Idea/help please

[Melody]

For my neighbours family, I would like to make some food to bring to her mothers home. I just don't know what to make in this heat. I have air cond. so it's not the making it, just don't know if anyone would want a hot dish or a cold one. I thought about a big pasta salad that they could just grab a bowl of whenever but not sure. Should I make meat instead? Any ideas? I do not bake but I can cook something. Should I maybe do meatballs (if so, recipes please) or a ham (never cooked one that wasn't already done, only have done toupee hams, but could do a spiral I'm sure). If you have any other ideas or better ones/full dishes I would really appreciate it. :)

[vea29]

what about a big Chef salad.....I'm sure you could go to the deli department get the end of blocks of Ham, salami, cheeses. Chop them into cubs. Then take some olives, cucumbers and cherry tomatos and ad lettuce. With Italian dressing...you could just buy a big bottle so it's not on the salad.

[Diane]

When my dad passed away, some of my mom's neighbor's brought over several different kinds of luncheon meats, buns... a few different kinds of chips/dips. Some brought over cake, cookies... It was nice because we had a lot of people over at the house and having all that food really helped.

It's so nice of you to do this for them. You're a great neighbor!!!

[AnnW]

When my mom died, we appreciated getting things that weren't alot of work. One person brought a big tray of fried chicken. I think a big pasta salad sounds wonderful. Another person brought us a veggie tray and we just nibbled. None of us were very hungry so it was nice just to have stuff to snack on.

[vea29]

It's so nice to see how everyone pulls together at a time like this. I remember when on of my cousins in-laws passed. Although I new everone I wasn't close so I went to my cousins and babysat all the kids while they were at the service.

Anything you do will be majorly appreciated!

[vea29]

When my mom died, we appreciated getting things that weren't alot of work. One person brought a big tray of fried chicken. I think a big pasta salad sounds wonderful. Another person brought us a veggie tray and we just nibbled. None of us were very hungry so it was nice just to have stuff to snack on.
That's soo true! cold cuts probably good.

[SpeechMom]

I've made this and its good:

Tortellini and Ham Salad

INGREDIENTS:
1 (9-ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 cups diced ham
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 (4 ounce) jar marinated mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup chopped black olives
4 scallions (white and pale green parts), chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

[darlene]

How about just taking over a supply of paper plates/paper cups /serviettes/plastic cutlery?
Or how about some jugs of juice?

I always wonder about all the food that ends up being taken over....do they have a place to store it? Especially something that needs refridgeration.

[AnnW]

How about just taking over a supply of paper plates/paper cups /serviettes/plastic cutlery?
Or how about some jugs of juice?




great idea!!!

my list of suggestions is
offer to pick people up at airport (trying to arrange transportation was our biggest nightmare)
pick up dry cleaning
go to the store and get milk..the basics
help them call people to let them know arrangements
bring food a week after everyone has left, when everyone else has gone on with their lives and they are having to really face their grief.

[Melody]

So many great suggestions, thank you gals!!

I have the girls here with me now. I went to pick them up at a friends they spent the night with in the next town. I know the mom feels more comfortable with me having them here 'at home'. Which is what it's like here for them since they are here so much. lol I took them shopping for clothes since the one didn't have anything to wear with a skirt to the funeral. I think the other one has plenty of dresses in her closet so when dh comes home I will take her over and help her pick out a couple. If there isn't anything then I will take her shopping maybe at Walmart to get something. I am keeping the girls over night so the mom can have her time with her family since another brother is flying in this evening from out west. I think I have the oldest understanding why she should go to the funeral home (they don't want to go). So, just need to make food to bring tomorrow. I have the stuff for pasta salad and the stuff for Bev's sausage and rice dish. I'm leaning towards the salad with this heat. I will bring paper plates too! Great idea Darlene!
Thanks again ladies. :)

[Diane]

So many great suggestions, thank you gals!!

I have the girls here with me now. I went to pick them up at a friends they spent the night with in the next town. I know the mom feels more comfortable with me having them here 'at home'. Which is what it's like here for them since they are here so much. lol I took them shopping for clothes since the one didn't have anything to wear with a skirt to the funeral. I think the other one has plenty of dresses in her closet so when dh comes home I will take her over and help her pick out a couple. If there isn't anything then I will take her shopping maybe at Walmart to get something. I am keeping the girls over night so the mom can have her time with her family since another brother is flying in this evening from out west. I think I have the oldest understanding why she should go to the funeral home (they don't want to go). So, just need to make food to bring tomorrow. I have the stuff for pasta salad and the stuff for Bev's sausage and rice dish. I'm leaning towards the salad with this heat. I will bring paper plates too! Great idea Darlene!
Thanks again ladies. :)

They're so lucky to have you for a neighbor and friend, Melody. (((HUGS)))

[AnnW]

Mel, I know it's really not your decision, but why do they have to go to the funeral home? Can't they just go to the funeral? We didn't have a viewing for my mother (I personally feel it's barbaric) and I didn't let the kids go to my grandmother's. I can remember going to my grandmother's and was terrified. My brother and I still talk about how much it scared us.

[Diane]

Mel, I know it's really not your decision, but why do they have to go to the funeral home? Can't they just go to the funeral? We didn't have a viewing for my mother (I personally feel it's barbaric) and I didn't let the kids go to my grandmother's. I can remember going to my grandmother's and was terrified. My brother and I still talk about how much it scared us.

I agree that it's not for everyone. If they're not wanting to or don't feel comfortable going... they shouldn't be forced to do so. Hope everything goes well for everyone. :)