Sympathy Meals Made

By Lisa Payne

To tie into my article this month on showing support during loss, I wanted to share a few recipes that are easy to make and give to someone who is grieving or going through a hard time. They heat up well and also freeze easily. But best of all they are delicious and will show how much you care.

African Ground Nut Stew

Soup always warms my soul, and this one will not disappoint.

Saute the following for five minutes:

• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1 chopped medium red onion

• 1 chopped medium green bell pepper

• 1 cup diced carrots

• 1 cup diced celery

Add the following and sauté until fragrant:

• 3 minced garlic cloves

• 2 Tbsp fresh ginger minced

• 1 ½ Tbsp. curry powder

Add and cook for 3 minutes:

• 2 large peeled, halved and seeded chopped tomatoes or 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 bay leaf

Add and bring to a boil:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 (12 oz.) sweet potato, diced

Add and stir until combined and continue to boil for about 15 minutes:

• 1 ½ cup cooked shelled edamame or a can of garbanzo beans, drained

• 1/3 – ½ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter to taste (can also use almond butter)

Discard bay leaf and serve with the following toppers:

• Chopped fresh cilantro

• Baby spinach

• Chopped peanuts

Minnesota Egg Bake

Here is a great breakfast casserole!

• 1 Jimmy Dean spicy log

• 1 Jimmy Dean original log

• 1 medium onion diced

• 1 cup uncooked rice, prepare as directed on package

• 5 eggs

• 2 cans cream of celery soup

• 4 cups Rice Krispie’s

• 1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese

1. Grease 9x13 pan with Pam

2. Brown sausage and onion together, set aside

3. Mix soup and eggs together in a bowl

Layer in pan:

1. ½ rice, ½ meat mixture, 1/3 rice krispies, ½ cheese, repeat layers

2. Pour egg mixture over top, sprinkle with remaining 1/3 rice krispies

3. Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350 degrees

Huckleberry Coffee Cake

And finally a delicious coffee cake!

• ¼ cup softened butter

• ½ block cream cheese

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 egg

Beat butter and cream cheese, gradually add sugar and egg.

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tsp. baking powder

• Dash salt

Stir into above mixture.

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 2 cups wild blueberries

Fold into above and then pour into greased 9 inch round pan coated with Pam.

• 2 Tbsp. sugar

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Sprinkle over top of batter.

Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Another option that is always good is chicken noodle soup and warm bread. Talk about comforting. Some people prefer to give food prepared by a restaurant. Fine! For breakfast think Einstein bagels and cream cheese or breakfast burritos. For lunch Panera has wonderful soups, salads, and bread. For dinner maybe some BBQ and buns or pans of baked mac and cheese from Chick-fil-a. Make sure to include a handwritten note of how to warm or freeze the food, and perhaps include some drinks and maybe a dessert. Imagine what you would want and go from there.

Thank you for showing your love and support through food!