We all have people in our lives that we can bless with a homemade meal now and again: friends or family who are under the weather, who have lost a job, who have just had a baby, who are suffering from a long term illness, who are grieving the loss of a loved one, or who have simply had a really bad day. Whatever the reason, delivering a meal to that person or family can be a tremendous source of comfort and support.

There are several online sites, such as FoodTidings.com, that make organizing a meal schedule for someone a cinch. Inspired2cook is actually being featured at Food Tidings today so you should go check them out. They are an incredible resource for organizing meal schedules!

I’ve led and/or have been part of meal ministries for about ten years now so I’ve learned a few things along the way. First of all, I strive to make healthful meals with fresh ingredients, and I always deliver the food in disposable or reusable containers that don’t need to be returned to me. I also like to ask the meal recipient for very specific food likes, dislikes and allergies. There’s nothing worse than taking a pot roast to a vegetarian. That happened to me once…no joke!  B-U-M-M-E-R! Now I press people for ULTRA specific information.  

Here’s a few favorite types of meals that I like to make when I’m delivering a meal to someone. Unless I’m dropping off a hot meal, I try to choose recipes that will still look appetizing after being refrigerated for several hours and still be delicious when reheated. And, I almost always make double the amount so my family can eat the same meal for dinner that night, too.

I hope you’ll find some new recipes on my site and come back to Inspired2cook often. You can even sign up to receive email updates. I try to post new recipes 2-3 times a week. Happy cooking!

 Chicken Noodle Soup

  Pasta, Sausage and Bean Soup

  Shoyu Chicken
 
 Quick Turkey Enchiladas

 Roast Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar and Sage

 Real Sloppy Joes

 Chile Mac

Tags: Chicken Noodle Soup, Chile Mac, FoodTidings.com, meal ministry, Pasta Sausage and Bean Soup, Quick Turkey Enchiladas, Real Sloppy Joes, Recipes, Roast Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar and Sage, Shoyu Chicken

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Welcome!! I’m happy to be joining the Ultimate Blog Party 2010 hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. I’m really looking forward to meeting new bloggers and readers!

I love cooking and entertaining! My goal with this blog is to help you bless your family and friends with good, homemade food. I hope you leave here inspired to get in the kitchen and cook!

Thanks for visiting…I hope you’ll be back soon!

The prizes I’d love are: US39, INT2, US76, US11, US95, US31, US32, US73, US74, US6…or any of the Amazon.com, Target or jewelery gift certificates.

Tags: inspired2cook, Recipes, ultimate blog party

Whether you’re a Thanksgiving novice or an old pro, it’s always nice to have a few new recipes to inspire you for this traditional feast. Here’s a few cookbooks that have helped me:

Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers

Thanksgiving 101 is a practical guide to creating this iconic meal. Cooking teacher and author Rick Rodgers (also known as “Mr. Thanksgiving”) has put together a collection of his favorite traditional recipes, organizational tips and menus. No photos.

Williams-Sonoma Thanksgiving Entertaining

This complete Thanksgiving guide is sure to inspire you with it’s beautiful color photographs, recipes, menus, and detailed work plans to help you get organized. Also included are ideas and step-by-step instructions for decorating your home and table.

The Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan

Oregon cookbook author and cooking teacher Diane Morgan has filled this cookbook with delicious recipes, menus, pretty photos, and organizational tips to help you create a memorable Thanksgiving meal.

Tags: cookbooks, menus, Recipes, table decorations, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers, The Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan, Williams-Sonoma Thanksgiving Entertaining