5 Recipe Ideas to Drop Round to a Friend in Need

Nothing says "I love you" quite like food. Not only does preparing a meal or snacks take one less thing off your loved one’s plate, but it’s also a thoughtful way to show that you’re thinking of them. Whether it’s helping a busy friend, a new mum, or someone who’s simply having a challenging time, these foolproof recipes are perfect for those who aren't confident cooks but want to lend a hand.

Here are a few of my go to ideas.

Slow-Cooked Meal

A slow-cooked meal is one of the easiest and most appreciated meals. The best part? You can drop it around in one pot, it feels effortful with minimal effort for both parties. I went to my local op shop and found a casserole dish for $12 so that if mine wasn't returned for a while or at all it didn't matter.

Tip: If your loved one is busy, ask them to leave a key out for you. You can sneak in during the day, pop the dish in the oven on low heat, and surprise them with a hot, nourishing meal when they get home! I'd leave a brown bag of potatoes on the counter with a thoughtful note for them to serve the dish with.

Simple Slow-Cooked Lamb Recipe:

• Lamb leg (or any affordable cut of meat)

• 2 onions, finely chopped

• Garlic (ask your breastfeeding friends if they’re avoiding garlic and onion first)

• 1-2 carrots

• 3-4 celery stalks

• 1 punnet of mushrooms

• 1 jar of tomato passata

• 1 can of chopped tomatoes

• 2 beef stock cubes (or bone broth for extra nutrients)

• Herbs (fresh or dried. Try mixed herbs, cumin, paprika—whatever you like/have on hand)

Method:

1. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms in a pan with a bit of oil.

2. Add the to the casearole dish with the meat, tomato passata, chopped tomatoes, and stock cubes.

3. Add herbs of your choice in a casserole dish.

4. Season with salt and pepper, then cook in the oven for 4-5 hours at 140°C.

5. Serve with mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal. Yum!

Homemade Bliss Balls

I've made these more times than I can count as they are easy and look gorgeous in a jar with a cute card. Even the least confident cook can whip up bliss balls, all you need is a blender. I promise it's really hard to make bliss balls taste bad. These treats fit fell in the letterbox and store well in cooler months.

I love all of Sarah Tanners recipes if you are looking for some inspo - search her name on Instagram.

My go to recipe  

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of almond meal (or half almond meal, half shredded coconut to reduce cost)

• 1/3 cup cacao powder or for new mums I use the Mitchells bone broth chocolate protein

• 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• 3 drops of peppermint oil (or 6 fresh peppermint leaves).

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients together in a food processor.

2. To make it easier, measure out the coconut oil first—this way, the maple syrup will slide right off the spoon!

3. Once blended, grease your hands with coconut oil and roll the mixture into small balls.

4. Melt some chocolate and dip each ball in using two forks. Alternatively, you can just dip the tops or drizzle the chocolate over them.

5. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with coconut sugar or shredded coconut.

6. Store them in a jar with a thoughtful note.

Pro Tip: Write a sweet note like, "Made with love and [list the ingredients]" to make it feel extra special.

Nadia Lim’s Sweet Potato Focaccia

For those who aren’t master chefs, fresh homemade bread is a beautiful (and impressive) gesture. Nadia Lim’s sweet potato focaccia is a great choice. It may sound fancy, but it’s foolproof, requiring no starter—just a little time to rise.

You can find the recipe here, but if baking isn’t your thing, you could simply pick up some fresh bread, avocados, and dips. Even a small effort can be incredibly thoughtful and helpful.

Pro Tip: In cooler months, allow a bit of extra time for the dough to rise and always make sure your yeast isn't out of date - I've made that mistake before.

Orzo Salad

Orzo salad is a fantastic dish, especially for new mums, because it can serve as either lunch or dinner and is easy to eat on the go. You can make it vegetarian or cater to tricky dietary requirements. Make a big batch, and drop it off in a single dish, leaving them with enough for a few meals.

I roast a bunch of veggies (sweet potato, carrots, red onions, capicsums and zucchinis) in the oven, then add the orzo, pesto and feta. Then top with spinach. 

Breakfast Basket

Another great way to show you care is with a breakfast basket. Head to a local op shop and grab a second-hand basket. Line it with a pretty tea towel and fill it with essentials like:

• Fresh bread

• Eggs

• Avocados

• Fresh fruit

• Pastries or chia pudding

You would even made homemade muesli and add that in a big jar - again there are plenty at the local op shop.

A breakfast basket can be a thoughtful and beautiful door step surprise.

These easy recipes and thoughtful gestures are a simple way to show someone you care, even if you’re not a confident cook. Taking the time to make and deliver something nourishing is a heartfelt way to let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them—and sometimes, that’s exactly what they need.

If your loved one lives far away you could send them a kind card, a veggie box from a local supplier or one of our journals.