Re: My neighbor passed away today. Need food sugge... - Page 3

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

If you want to do something a littler later (or now), this casserole reheats up like it's made fresh. Everywhere I have taken it, they call and ask how to make it!

Noodle Bake

2 lbs. high quality ground beef

1 ½ tsp garlic

2 14.5 oz cans tomato sauce

1 12 oz pkg medium egg noodles

1 Tbsp butter, plus 2 Tbsp.

1 16 oz sour cream

1 lg softened cream cheese

Optional: 2 Tbsp. chives

In large skillet, brown and well drain ground beef.

Add tomato sauce, and garlic and simmer about 20 minutes .

Butter 3 qt casserole and place a side.

In bowl, mix sour cream and softened cream cheese.

(I use my hand mixer).

Hand stir chives in.

Cook egg noodles aldente with oil in the water to prevent clumping.

Drain and toss lightly with 2 tbsp butter.

In buttered 3 qt casserole layer:

1/2 of the noodles

1/2 of the cheese mixture

1/2 of the meat mixture.

Repeat layers in same order.

Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 min. Cheese may be covered to prevent browning.

May be made a day ahead, refrigerated and cooked for 1 hour.

nevergivesup · ‎04-24-2010

@Sage04 wrote:

@nevergivesup wrote:
@Starpolisher @That is very sweet of you. Would you consider taking an assortment of pastries? We have some great Italian bakeries in my area but any good bakery will do.Sometimes when people are upset and grieving, food can be a turnoff but a nice Danish pastry or muffin with a cup of tea goes down easier.

If I had lost my spouse I wouldn’t want to feel I had to feed visitors but maybe that is common in some areas. I just know I couldn’t handle it. Whatever you decide I am sure they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
@nevergivesup it's not about feeding people but at the same time some people might be stopping by after work so therefore they can have a bite. Maybe it's a "Southern thing" as @Drythe mentioned and I certainly agree. No matter what there is always something to eat. It's normal. It's always, "do you want something to eat"

I'm sure it's done in different parts of the Country also.

Oh yes, it is definitely done here in the northeast. I’ve been to many a spread after an Irish or Italian wake and my Jewish friends sit shiva, a period of mourning, where folks may drop by their home and visit and often offer food. I was just expressing my own feelings as a very private person who wouldn’t be able to or want to do that if I lost my spouse.

I hope I didn’t sound critical. I certainly didn’t mean it that way. I just remember when I had breast cancer in my forties we were given so many casseroles etc by my incredibly kind neighbors and I would never want them to know but most of it got thrown out. I was sick, my immediate family were worried and upset and just weren’t up for it. What I do remember is my sweet neighbor coming over when I was at my lowest and washing my hair in the kitchen sink and making me somewhat presentable before driving me to a doctor’s appointment.

Anyway, it’s all good when it comes from the heart as I’m sure @Starpolisher intends and her friends will appreciate whatever she does.

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@nevergivesup wrote:

@Sage04 wrote:

@nevergivesup wrote:
@Starpolisher @That is very sweet of you. Would you consider taking an assortment of pastries? We have some great Italian bakeries in my area but any good bakery will do.Sometimes when people are upset and grieving, food can be a turnoff but a nice Danish pastry or muffin with a cup of tea goes down easier.

If I had lost my spouse I wouldn’t want to feel I had to feed visitors but maybe that is common in some areas. I just know I couldn’t handle it. Whatever you decide I am sure they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
@nevergivesup it's not about feeding people but at the same time some people might be stopping by after work so therefore they can have a bite. Maybe it's a "Southern thing" as @Drythe mentioned and I certainly agree. No matter what there is always something to eat. It's normal. It's always, "do you want something to eat"

I'm sure it's done in different parts of the Country also.
Oh yes, it is definitely done here in the northeast. I’ve been to many a spread after an Irish or Italian wake and my Jewish friends sit shiva, a period of mourning, where folks may drop by their home and visit and often offer food. I was just expressing my own feelings as a very private person who wouldn’t be able to or want to do that if I lost my spouse.

I hope I didn’t sound critical. I certainly didn’t mean it that way. I just remember when I had breast cancer in my forties we were given so many casseroles etc by my incredibly kind neighbors and I would never want them to know but most of it got thrown out. I was sick, my immediate family were worried and upset and just weren’t up for it. What I do remember is my sweet neighbor coming over when I was at my lowest and washing my hair in the kitchen sink and making me somewhat presentable before driving me to a doctor’s appointment.

Anyway, it’s all good when it comes from the heart as I’m sure @Starpolisher intends and her friends will appreciate whatever she does.

@nevergivesup oh no, I never took it that way. Reading this Post brought tears to my eyes. So happy you had good people around you.

How are you doing now?

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@ECBG wrote:
If you want to do something a littler later (or now), this casserole reheats up like it's made fresh. Everywhere I have taken it, they call and ask how to make it!

Noodle Bake

2 lbs. high quality ground beef
1 ½ tsp garlic
2 14.5 oz cans tomato sauce
1 12 oz pkg medium egg noodles
1 Tbsp butter, plus 2 Tbsp.
1 16 oz sour cream
1 lg softened cream cheese
Optional: 2 Tbsp. chives

In large skillet, brown and well drain ground beef.
Add tomato sauce, and garlic and simmer about 20 minutes .

Butter 3 qt casserole and place a side.

In bowl, mix sour cream and softened cream cheese.
(I use my hand mixer).
Hand stir chives in.

Cook egg noodles aldente with oil in the water to prevent clumping.
Drain and toss lightly with 2 tbsp butter.

In buttered 3 qt casserole layer:

1/2 of the noodles
1/2 of the cheese mixture
1/2 of the meat mixture.

Repeat layers in same order.

Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 min. Cheese may be covered to prevent browning.
May be made a day ahead, refrigerated and cooked for 1 hour.

@ECBG I understand what you are saying but at a time like this no one wants to be cooking. I certainly wouldn't especially if it's close friend or family.

This is similiar to what we do on a Sunday for family dinner

CAcableGirl2 · ‎06-03-2010

@Starpolisher I'm sorry to hear about your neighbor and how difficult for her family dealing with cancer for the daughter at the same time.

How willing you are to help this family speaks volumes about how great a neighbor she was.

You can always ask them what they need, sometimes it might be to help straighten up the house, do some laundry, clean up the kitchen after visitors are gone, be there to help when visitors are there (keep the coffee brewing, food out, dishes cleared, etc.) run some errands, pick up a few groceries, call friends of theirs to help share the news, or similar.

A tray of sandwiches is always nice with some chips or fruit salad. I would do something not too big and overwhelming since the visitors shouldn't be expecting to be fed and a snack would be sufficient. I would bring food a few times during the first week (even if just cookies or vegetable tray for the visitors) and then bringing them (husband and daughter) food once all the services are over and the visitors has started to slow down.

Subway, Costco, Sams Club or even your local grocery store probably has an assortment of 1/2 sandwiches under their catering options for when they have visitors, fried chicken is always a good option too. Once the visitors have dwindled down, it would be good to just take a few plates over of whatever you are cooking for dinner for your own family so they don't have to plan dinners.

You are a good friend and neighbor.

......You look like I need a drink.....

nevergivesup · ‎04-24-2010

@Sage04 Oh thank you for asking. Cancer has been in my rear view mirror for almost 23 years now and I’m incredibly grateful. At the time I wasn’t given an overly optimistic prognosis but I’m still here and have never taken my good fortune for granted. All the best to you and yours.

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

I wouldn't make sandwiches as they aren't as fresh as when you make them and no to any kind of platter because then they have to find room for a platter in the fridge.

What was a big help for us once was roasted chickens from a grocery store and a bag of soft rolls. I've since done that for others because of what a help it was for us.

The family can eat the chicken as a hot dinner with their own veggies/rice/whatever, or add chunks to a salad to make it hearty. They can slice off pieces and make sandwiches for guests. It can also be frozen and eaten at a later time, can't do that with sandwiches.

I took a couple of boxed bakery goods from Whole Foods across the street when my elderly neighbor lost her husband a few years ago.

She had lots of family close by and I know they didn't expect her to cook for them, but she was able to offer them eclairs, cream puffs, cannoli, and cookies which she told me over and over again how much she enjoyed them.

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@nevergivesup wrote:
@Sage04 Oh thank you for asking. Cancer has been in my rear view mirror for almost 23 years now and I’m incredibly grateful. At the time I wasn’t given an overly optimistic prognosis but I’m still here and have never taken my good fortune for granted. All the best to you and yours.

@nevergivesup 23 years? Wow!! Keep on going on. I love this.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

@Starpolisher - When my closest friend's mother died I went to BJ's and bought a whole lot of salad plates, dinner plates bowls, cups, napkins, and silverware. She really appreciated it. It was during quarantine, but people were still in and out, and they had a small family and close friends service.

I figured they would get a lot of food as they live in a close neighborhood, and they did.

You have a lot of good suggestions here. I'm sure whatever you do will be so appreciated.

@ECBG - Your noodle bake sounds yummy. I'll have to try it!

Duckncover · ‎07-16-2021

I usually take a Honeybaked ham if there has been a death or someone is recovering from surgery....a small one or a large, depending upon how many people may need to be fed....it can be served hot or cold, make sandwiches or even heated up to serve on biscuits for breakfast. Always popular. You are a good neighbor and I am sure her husband and daughter will appreciate anything you take or send.