Suggestions what to send for dinner to a Shiva House.

amother

Mon, Jan 27 2014, 8:23 pm

My husband volunteered my services to cook for a shivah house. Of course I am more than willing as it's my husbands grandfather who was niftar so I am cooking for my Father in law and his siblings.

I will be cooking for 3 ladies and 2 men in their 60's if that matters just to get an idea since I'm not cooking for children. It's for Wednesday night. I'd like to buy the ingredients tomorrow so I can cook Wednesday morning I"YH.

I need some suggestions on what to send since I've never done this before Baruch Hashem.

I'm supposed to send the entire meal top to bottom.

I appreciate any feedback.

Thanx!

amother

Mon, Jan 27 2014, 8:34 pm

When I was sitting shiva, I actually was just very appreciative of what everyone sent over. I wasn't so hungry, but I had a newborn and needed to eat!

That being said, here are a few suggestions:
Chicken...nothing fancy, just plain with a few spices
Soup...nothing too spicy, chicken soup, potato soup, vegetable soup
lasagna (for a change since lots of people send chicken!)
meatloaf and mashed potatoes (excellent comfort food!)
broccoli quiche
salads
salmon and rice

Someone brought over a huge bag of fresh fruit which was fantastic! Also, someone brought 2 huge tuna grinders, which were waiting for me when I came back from sitting one day of shiva out-of-town.

One thing that I really appreciated was when people sent some "extras" so I would have leftovers for lunch the next day. That was very nice.

amother

Mon, Jan 27 2014, 8:34 pm

amother

Mon, Jan 27 2014, 8:55 pm

OP here,

Thank you for the suggestions amother above.

What kind of sides would I send for the chicken?

I am sending some extra's so if someone is hungry they can have doubles but not planning on sending any extras for leftovers because they have people bringing I'm pretty sure for each meal.

amother

Tue, Jan 28 2014, 12:21 am

amother wrote:

For side dishes with chicken: any type of potatoes, rice, vegetables, salads. If you want to bake...sweet potato pie or muffins, potato bourekas.

As for extras...if people are sending for every meal, definitely no need to send a ton of leftovers! Where I live, they only send meals over for dinner, so it was nice to have leftovers, especially with 9 little kids!

No matter what you send, I am sure the people sitting shiva will be very appreciative.

spinkles

Tue, Jan 28 2014, 2:22 am

Light, easily digested meals are best, since the aveilim aren't moving around much. Soup is usually very appreciated. Simple salads. Simple chicken. People in their 60s may likely have dietary restrictions like low salt, etc., so ask in advance.

CatLady

Tue, Jan 28 2014, 11:53 am

Shepherd's pie would probably be very much appreciated, especially if you are in the midst of a cold snap. A simple vegetable soup to start with and a fruit platter and brownies or cookies for dessert would round out the meal nicely.

Thank you for being mindful of the recipients' dietary needs, and for being a caring daughter-in-law. May your family only know simchas.

amother

Tue, Jan 28 2014, 1:16 pm

OP here,

Thank you so so so so much everyone....
So I went to be menachem avel today and everyone I saw cousins, sister in laws etc. said to me... OHHHH I heard you are making supper I feel so pressured. I don't know why everyone has to know...

I have soup in my freezer it's a delicious vegetable soup is that good enough or do I have to make fresh. I'm worried it won't be enough. I have two 32 oz. containers like the size from pickles would that be enough for 5 people?

I could make fresh.. I asked only thing is no sugar for my FIL but wasn't really going to put sugar in anything. maybe the salad or dessert.

If I send chicken with potatoes what would be a good vegetable side.

Cat lady thank you for your kind words!

lkwdmommy

Tue, Jan 28 2014, 1:29 pm

The soup sounds fine. Just warm it up before sending. I think it might be better if you made sure it was thicker, as opposed to a watery soup. People sitting Shiva are eating at a funny angle and it is easier to get soup neatly into your mouth if it's thick.

For vegetables, try putting frozen brocolli on a baking pan sprayed with Pam. Sprinkle some salt and bake at 400 for 20 minutes. This is delicious, even if it's rewarmed a short while later and is not heavy on the stomach.

For dessert, I would have fresh-cut fruit. They could eat it right after supper, or save it to refresh themselves at the end of the day.

Tizki Lemitzvos!! May we all be able to serve at happier occassions!

amother

Tue, Jan 28 2014, 1:48 pm

lkwdmommy wrote:

Brilliant idea the fruit. I was planning on sending compote but I think I will send some fruit too. No idea what they have these days to order though Sad

Could I send a cauliflower souffle even though I'm sending potatoes it's just scrumptious I think the ladies would enjoy it!