Our 1st Meal Provider Spotlight!

KELLI NAPOTNIK

A few years ago, we decided to share a series called Celebrity Meal Provider. It was a wonderful way to offer support and encouragement to readers by sharing first-hand meal ideas from well-known bloggers and influencers. This year, we are mixing things up. We think there's no greater inspiration and encouragement than what our readers have to share. Keep an eye out for future posts where we share first-hand experiences from YOU!

Today's first Meal Provider Spotlight is Rebecca Quintana. Rebecca recently took a meal using our site. She wrote back to us, sharing how wonderful it was to have an online meal schedule available. Rebecca mentioned how it enabled her to bless a friend who recently endured a harrowing hospital experience. Providing a meal for a loved one in crisis truly makes a seemingly small gesture a miracle!

I hope you enjoy hearing Rebecca describe in her own words how her experience went after she recently took a meal to her dear friend.

What is your go-to recipe when taking a meal to a friend?

After confirming any dietary restrictions or preferences, my go-to is lasagna. It is perfect for providing leftovers the next day and is easy to serve.

What do you send along with the recipe? Any sides or desserts?

I like to include a nice salad and a light-appropriate dessert. In the most recent case, I sent along jam-filled puff pastries I had made. What makes this dessert so wonderful is it's so easy to make and yet looks fancy! I simply unroll a package of puff pastry and cut it into 4" squares. Next, I spread softened cream cheese and top it off with a berry jam (blackberry or raspberry is nice). Finally, I bring up the alternate corners over the center and sprinkle the pastry with raw, coarse sugar. Bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes, until it is nicely browned. Cool and serve!

What containers do you use to take this meal?

My go-to containers that I like to use when transporting my meals are foil containers I pick up at Dollar Tree!

What inspires you to take meals to others?

I enjoy cooking! When a friend is in need of support through early recovery, I focus on cooking nutritious, home-cooked meals that help keep the appetite stimulated which is essential during recovery.

Any words of wisdom or tips to share with someone who is new to taking meals?

Go for it. You may think you aren't able to come up with anything. I have found that even just taking an extra plate of what you prepared that evening for your family can be a tremendous blessing! When someone is recovering or grieving, the last thing they want to do, or will do, is think about meals.

We couldn't agree more! Thank you Rebecca for sharing your experience with us!

Looking for a recipe similar to Rebecca's pastries? These Puff Pastry Jam Tarts (featured in the image above) would be a delightful addition to any meal!

#1: We love seeing the meals you're taking to others! So today, we're spotlighting a delicious 'senior meal' taken by Lynn. 🤍

#2: If you're taking a meal to a family with kiddos, pizza is always a safe option! Make it more fun by baking up homemade pizza and packaging it in one of these fun pizza boxes from Amazon.

#3: Looking for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with yummy food?!☘️ Give this easy and fun fruit board idea a try!

#4: An inexpensive way to dress up a meal is to use baskets or tea towels to carry items. Kelli recently made four loaves of sourdough bread and took three of them to my family and neighbors. See how she packaged them using a kitchen towel!

#5: Who doesn't appreciate a note that reminds them of how special and loved they are? Here are a few printables and notes we've recently been pinning on Pinterest!

photo credit: Cozy Cravings

Read other recent blog posts:

Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. A well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you.

You can find our popular You Are Loved spoons in our Gifts & Such store.