Staying on the Meal Train

The meal train.  As a military spouse, I am sure I speak for many when I say that this is something we all know too well.  Don't get me wrong; I am so thankful for them in times of need like after a new baby is born, during a medical procedure or hospitalization for a family member or self, right before a PCS, or when a spouse deploys.  But I also know how easy it can be to fall off the train!  Let's face it; life can be so busy as wives and mothers that sometimes adding another thing to our plates can completely overfill the plate and collapse it.  Thankfully, there are ways to make sure that you don't fall off.  I am all about helping others because I know that if I were in their shoes I would really appreciate it--and have when we have been there; so I do my very best to give back and actually do an okay job of it.  Make the meal train easy on yourself to succeed in getting a nice meal to a friend or fellow spouse!

Pictured is one of my favorite meal-train crowd pleasing meals to take, pierogi casserole.  Recipe included at the end of this post!

Don't Break the Bank
Choosing to participate in a meal train is such a great service for a friend or spouse in need, but you do not have to break the bank with your choice!  Choosing a casserole that is filling yet inexpensive is a great choice; especially for a large family.  Some of my favorites are baked spaghetti, pierogi casserole, and taco bake just to name a few.  All of these meals are inexpensive to make while still filling up tummies.

KISS (Keep it Simple, Silly!) 
No one is expecting a four course dinner complete with beef wellington.  If they are then, well, that's on them.  Truly, the majority of families, if not all of them, are thankful to have one less thing on their plate during a life-changing time.  Choose something that you know how to make, that is easy to make, and you can make successfully.  Something easy is not only helpful for you, but it ensures you can provide a yummy, filling meal to a family.  Making something you are familiar with not only makes it easier for you, but it also helps you ensure safe food is prepped and served. Always remember to cook to the correct temperatures!  If you are taking on the task of creating the meal train, make it easy on yourself and on the recipients and participants by using an easy system.  My favorite is mealtrain.com because it is free and so easy to use.  I also love that it sends out reminders the day of so no one forgets.  Life can get so busy and those reminders are so helpful! 

Don't Create More Work 
When a meal train is put in place, it's usually because some life changing event has recently occurred.  Whether a positive change like a new baby or something more somber like the beginning of a deployment, it is important that your contribution doesn't create a lot of work for the recipient.  One way to reduce the work load is by delivering the meal in a disposable pan.  This way no one feels the need to do dishes, and the plus side for you is that you don't have to worry about whether your favorite baking dish will be returned or not.  Plus, we all know that tupperware lids disappear to a realm unknown to human eyes upon washing.  If the meal needs heated or reheated include cooking temperature, time, etc. on the meal itself.  Just write that information on top of the foil with a permanent marker.  If you can't find one, check in your husband's uniform; there's bound to be about 7,000 in there--especially if it's already in the washing machine.  Hurry!  When contributing a meal for a person whose spouse has recently deployed, I like to split the meal in half in two pans and include freezing and reheating instructions so there is a meal provided for one of those tough or busy days down the road. 

Overwhelmed? Don't be!  The most important thing is that you provided a warm meal for a family in need.  Believe me when I say that the look of gratitude on a new mom's face while her newborn cries and toddler runs wild is the best form of thanks.  As moms, we know that sometimes new mamas just need a full tummy and a warmed soul; because Hamburger Helper and 30 lbs of plain rice from chef ala daddy can get old fast--it's the thought that counts, remember that! 

If all else fails, order a pizza for them!  And remember, wine and a box of chocolates is, in fact, an acceptable meal too. 

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for mentioning mealtrain.com in this post.  I shared their name because it is a site that has been very beneficial to me and I would honestly recommend it to others for use. 

Pierogi Casserole

Retrieved from Pillsbury.com via Pinterest 

Ingredients

1 pkg frozen pierogies (I use cheese, but any filling will do) 

1 tbsp water 

7 oz. kielbasa sausage, cut. 

4 oz. cream cheese (from 8 oz block) very softened

1/2 cup sour cream (can substitute plain Greek yogurt if desired)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/8 tsp course ground black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

1/2 cup thinly, diagonally sliced green onions 

Steps 

1) Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 12x8 in. dish with cooking spray.

2) Place frozen pierogies and water in a microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic.  Microwave for 2 min. on high; stir.  Continue microwaving on high for 1 1/2-2 min until thawed. Place evenly in the casserole dish and top with sausage. 

3) In medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, and pepper with whisk.  Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup onions.  Reserve remaining onions for topping.  

4) Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over pierogies.  Cover with foil; bake 22-27 minutes or until center is heated through and internal temperature reaches 165 F. 

5) Uncover and top with remaining cheese ank bake 3-5 additional minutes until cheese is melted.  Top with remaining onions. Enjoy!