TakeThemAMeal.com Blog

Dairy Free Chicken Coconut Curry Soup

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:00:00 -0400

This chicken curry soup is a great way to switch up some flavors if you're looking for something new. Chicken, vegetables, coconut milk and curry powder make it a meal that's filling and easy to like, even if you have people at your table who are a little picky.

Since the recipe calls for just soy milk and coconut milk (which aren't really "milk" at all), this is also a great option for someone who is on a dairy free diet. The soy and coconut milks still give a great creaminess and subtle richness that brings out the best in the other flavors. Switch the chicken and chicken stock to tofu and vegetable stock and this can easily be a vegan meal, too!

This soup is great on its own, as a side to a larger dish, or served over brown rice to fill out the meal.

In a medium stock pot, saute the onions, carrots and celery. Add the stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

In another skillet or pan on medium-high heat, cook the chicken in a little oil until browned on both sides (5-7 minutes per side). Cut into pieces and add to the broth.

Next, add the cauliflower and broccoli, and the curry powder. Simmer until the vegetables are just tender, then add the soy milk and coconut milk. Add cayenne and salt to taste, then simmer on low for 15-20 minutes (don't let it come to a full boil during that time).

Serve to hungry friends and family!

Chicken Coconut Curry Soup (from Dairy Free Cooking)

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

2 cups chicken broth
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced into long pieces and then chopped
1 T. oil
2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup broccoli florets
2 1/2 T. curry powder
1 1/3 cup plain soymilk
1 can coconut milk
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. salt

Directions:

In a medium stock pot, saute the onions, carrots and celery.
Add the stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
In another skillet or pan on medium-high heat, cook the chicken in a little oil until browned on both sides (5-7 minutes per side). Cut into pieces and add to the broth.
Add the cauliflower and broccoli, and the curry powder.
Simmer until the vegetables are just tender, then add the soy milk and coconut milk.
Add cayenne and salt to taste, then simmer on low for 15-20 minutes (don't let it come to a full boil during that time).
Serve to hungry friends and family!

For You with Love.... From, Many

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:00:00 -0400

We are so thankful that Kate Kelty is a regular contributor to our blog. She shares beautifully and honestly from her life experiences. We know you will find Kate's words encouraging.
-Adina Bailey, Co-founder of TakeThemAMeal.com

I love food. I love every silky, creamy, crunchy, gooey, nurturing morsel. But perhaps I love food the most when my hands are not the ones that prepared it. We joke in my family that even a turkey sandwich tastes better when mom makes it for us.

There have been many months in my life where meals were prepared for me. Some of these meals stand out as simply wonderful memories- sitting down to savor dinner without dirty pots and pans demanding my attention from the kitchen. Some of these meals were devoured while bouncing a newborn, crying baby. But the meals that were the most appreciated, the ones that arrived with the most love, came when there was no baby to bounce at all. Our first baby died, and these meals and the hands that delivered them were truly divine.

A few weeks ago I was making a grocery list, tired of the same old recipes I always use, and I remembered a meal we received way back during the dark days that was simply scrumptious. The problem was that I didn't know the kind soul that delivered the meal, and therefore I could not retrieve the recipe. The thought then came that I wish I had all the recipes and meals that came during this season. From that thought came an idea- an idea that perhaps you could use the next time you are coordinating meals for someone you love.

Purchase a blank recipe book. Take or send this book to the meal recipient before the first meal is delivered. Ask those signing up on the meal schedule to simply copy or print their recipes and to include them when they take the meal. The recipient can then insert the recipes into the book.

Now this person has a complete compilation of all the meals that were made during their season of need, however joyous or painful that season may be. But they also have a record- a record of the love, tenderness and faithfulness of the people that invested the time and energy to love and serve them. Think about the continual love and comfort that can provide, long after the meal is over.

You can find recipe books at many locations. Photo albums that hold 4x6 photos will work as well. You can buy a plain, 8 1/2 x 11 binder and make it a recipe binder by adding pages like these.

Below is a recipe card we've designed for you to print, if you would like to create your own recipe book for a friend.

click here to download this recipe card

click here to download the recipe book cover

Creating a Memory Scrapbook

Mon, 13 May 2013 06:00:00 -0400

My friend, Rachel, not only inspired us to create TakeThemAMeal.com, she has been a constant friend, and has modeled graceful hospitality to me for many years. Rachel and her family are super creative, so I cannot wait to share her ideas with you through the TakeThemAMeal.com blog.
-Adina Bailey, Co-founder of TakeThemAMeal.com

My mother turned 70 this year. Seventy years of faithful service to her Lord and family. In honor of this milestone, my sisters and I decided to give her a memory scrapbook. Each of us, children and grandchildren, created a separate page of pictures, artwork, poetry, and memories � whatever we wanted to include to show our love and appreciation for Mom / Grandma. We compiled the pages into one scrapbook and presented the finished project to her last evening.

She was completely surprised, delighted, and, I believe, touched by the love and care that went into creating such a special gift for her. It was wonderful to see individual personalities shine through in the way the pages were created. Twenty-three pages of memories for Mom to treasure.

We love you, Mom / Grandma!

Here's a sampling of a few of the pages.

Handwritten letter and poem

A family tree and a chronicle of 70 memories

Grandchildren's artwork and handwritten notes about good times at Grandma's house

A sweet hand print from a granddaughter and words of thanks from a daughter and son-in-law

Colorful painting and kindergarten handwriting from grandsons

On the inside of the back cover we included a record of all our full names and birth dates from the oldest to the very youngest.

We all signed our names on the front page and tucked a letter that my daughter wrote into an envelope mounted inside the front cover.

Here is the story letter written by Allison, age 12:

Thank you, Lord for my wonderful mother!! Bless her "real good" this year!

Help Bring Wilson Home

Adina Bailey — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:00:00 -0400

Our family is fortunate to be friends with many families who have chosen to adopt, and I have had the opportunity to babysit, teach, and take these families meals over the years. (Families who adopt an infant or an older child definitely appreciate meals during the weeks when they welcome a new child into their home, so don't forget to think of them when you are considering who could use some meals.)

The purpose of this post is to introduce you to my inspiring friends, Molly and Jeff, who are in the process of adopting "Wilson" from an orphanage in Eastern Europe. Wilson is a sweet, 6 year old boy with Down Syndrome and a significant heart condition requiring a pacemaker. Due to his age, he will soon be moved from his orphanage to a mental institution, so our friends are trying to move ahead with the adoption as quickly as possible to prevent this transition. Molly has a background in special education, and her heart has been drawn to this little boy.

As you know, the cost of adoption is very high, so Molly and Jeff are trying to raise the necessary funds for Wilson's adoption. You can read more about their story here. I know they would be appreciative of financial gifts of any size as they are working to bring Wilson home.

Click here to read more and provide a financial gift to help bring Wilson home.

Who do I cook for?

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:00:00 -0400

We are thrilled that Janelle Nehrenz, author of Comfy in the Kitchen, is a monthly contributor to our blog. Janelle loves taking meals and encouraging others to take meals as well.
-Adina Bailey, Co-founder of TakeThemAMeal.com

The other day I received an e-mail asking me: "Janelle, who do you cook for?"

It's funny....but I just sat there thinking "Who DO I cook for?" I mean, I don't have a specific plan....organization....or often times a real purpose.

Who do I cook for?

Then, I started to day dream about the meals I've made, the places I've taken them, the people in need and the situations they were all in... So....here's a peak into my world and who I've cooked for:

My family. Of course, this is my first ministry. My immediate family and my extended family get my love first . We've made a lot of great memories around that dinning room table.
Friends. Coming together in fellowship is so important....it's nice to have an open home and a meal for friends.
Our Adult Bible Fellowship. Bringing in breakfast treats on Sunday mornings.
Bible Studies. There is comfort in the fellowship and gathering around the table with snacks. It's a blessing.
The man with Multiple Sclerosis. He was a married businessman at one time, but lost it all....his wife, job, and most saddening.... his ability to walk or feel anything from the waist down. He ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day, 3 meals a day. The bread could be frozen and the peanut butter and jelly stayed for a while....going grocery shopping was not easy and couldn't be done on his own. Cooking was also difficult. My heart broke for him and so I made and took him dinner for a year.
The man with Muscular Dystrophy. He wears a constant smile even though his body is breaking down. His mom lives with him and he cares for her.....she had a heart attack, but was able to come home. Surely they deserved some wedding soup.
The widower. He lost the love of his life after 50 years of marriage. She always cooked amazing meals and he really missed that. Something comforting about a home cooked meal. I couldn't replace her cooking, but I could spare a warm plate of food to remind him of God's love.
Many new moms. What a miraculous time in life! But, it is also stressful....sleepless nights, nursing, uncomfortably juggling new responsibilities. Not having to worry about dinner time is just so helpful.
The countless people who've had surgeries or are struggling with a chronic illness. I can't imagine how hard it is to add hospital visits, the weight of health issues, and extra needed time to a normal busy schedule. Dinner delivered is a blessing.
The family who's father/husband was in a car accident. They were trying to make life as normal as they could while he healed.....Mom was tired. This was a huge help.
The New Members/Guests at church. It is a HUGE blessing to cook for the new families and get to know them over lunch.
Special events {Beautified Banquet} � When there's an opportunity to serve, I am on it.
Neighbors. I've been known to randomly knock on a door or two with dessert in hand.... they are kind enough to put up with my outdoor cat in their bushes, lol-they deserve a treat every now and again!!! Have I told you ladies how blessed we are with our neighbors? Seriously....we are surrounded by awesome families. It's been an amazing 8 years here.
Clients. My husband and I appreciate the business our clients give us. They are a tremendous blessing and what bring in money for our livelihood and my ministry.
Children. The kids on the baseball team, school, football, at school, and in the neighborhood. I want to be "that mom".

{If I am making a meal for a family, I try to add an additional kid friendly meal....
This meal is sure to bring a smile!}

I feel as though I could go on and on remembering who I cook for, when, for what reason, etc. It's a small ministry in comparison to others, but it's what I feel called to do....what a blessing.

I pray that you too will be branches, reaching out to those around you. A homemade meal is a huge comfort to those who are in a weary place in life.

So many of you have e-mailed me with amazing stories on how you've started your own meal ministries-peronally and for your churches and organizations! It's been so encouraging and has strengthens MY faith when I read these endearing letters. Thank you for taking torch!

For those of you reading today, I'd love to hear who YOU cook for!

A HUGE Thank you to Take Them a Meal for being the website I've used on many occasions for these very meal ministries. What a blessing it is to be a contributor to an organization after my own heart. Much love to you!

Kale and Mushroom Frittata, Dairy Free and Vegetarian

Todd Van Patter — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0400

This is a simple skillet meal that is delicious and easy to make. It's similar to a quiche, but since it doesn't have dairy it's a great option for dairy-free diets or anyone looking for a little less fat in the meal.

We also liked this Frittata because of all the potential for creativity. Many different vegetables would work just as well as the kale that we used: feel free to substitute broccoli for the greens, or add some potatoes or peppers to bring even more flavors. If you don't have shallots, some well- caramelized onions would do great in their place, and we actually added a couple cloves of minced garlic when we made it to boost the flavor even more. This would be a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge.

As a bonus, you only need one pan to cook it all up! Our favorite kind of pan for this kind of cooking (start on the stove, end in the oven) is cast iron, but an all-steel, aluminum or other oven-safe pan could work as well.

Have fun!

Preheat oven to 350. Wash, chop and steam kale for 20 minutes (this can be done up to 2 days in advance and kept in the fridge).

Slice mushrooms and shallots.

Put a little olive oil in an oven-proof skillet and saute shallots until soft and golden. Add mushrooms and cook until the moisture evaporates. Add kale to pan and mix everything together.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs. Pour eggs into pan and cook on medium heat until edges are firm.

Put pan in oven until the middle is firm (times will vary, but about 5 minutes or so). Switch oven to broil and put under broiler for about 90 seconds, just until brown and crisp.

Serve warm or at room temp.

Kale and Mushroom Frittata (Dairy Free and Vegetarian)

Ingredients:

1/2 a bunch of kale or spinach (3-4 cups, chopped)
one 8 oz container of button or cremini (baby bella) mushrooms
3 large shallots
8 eggs

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350.
Wash, chop and steam kale for 20 minutes (this can be done up to 2 days in advance and kept in the fridge).
Slice mushrooms and shallots.
Put a little olive oil in an oven-proof skillet and saute shallots until soft and golden.
Add mushrooms and cook until the moisture evaporates.
Add kale to pan and mix everything together.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs.
Pour eggs into pan and cook on medium heat until edges are firm.
Put pan in oven until the middle is firm (times will vary, but about 5 minutes or so).
Switch oven to broil and put under broiler for about 90 seconds, just until brown and crisp.
Serve warm or at room temp.

Dairy Free and Gluten Free Chunky Monkey Cookies

Todd Van Patter — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0400

We really enjoyed these cookies - they're a lot of fun! Definitely pretty different from your standard cookie in terms of ingredients, but they hold their own against any of your favorite treats. They also come with a lot of credentials - gluten-free, wheat-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, vegan - so they're a great option for a variety of special diets.

Use ripe or overripe bananas for best results - they'll mash better, and more importantly they'll lend a little more sweetness than under-ripe fruit would.

We think you'll enjoy these little treats a lot!

Preheat oven to 350 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mash together the bananas, almond/peanut butter, maple syrup, ground flaxseed and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine the rice flour, coconut, nuts, baking soda, and salt.

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry, then add the cacao nibs.

Drop in heaping tablespoons onto the baking sheets, and flatten to about 1/2 inch thick (they won't spread much on their own).

Bake for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely, and store in an airtight container

Chunky Monkey Cookies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

2 medium bananas, mashed well (about 2/3 cup mashed)
1/4 cup creamy raw almond butter or creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown or white rice flour (if you are not cooking gluten free and don't have rice flour on hand, whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour works well too)
2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup raw walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts, finely chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup cacao nibs (or raisins or dairy free dark chocolate chips- Enjoy Life, Chocolate Dream, Scharffenberger all make dairy free chocolate)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mash together the bananas, almond/peanut butter, maple syrup, ground flaxseed and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine the rice flour, coconut, nuts, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry, then add the cacao nibs.
Drop in heaping tablespoons onto the baking sheets, and flatten to about 1/2 inch thick (they won't spread much on their own).
Bake for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool completely, and store in an airtight container � if there are any left!

Adapted from this recipe.

Box of Sunshine

Adina Bailey — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0400

One of our friends recently lost her job, so we decided to make her a "Box of Sunshine" filled with fun and practical items. We had a great time shopping for anything yellow and putting it together in a box!

You can print a pre-made label for your box here.

Do you know someone who could use a "Box of Sunshine" today? Here's a list of items that often come in yellow to inspire you as you begin to create your box:

Candles
Socks
Kitchen towels
Wet Ones
Celestial Seasonings Chamomile Tea
Bubbles
Packet of Sunflower Seeds for Planting
Flower pots
Hand soap
Hand lotion
Gatorade
Note cards
Pens/Pencils
Raisinets

My family is planning to create more "Boxes of Sunshine". What other items could we add to our list?

14 "Little Things" To Help a Grieving Friend

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0400

We are so thankful that Kate Kelty will be a regular contributor to our blog. She shares beautifully and honestly from her life experiences. We know you will find Kate's words encouraging.
-Adina Bailey, Co-founder of TakeThemAMeal.com

It is strange to say, but the sweetest and richest I have ever known love is in grief. The pain invites the compassion and comfort of others, and this love honestly has rescued me time and time again. Reaching out to those in sorrow or crisis can feel overwhelming, possibly even intimidating. What do I say... what do I do?

This year in my grief, love came in little ways. Each gift and gesture was like a candle lighting a path for me to be able to make it one step at a time through the dark path of grief ahead. Anniversary grief is brutal. I think in the beginning I just assumed that after eight years, the pain would lessen and that I would be immune to the agony of her absence. Not so. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for the kind souls that know me, know my pain, mark their calendars and shed light and love on the darkness we trudge through each February, each birthday without Anna.

I thought I would share with you some of the simple ways love came to me this year:

An email from a friend I haven't seen in years on the morning of my daughter's birthday.
A Starbucks gift card in the mail from a friend who lives out of town.
Brightly colored flowers from the four year old son of a dear friend.
A beautiful letter from my wonderful mother.
Homemade chocolate chip cookies.
A birthday card in honor of Anna from a family in our new church.
A box of chocolate dipped fruit from a mom friend from school.
A beautiful picture of a rose drawn by my niece in honor of my Anna Rose.
A homemade rose bud necklace from a new friend.
A picture and letter from my oldest son.
A homemade CD filled with beautiful music.
A new book for our children sent in the mail from a dear friend.
A delicious meal- the completely homemade, really nurturing kind.
And my sister bought a new pink sweater to wear on Anna's birthday, to remember and honor her all day long.

All these little things, they all say, "We remember her and we remember you."

This was a season of grief, but it certainly has been full of love. So thank you to those of you who hugged me tight with your little gestures.

Who in your life could be blessed by your "little things" in the coming days and months? What gesture of love might you offer to shine light into someone's darkness?

DIY Felt Quiet Books for Children

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:00:00 -0400

I want to introduce you to someone who is very dear to me. My friend, Rachel, not only inspired us to create TakeThemAMeal.com, she has been a constant friend, and has modeled graceful hospitality to me for many years. Rachel and her family are super creative, so I cannot wait to share her ideas with you through the TakeThemAMeal.com blog.
-Adina Bailey, Co-founder of TakeThemAMeal.com

"Mom, May I make a Quiet Book for Carmen?" These words came from my 12-year-old daughter, Allison, who just loves making things, and became inspired from perusing Pinterest for Quiet Book ideas.

"Sure! That would be great," says I. And so began the project you see here before you. As I wrote in my post on keeping my three-year old occupied during school time, I can use all the help I can get in finding engaging activities for her. And this one is a good one for church, too.

Allison soon got busy snipping felt into quite an array of shapes and sizes and hand stitching them into all these fantastic pages known as a "Quiet Book." I had nothing to do with this other than offering her some advice and feedback at various points along the way. She's very motivated when it comes to completing a craft project. This took up most of her spare time for five days, and here is the result:

A shapes match-up page

A plate with a fork, spoon, and cup attached. This one's for breakfast,

and here's lunch and dinner!

A Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head.

A cupcake page with every kind of topping imaginable.

A little girl with yarn hair to clip bows on to.

Number flower petals

More flowers with petals that button on to the stems

And a barn with nifty little finger puppets tucked inside.

I think you'll agree that she's becoming quite an accomplished little crafter!