10.12.2009

bruschetta pasta

Last week I racked my brain to think of a meal to bring a friend who recently had a baby. I simmered roma tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and red onion for about an hour to make a sauce, purchased fettuccine noodles from the refrigerated section of the grocery store and called it Bruschetta Pasta.

I placed the ingredients in this mini burlap sack that I found stashed in my every-growing collection of gift bags. I opened the package of noodles and placed them in a zip-lock bag, added a few cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves in another zip-lock, and some Romano cheese in another. I used one of my Farm Chicks Labels to write out the instructions and tied it off with some raffia.

I get a little nervous when I cook for other people. I'm always afraid they won't like what I bring over. What meals have you prepared to take over to a friend's house? I could use a few more ideas.

13 comments:

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

I think what you did is a great idea!! I always think that I have to "Do up" a big thing, like a semi-full course meal(arriving hot, fresh or even frozen). When in reality, sometimes less is more.

Very creative packing, too! I like it and the label is sweet.

vintage girl at heart said...

What a wonderful and lovingly packaged gift!!! You are such a thoughtful friend, I am sure she will love it and be touched at your generosity!

Katie said...

I love your presentation! I am a big believer in the adage: you eat with your eyes first. I would be delighted to receive such a pretty package, it would be hard to disassemble it for dinner! Nice job. :)

Wendy said...

It makes me want to have a baby just to get a meal from you! ha ha ha
If there are no food restrictions, I do enchiladas and usually include a salad bag too. One fun thing I've included with a meal is cookie dough that I've made wrapped in saran wrap with baking instructions. The new mom can pop a tray of cookies in whenever. xox

Jenny said...

wendy...I love the cookie dough idea!!! Thanks!

Susan Holt Simpson said...

Beautiful gift in lots of ways!

~Sue said...

Droped in t see your blog for the first time, Jenny! Ohh, so much to see and read and enjoy as you shore the lovely person you are! I must return when I have more time...if you don't mind!
~Sue
Amy's mom & Andi's m/l :)

~Sue said...

Sorry-- droped is not a pleasant sounding word! Dropped!!!

Meegan said...

Jenny - I think your meal idea was a great one. This week I've been the lucky recipient of a few meals as I recover. I've had a yummy lasagna, mac-n-cheese with german sausages, and tonight, chicken & rice casserole. All great comfort foods that the whole family enjoys. When I cook for others, I do roasts - that way there are lots of leftovers for sandwiches and such.

Unknown said...

I just brought a friend Italian Soup, homemade rolls and a plate of brownies. The presentation was nothing like yours but the rolls and brownies were hot out of the oven so the smell was what got them this time. :)

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Hi from Guam where America's day begins! I have enjoyed your blog for a few months now. In fact, yours inspired me to create my own, KelleyHighway.blogspot.com. The dinner I take to the family who needs one is a homemade pot pie and a dinner salad. I'd be happy to share the recipe for the pie!

bethimus said...

This is a long one... hope you don't mind. I don't really have any suggestions for the average post-baby family, but I thought I would share my most precious memory of taking dinner to a family after the birth of their preemie. This was their 7th child, and her first C-section, so she was really out of her element. Add the fact that it was a preemie with a lot of possible health issues and it put the whole family in a very stressful situation. I happen to be very, very close to them and I remembered my friend telling me that whenever there is an emergency (even one so small as a scraped knee) they brew a pot of tea and have an impromptu tea party. With this in mind, I made a tea party for them. I made cucumber, egg salad, and curried chicken sandwiches, laid out some strawberries and grapes on the tray, and made a big batch of homemade scones. I also bought some tea cookies to add to the party. I brought everything over and set it out buffet style (since the mom and dad were just getting back from visiting baby in the NICU). My friend told me that it was the perfect meal because with all the visiting hours and scheduling and stress they were able to grab some sandwiches on the go and there were plenty leftover scones for breakfast the next day.

Liz said...

what a lucky friend! Great idea.I love your blog.I am a vintage mommy too!