There seems to have been an uptick in new babies around our world lately. I always jump at the opportunity to bring someone dinner that has a new baby at home. It is so fun to put together a gift meal for someone, knowing/hoping that it will be just the thing to make their day go a little easier. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a new baby, it could be any reason – a kitchen under construction, a recent move, a loss, an elderly neighbor, teachers or just someone that needs a lift. 
There are many components that need to work for it to be successful. I follow these rules : Freezer Freindly : I love to stock someone else’s freezer, because I love stocking my own. I think it is really utilized by most. I always let them know that they can throw it in the freezer if they already have dinner plans that night. Single Portion Options : When you are a new mom at home, being able to eat lunch with a fork from the refrigerator is nice. I make sure it is an easy thing to make/reheat in individual portions. Assembly Required : I’m not a big fan of casseroles… I’m not really sure what is in it and they usually aren’t that healthy or light. I love meals that can be put together and customized (build your own tacos that can also become a salad or a bowl… or nachos, for example). Dessert : Of course, don’t forget dessert!
Wrapping Paper, Ribbons & Tags, here.
Spaghetti & Meatballs Gift Since our favorite comfort meal around here is Spaghetti & Meatballs, this is often my go-to meal to give. I think it works because they can freeze the meatballs and just get them out as needed (like we do at home). If they are going light on the gluten, they can do meatballs and sauce with a salad. If they are doing no meat, they can do a salad and pasta with red sauce. Lots of combinations to suit a hungry, diverse family. I included :
- Meatballs : (about 8 so they have extra to freeze), I put them in a large Plastic Container
- Tomato Sauce : (I made one batch and split into two medium containers, one to eat, one to freeze)
- Spaghetti : Precooked. I want to make sure she can easily make it for herself without turning on the stove. Not freezable, but that’s ok.
- Salad : Always a good idea to include something fresh. This also makes a good light lunch option, too.
- Homemade Vinaigrette : Always better than the bottle. I made it right in the small container and shook it up. I’ll share recipe in a separate post.
- Baguette
- Salted Caramel Brownies packaged in a Large Cello Bag
I labeled everything with a sharpie so they would know what’s inside.
In the cooler months, I turn to Braised Beef & Vegetable Stew. During the summer, I like to give Tessa’s Tacos (braised brown sugar beef) + Guac, Pico and Mango Slaw. 
I used all of my cute To-Go Packaging to make it look like it was just picked up from a cute bistro down the street. Supplies Used : Kraft To-Go Boxes (with condiment containers included) Plastic Kitchen Containers Baking Basket (for Brownies) Wrapping Paper, Ribbons & Tags Tote Bag (I used a brown Kraft bag, but a tote back makes a really nice secondary gift) Shop all Kitchen Essentials, here >