top five: take-to-a-friend meals.

one of my very favorite things to do is take meals to friends. ones that have just had a baby, of course, or those that have simply had a hard week. we were INCREDIBLY blessed during the campaign by some sweet friends who randomly brought us meals at different points. those special people who couldn't necessarily "do" anything but wanted to - and it blessed me to tears. sometimes it's those random texts from friends saying they're dropping something off for you that make all the difference. i think it's a baptist thing. taking food to others when you can't do anything else.

nevertheless - i have tried {and failed a LOT} to pay it forward. to be aware of people who this might bless. to think beyond myself. and i honestly LOVE to cook. and i don't get to so much right now - so any excuse is a good one to me. my goal going forward is to make this a part of my weekly routine. how hard is it to double a meal? {if you make PW's meatballs you don't even have to double it to have enough for your family & another family!}

i try to keep things simple. but cute. mexican food is always easy because a) we live in texas and who DOESN'T love mexican food and b) because it's easy to pair with chips/salsa/salad and you have a complete meal! tada!

1. my latest favorite thing to bring is this enchilada recipe from six sisters. i found it on pinterest and have made it several times. every time i take it to someone they ask for the recipe and i just send them to this website.

it smells up your refrigerator for DAYS. i like to use the fresh whole wheat tortillas from central market.  they're my favorite. {kroger has good ones too!}

2. PW's BBQ Meatballs: these are amazingly good & you will have enough for your family AND another family guaranteed! they take a bit more time to prepare but keep well if you make them ahead of time. they are easy to pair with mac & cheese {the kind i like in the blue box} and a salad. these are super kid friendly {as opposed to the enchiladas!} 

3. if you're looking for a delicious treat to add into your meal, i like these ooey gooey butter bars. i keep mine in the fridge so they "hold" better and i, personally, like them {even} better cold. 

 

(via paula deen)

4. another good treat is my aunt's chocolate chip pecan pie. {make sure they aren't allergic first!} it's simple & easy but super delish. bonus: there's nothing to steal before you take it to them! 

Ingredients:
1/2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick margarine, softened
1 c. pecans (I used chopped)
1 c. chocolate chips (sometimes I put in more!)
1 pillsbury pie crust

Preheat oven to 325. Mix flour and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla and margarine. Mix well. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips. Pour into pie crust. Bake 45-55 minutes. Yummy!

5. finish it off: put a little sussy in the bag! i like handmade things so i tend to put some homemade burp cloths for baby gifts or a little print. if it's a girlfriend having a hard week sometimes i make a little mix cd {can you say high school?}. sometimes just a little note is all that makes it in the bag - and all they need. the paper grocery bags from central market, whole foods or trader joes make really good totes for meals. put it in a disposable foil casserole dish - one less thing for them to worry about.

i like to tie the bag off with a little bow at the top. if you're making the enchiladas, try making some fresh salsa and put it in a little mason jar, along with a bag of chips and a bagged salad. YES, i just said bagged salad. it's good - and easy.

it doesn't take much. those extra thoughts go a long way for those friends who are hurting, tired or just in need of a pick-me-up. trust me, i have experienced these special people and it has blessed me tremendously along the way. and you do NOT have to know someone well to know they're in need of a little blessing. they will NOT look at you like you are strange - i promise.

who can you bless this week? i have a sweet family in mind for myself. 

have a very happy monday!