New Mama Meals

Last month, I was lucky enough to guest post for one of my favorite bloggers - Colleen at Meet the Sullivans.  I've followed her for a few years now, so I was elated when she discovered my blog last fall.  Anyway, she took a little blogging break to care for her newest little guy, which meant I got to take over her space for a day!  In keeping with the new mama theme, I shared recipes for two of the meals I often take to friends after they have babies.  In case you missed my post, here it is!

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{I'm skipping the introduction part of the post...}

One of my favorite things about having a baby (besides the obvious) was being flooded with meals from friends and neighbors!  As most of us know, caring for a newborn is enough to keep a mama busy and the last thing you want to think about is what to make for dinner!  Not only that, but it's always fun to eat something that somebody else prepares and it always tastes better!  Since having my own babies and loving every homemade meal sent my way, I've made it a priority to do the same for others.

Here are two of my favorite meals to take to new mamas.  Coincidentally, both of my go-tos are "pies"! 



Chicken Pot Pie

I love this recipe because it includes a meat and a vegetable and it's one of those hearty, comfort-food type meals that's good for the soul.  It's quick and easy to throw together and it can be baked immediately or frozen for later use.  

What You'll Need:
1 family size can (23 ounce) of cream of potato soup
12 to 16 ounce package of frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 pre-made refrigerated pie crusts

What You'll Do:
Combine first six ingredients.  Spoon into prepared pie crust.  Cover with second crust.  Crimp edges with a fork to seal.  Slit top crust.  Cover with foil and label with baking instructions.

What the New Mama Will Do:
Bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.



Spaghetti Pie

 This recipe is one I consider more kid-friendly, so this is what I typically make if there are older siblings involved. Like the chicken pot pie, it can be baked right away or frozen for later use.  I also usually include a package of rolls or breadsticks and a bag of pre-made salad for the family to enjoy alongside this.

What You'll Need:
8 ounces spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
1 egg
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
1 24-ounce container of cottage cheese
1 pound hamburger
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

What You'll Do:
Prepare spaghetti according to package directions.  Lay in a 9x13 pan.  Melt butter; mix with Parmesan and egg.  Spread on top of noodles and mix in a bit.  Spread cottage cheese on top of noodles.  Brown and drain hamburger; add sauce and sugar.  Layer that on top of cottage cheese.  Cover with foil and label with baking instructions.  Don't forget to include the mozzarella cheese!

What the New Mama Will Do:
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Add shredded mozzarella and bake 15 minutes more.


10 comments:

  1. I am so going to have to try the Chicken Pot Pie for myself!! Baked Spaghetti is my go to meal to take to people who need a meal. Who doesn't love spaghetti?

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  2. Love this! We're so much alike, baha. When more friends near me start having babies, I'll definitely do this, too. I may just need to make that chicken pot pie for Beck and me!

    PS - Love when you post regularly! Your blog is one of my favorites to visit on my very quiet work mornings :)

    Staci
    www.missbloodymary.com

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  3. Ohhh, I want to try both of these, they sound fabulous! :)

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  4. I saw this on her blog and thought they sounded delicious! I'm not a new mama but I want to try these both!

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  5. Getting homemade meals post baby is the perfect gift! That chicken pot pie sounds & looks delicious!

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  6. I read this on Colleen's blog too; freezer meals were my saving grace when I had Brielana!

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  7. I make chicken pot pie - just like yours! - all the time! It is seriously so good!
    When Marcus was born I had about 15 freezer meals ready to go. They were serious lifesavers. I wasn't as ambitious with Julia (only 5 in the freezer), but still great to have.
    After having kids of my own I've made it a point to always bring new moms food (and disposable dishes and tableware!) when we visit. My favorites include crock pot soups. They're easy to freeze, and all that needs to be done is dump it in the slow cooker (still frozen, even)!

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  8. We were so blessed by a few mamas to get meals after Mason was born! These are perfect and sound delicious. Thank you for sharing!

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  9. Yummy! Loved your guest post on this!!! And they both look delicious!!!!

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  10. So glad you posted this! I am always participating in meal trains for new moms and I never know what to bring! These look great!!

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