

Deli rotisserie chicken, artisan bread loaf, salad in a bag. Done. Bowl of fresh fruit if you're feeling generous.

I like to "prep" the zesty barbecue chicken for the slow cooker, & give it uncooked. It can either be used or frozen, and makes shredded BBQ chicken sandwhiches. I provide the rolls & a side/dessert.

[scrub-jay]

So jealous. We got tons of promised meals before dd was born, but didn't receive a single thing when she arrived. Either DH cooked or I sent him out for Chipotle burritos. *rant over* I'd probably send gift certs to nearby restaurants that deliver...

[houseelf]

I heart meals for new moms.

The two nicest gifts I ever received were a fridge full of home cooked meals after my first born and a fellow iMSNer coming to my house to scour and stage my home before putting it on the market.

[DCJenn]

Let me ask my neighbor, the vegan caterer.

J.

I just sent him a message. I HATE that kind of pasta salad and he served two fabulous cold pasta salads at their wedding.