Drop-Off Meals for New Parents

The blurry newborn days can be blissful, stressful, challenging and joyful. Sometimes they can be all of those things in one day. One thing’s for sure – you will want to spend those days taking care of your baby and yourself and not worrying about what’s for dinner.

This is where family, friends and neighbors can help. When they ask, “What can I do? Can I bring over dinner?” say yes. People so often want to help and support new moms and dads but don’t always know how. When help is offered, take it. Letting them help with the laundry, watch your other children or bring a meal will make them feel happy to help and take something off your plate in those first days with your newborn.

Those who have already been through those newborn days know what new parents may need. Think back to what you would have loved for a friend to bring to your doorstep. What meal would you have loved? Maybe it’s a casserole. Maybe it’s a bag of goodies from Trader Joe’s.

One thing to remember – though some parents want a little company or someone to talk to, others need space in those early baby days. For many families, it takes a bit to figure out a new normal, including getting into a routine and figuring out a schedule. That can be difficult to do with a revolving door of well-meaning friends and family dropping by. So, sending a text that dinner is on the doorstep is just fine!

Casseroles and lasagnas are great! But new parents will also love something a little different. Bring this sheet-pan dinner over in a disposable aluminum pan so parents don’t have to worry about washing and returning a dish afterward.

Sheet Pan Fajitas

Serves 4-6

• 1 red, 1 green and 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• On the side: Small flour tortillas, sour cream, sliced avocado, salsa, shredded cheese

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread sliced peppers and onions evenly on baking sheet.
2. In a bowl, combine chicken with garlic, olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Toss chicken and vegetables together. Squeeze with lime juice and sprinkle with cilantro.

Note: Drop off these fajitas to new parents along with a package of tortillas and toppings like avocado, salsa, sour cream and cheese.

Sandwiches may seem too simple to give, but don’t discount them! These oven-baked sandwiches make a great lunch, dinner or snack. They can be eaten with one hand while holding the baby and can be eaten warm or cold. Bring this to new parents along with some sliced fruit.

Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 24 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
• 1 pound thinly sliced cooked deli ham
• 1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and poppy seeds in a bowl.
3. Take the tops off the rolls, and place roll bottoms in baking dish. Layer with half the ham, half the cheese, then the other half of ham and cheese. Top with Hawaiian roll tops.
4. Brush butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Bake until lightly browned and the cheese has melted, about 20 minutes.

If you’re offended by canned cream soups, avert your eyes. Sometimes nothing beats a comfort food casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken to cut down the cooking time.

Chicken Noodle Casserole

• 1 can (about 10 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 6 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained

1. In a large bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Stir in the chicken, onion, peppers, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Add noodles and toss to coat.
2. Pour mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes longer.

Note: If the new parents have already been gifted plenty of food, you can make and freeze this casserole. Drop off the frozen casserole with this baking note: Partially thaw frozen casserole in refrigerator overnight. Place on countertop while preheating oven to 350 degrees. Bake 45 minutes or until center of casserole reaches 165 degrees. You may need to bake longer until fully warmed through.

It’s not just dinner that new parents need. Breakfast and snacks are also much appreciated.

Coffee Cake Muffins

Make about 15 muffins

Streusel:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Muffins:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine streusel toppings until crumbly. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until well combined. Mix in milk and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder and salt, mixing just until combined.
3. Line a muffin pan with paper baking cups. Fill each ¼ full with batter. Drop 1 tablespoon streusel into center of each muffin cup, then cover with batter. Sprinkle each with the remaining streusel. Bake about 20 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Natalie Mikles is a mom of three. She writes about food, sharing recipes for busy families and picky eaters. She has been recognized for her food columns as well as features on families and issues affecting local children. She loves pizza and movie nights with her family.