First off- I'd like to say CONGRATS to James & family! You did it!! YAY!!!!
Second I'd like to say how honored I am to be here! Hello!!
Who am I? Oh yeah. I'm Tracy! I've got my own food blog called Shutterbean- where I dabble in food, photography & prettie things. I specialize in easy comfort foods that won't break the bank or take up too much of your time. I love food. It loves me. End of story.
So now that the Fabulous Miss James is on maternity leave, I thought I’d start a conversation about food giving/sharing/making for a new momma!
Hint hint hint---local family & friends of James you should pay attention!
Here are a few guidelines for bringing food to a new momma!
Food should be: -easy to reheat/prepare (write down instructions!) -portable (you are taking it to someone's house!) -comforting (when you're a sleepless momma, food can really be a savior!) -something they can eat! (be mindful of their diets! meat vs. no meat etc.)
Make it: -Healthy! -Freezable! ( Sometimes people get inundated with food (lucky people) and they might not have enough time/space to eat everything. Something that can be frozen is perfect!) -Easy!
Remember that if you bring something like chili, bring the necessary toppings so they don't have to go to the store!
Shall we start with some treats?
Make a batch of Nutty Cranberry Granola! This is great for breakfast, or a fantastic snack with greek yogurt & honey in the afternoon!
Brown Sugar Topped Banana Bread! You'd better make two batches of this! One for you & one for James!
Invite yourself over for breakfast with a side of some baby snuggling! Be sure to bring over this Custard Filled Corn Bread with a jug of Maple Syrup!
Who doesn't LOVE coffee cake?! This will make enough for you AND James! Sour Cream Coffee Cake!
Now let's discuss some savory items!
A quick protein fix is key! Bring over Tuna Salad with White Beans & Celery with a crusty baguette!
Soups freeze well and these are no exception!!! Measure some in freezable containers & everybody's happy!
For a substantial meal Mexican Chicken Soup will do the trick! Make sure to include some good fix-ins like avocado, chips & shredded cheese!
A hearty bowl of this Tuscan Ribolita Soup is just what the doctor ordered. You get carbs, veggies, protein & TONS of flavor in one bowl. Don't forget the Parmesan!
Clean out the fridge and make some Vegetable Minestrone! Bring along a huge loaf of bread!
With all the yummy food people bring, someone is guaranteed to forget that salads make fantastic meals! Try this Simple Caesar Salad! Or just make her the croutons! Those are fantastic too.
Or try my Mom's Green Salad! It's heavy on the greens! A nursing momma needs lots of them!
Let's focus on freezable foods now!
Score major points with these Freezer Burritos! They are MADE for the freezer by YOU! Only 3 minutes in a microwave & TADA!
Wanna show her how special she is? Make these Savory Chicken Pot Pies!
They freeze beautifully and taste AH-MAZING! A yummy treat for people who have older kids too!
These Stuffed Poblanos are to die for!! Bring some chips & salsa with...and a case of beer and we're all set!
Cooking not your forte? Here are some other ways you can help:
-Clean a bathroom!
-Fold a few loads of laundry!
-Clean the kitchen!
-Organize the fridge!
-Get some staples at the grocery store! Eggs, bread, milk etc.
-Help finish the nursery!
-Take the garbage out!
-Heat up a dinner that someone else made from the fridge!
-Take some photos of mom & baby!
-Make a quick trip to Target for something baby/non baby related!
-Bring over a stack of magazines!
-Watch the baby while momma has a shower!
-Take other kiddos out to the park while momma & baby have some alone time.
-Ask how you can help & don't take NO for an answer!
I hope I got your motor running on food ideas! What are you waiting for??!!
Get in the kitchen and show that new momma you care!