And The Winner Is...

~Tammy Q~

(I will package these bottles up and send them your way! Congratulations!)

On another subject, today I want to talk about a ministry that is dear to my heart...Meal Ministry!  Today I had the wonderful privilege of providing a meal to a new mommy and her family to celebrate the arrival of their baby girl. 

Meal Ministry is one of the easiest areas to serve in as a family and can be such a HUGE blessing to the recipient!  Creating a meal to deliver is a perfect opportunity to train your children to be thinking of others and what needs they may have that your family can fulfill. We have been on the receiving end on many occasions as we have welcomed new blessings into our home.  We also have been on the delivering end as we have celebrated new babies, provided relief during times of sickness, and comfort during times of loss.  This is actually one area that shouldn't take much extra time out of your current family schedule - if you are making a meal for yourself, make bigger portions, package them up, write a sweet note, and deliver it with a smile!  No need to stay long, most recipients are needing their time to rest and recuperate so a few minutes of encouraging conversation, and you're back on the road again!

Don't think you're a great cook?  Pick one simple meal and practice until you are ready to bless a family with it! (I'll post a quick and easy one below!)

Here is a list of my favorites:

BBQ Pork Ribs

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Salmon in Foil Packets

Chicken Noodle Soup w/ Crunchy Bread

Mama Cook's Pizza {this one is actually the meal that earned me the name Mama Cook}

and the one we delivered tonight...

Mama Cooks Meatball Subs! 

I had intended to take a picture of all of the subs before they were eaten, but alas, when I remembered this was all there was left!  Needless to say, this is a favorite in my house and I usually receive rave reviews! 

So, here is the recipe:

Mama Cook's Meatball Subs

Meatballs - I use Costco's premade ones

Diced Onions

Tomato Sauce

Mozzarella Cheese - grated

{Maybe a bit of Parmesan - if you have it on hand}

Sandwich Rolls

Throw the frozen meatballs and diced onions in a pot. Cover with tomato sauce. Bring to boil then reduce to simmer. Let cook approximately 20 minutes or until cooked through. 

To Assemble: Sprinkle some grated mozzarella on each bun and broil for 1 minute.  {Putting the cheese in first prevents the buns from falling apart.}  Add 4-5 meatballs with sauce per roll.  Sprinkle some more cheese on top.  Broil a second time - 1 to 2 minutes, and they are done! 

Package all items separately, throw into a bag with assembly instructions, add a side salad and perhaps a dessert, and your meal is complete!  Simple, right?

Depending on the circumstances, you may also want to include breakfast or snack items...

Get creative, have your kiddos draw pictures or make puzzles for kiddos in the recipients home to color or solve.  Add some flowers from your garden.  Share a book your family loves...this one is especially great for those families with new babies so the older kiddos have some time to sit next to mom and enjoy being read to while she is feeding the baby.

What other ideas or recipes do you have to share?  I'd love to hear them!

Thanks again for stopping by!  Be Refreshed!