What are your best-loved TLC dishes? You know, those “can-I-bring-over” meals you prepare for those dear ones in need of a little care. I’ve been reflecting on this lately, inspired by Zahra Tangorra’s fresh memoir, Extra Sauce, on “the great meals and great loves” of her life. “Cooking is such a powerful expression of care,” she shared with me. “In an ever-more-technological world, cooking is an ‘analog’ love language.” Here, Zahra and eight other food experts share the meals they offer to those they cherish…
Zahra Tangorra, chef and author of Extra Sauce
“Lasagna is my go-to when someone loses a parent, welcomes a child, or simply needs a bit more comfort. It’s a genuine, heartfelt dish, and as I arrange the pasta, sauce, and cheese, it feels as though I’m weaving in a simple, heartfelt message: I care about you. Personally, grief or a breakup kills my appetite. But lasagna is resilient. It can stay in the fridge or freezer and warms easily.”
Eric Kim, author of Korean American and the upcoming Spaghetti Junction
“A veggie-filled pasta salad is my trusted TLC meal. When preparing something for friends needing support, I focus on three aspects: 1) it should be enjoyable cold or at room temperature; 2) it should involve ample vegetable prep and chopping, as these often take the most cooking time; 3) it shouldn’t occupy much fridge space. I adore this pasta salad recipe, bursting with a colorful array of crunchy vegetables.”
Melisa Denizeri Orley, writer of Dream Dinner Guest
“There’s a comfort in having a moist cake on the counter for a few days—ready for a slice whenever needed. I deliver cakes (they’re also easy to transport), for both celebratory moments and challenging times. This Buttery Orange Tahini recipe is my top choice—a spoonful of tahini is pure comfort for me. I finish it with whipped cream and orange zest for a delightful zing.”
Alex Beggs, food writer and CoJ contributor
“Many of my loved ones expecting babies or Going Through It are often far from my kitchen. That’s when I send them a cheese box from Zingerman’s. (Recommended: Brabander Goat Gouda, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Artisanal Manchego). Who could resist a BOX of CHEESE? It should be doctor-prescribed.”
Ella Quittner, journalist and author of Obsessed with the Best
“I prefer bringing one savory and one sweet offering. I choose recipes with a long freezer life, should they already have plenty of food. For savory, I’ll prepare a sheet-pan batch of the Green Mac and Cheese from my book (I also enjoy this one from Smitten Kitchen). For a sweet treat, I make a double batch of my Malted Cookie Dough Chocolate Chunk Bars, which last in the freezer without losing their deliciousness.”
Kaitlyn Teer, Big Salad newsletter editor
“I believe quiche is an ideal meal for those recovering, grieving, or newly postpartum, as it works for any meal time. It’s also a dish almost anyone can make, especially if you start with a pre-made crust. Here’s my no-recipe method: Grease your pie pan and transfer the crust (I grab the frozen two-pack from Trader Joe’s). Pre-cook the filling, starting with sautéed onion and garlic, then add a vegetable combination (I usually choose frozen peas and broccoli, with chopped spinach). Whisk 8-10 eggs with a splash of milk, and season with salt and pepper. Place your veggies in the pie crust, pour in the eggs, and top with shredded cheese or crumbled feta. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until the eggs set and the crust is golden. Done!”
Klancy Miller, author of Cooking Solo and For The Culture
“Easy response: Cookies! I often make chocolate chip (a classic) or ginger-molasses cookies, which are favored among my friends.”
Melina Hammer, author and writer of Stories From Catbird Cottage
“Grain salads are ideal for these moments. This is my personal favorite, but what’s great about grain salads is their effortless adaptability. Prefer brown rice to wheat berries? No issue. Use similar factors as you build the dish for a crowd-pleaser: something earthy (the grain), something tangy (like red onions), along with juicy and crunchy components, such as radishes, nuts, and herbs. Finish with salty crumbled feta and creamy avocado, and it’s a nourishing feast.”
Kelsey Miller, Cup of Jo senior editor
“My go-to food to bring is Scottish flapjack. It’s perfect for new parents, being delicious and filling, easy to eat with one hand. I also like making a big batch of homemade granola. I prepared this for myself the week before my daughter was born (#nesting). It was handy during those early, hectic weeks. My husband and I would grab handfuls in the middle of the night for a snack during feedings. I base it on this recipe, experimenting with mix-ins.”
Do you have a favorite “bring-over” dish for cherished ones? And congratulations to Zahra on her new memoir which inspired this post!
P.S. A large pot of self-serve baked beans or warming soup is GREAT to offer, and how to write a condolence note.
(Top photo by Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash.)
