It can be hard to know what to do or how to help when a loved one is sick or hurting. One thing that can help is to make some meals that can be frozen and brought out and reheated when needed. I still find this extremely helpful a year after having a baby, but it was critical to helping me eat nutritious meals to get back on my feet quickly in those first few days and weeks after the labor and delivery!
Here is one great make and freeze meal. It is designed to be soft and easy to eat, without strong flavors. But you could add flavor by including scallions with the sauted mushrooms, and poultry spices and curry when mixing the casserole together. If texture is not an issue, you could also crumble Ritz crackers for the topping.
Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms:
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2c white rice
- 2T butter
- 1 8oz package of sliced mushrooms
- Can of cream of mushroom soup
- 4oz tub of sour cream
- Poach the chicken breasts in boiling water. When they are fully cooked, remove. Allow to cool and then shred.
- Cook the rice according to the directions.
- Meanwhile, saute the mushrooms in butter.
- Add rice and chicken to sauted mushrooms. Stir in can of soup and sour cream. Add seasonings if desired.
- Transfer to a freezer and oven-safe container. I think
these from Hefty are great, because they can be tossed after the meal is eaten - no washing or storage of the pan.
- Cover with foil. Freeze.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge for a day. Then cook in a 350-degree oven for an hour or until hot throughout. Remember to put a post-it note with instructions on the top of the container so the recipient will know how to enjoy your meal!
