One of my best friends just had a baby over the weekend, and I’m completely obsessed and in love with her new little guy. I have a handful of friends with babies, and of course Evan and I have a 3 and a half year old nephew that we’re crazy about, but this is first time I’ve been right there with a close close friend, and watched her transition from the girl I met the first day of college, to a hardworking professional business woman, a wife, a pregnant lady, and finally to a mom. It’s insane, and I have so much respect and love for her right now that I want to cry. Are sympathy hormones a thing?I’ve been thinking of ways I can help her and her husband survive their first few weeks home with the babe, and obviously food is a big one. I think the standard go-to is to bring freezer meals, like casseroles (which I’m not knocking, because hello, cheesy deliciousness), but then I did a little research, and loved this idea and these ideas.
I’m no expert (and I’m not a mom… and have very little baby experience... this new guy is the youngest baby I've ever held!), so obviously I can’t give the “this worked for me” stamp of approval, but how amazing does it sound to have a fridge full of fresh, healthy salad-y things that you can just grab a bite of with zero effort? I mean… I want to do this for myself! And my new parent friends. But also… for myself!
Here a few things from the archives that I think would make great drop-off meals for new parents. And New Year’s resolutioners. And… me.
Chocolate chip pumpkin muffins or golden flapjacks for a sweet breakfast
Baked tortilla huevos rancheros for a savory breakfast
Sweet potato, pear, & wild rice salad… in a mason jar
Sesame soba noodle salad with tofu
Tuna and white bean salad with tomatoes and kalamata olives
Wheat berry salad with avocados, strawberries, and caramelized shallots
Southwest quinoa burrito bowl salads
Pumpkin pulled pork burrito bowls
A taco box with homemade pork carnitas
Roasted vegetables with harissa yogurt sauce
And of course, new mom’s need dessert as much as the next gal (if not more!) so …cookies! Try these pretzel and M&M ones or these quinoa, chocolate, coconut ones!
What do you think? Do you have other ideas for what to bring new parents or how to help them adjust to their new lives? I’d love to know!
