You may have been asked at some point by your church or other organization to participate in what is called a "Meal Train."  This is a helpful and practical way to provide meals for individuals and families who have been ill, or had a baby, or have had surgery.  People who are not quite up to cooking meals for themselves and their families and could use a little help.

A meal train is for anyone who can use a bit of help "meal-wise" during some pretty common life events.  Things such as:

• The birth of a child
• A death in the family
• Illness
• Surgery
• Deployment
• Loss of a job

In short, anyone who is needing a bit of help getting it together and feeding themselves and their families.

Today I am providing some simple and yet delicious ideas of things that you can put together simply that are sure to be enjoyed by anyone in need.  This is a very common and loving act of service.

Usually, you will be told ahead of time how many individuals you are expected to provide a meal for and if there are any dietary constraints or dislikes.  You can prepare a tasty meal and freeze it, ready to pop into the recipient's freezer so that they can thaw it out and cook it when it is most convenient for them. You can also bring it in fresh and ready for them to either eat on the day or to freeze as they wish.  Always include cooking instructions either way.

I think the most practical thing to do is to prepare the meals in a disposable type of baking dish which has a lid if you are making a casserole. You can find some very sturdy aluminum foil baking dishes these days that come with plastic lids, or that you can simply cover tightly with foil.  Masking tape is ideal for creating labels, which should include what the meal is, how many it serves and any cooking or freezing instructions. Just write it on the masking tape with indelible ink.

This way you don't have to worry about getting your dish back and the recipient doesn't have to keep track of who brought what in what dish and get it back to you. If they are in the situation where they are needing meals brought in, the last thing they need is to have to worry about other people's dishes.

If you are making a chili or a soup, then a clean Ice Cream Bucket is the perfect way to transport it.  This can be stored very easily in the refrigerator or the freezer, and once again, no need to worry about getting anything back.

You can keep these meal offerings as simple as you wish to. It can be a tasty pot of soup or a delicious casserole. Perhaps some salad and a bread on the side and if you are really keen some kind of dessert that they can enjoy. None of it has to be complicated or expensive, but it should be something that you yourself would enjoy and appreciate receiving.

I have always felt that when I am gifting something like a meal to another, I should be giving them my best offering, or the best that I can afford. That doesn't mean that you have to go out and buy an expensive roast or the like, but it should be something which feels like a bit of a treat, and which is deliciously taste tempting. It is a gift after all.

I like to include a soup or some kind of casserole. A salad or vegetable to enjoy on the side.  Some type of bread to enjoy with it.  This can be biscuits, or bread or even savory muffins. Also, a nice dessert is always more than welcome. Cake, or cookies are always welcome or if you are really keen a pie. I have never seen anyone turn down dessert of any kind!

Here are a few suggestions to whet your whistle and inspire you the next time you get asked to Hop on Board the Meal Train!

 SOUPS

A good homemade soup is one of the most beautiful examples of love you can share with someone you care about . . .it is indeed soup for the soul. They are also very easily frozen, ready to take out and thawed when they are needed.  I always wash out and then keep my empty ice cream buckets. They are perfect for transporting soup.  Simply label with the contents and any directions needed for heating up on the day or freezing and reheating at a later date.

GROUND BEEF & BARLEY SOUP - Beef and Barley are a really delicious combination. This simple soup makes great use of both in a soup that is not only really tasty, but very quick and easy to make as well. The recipe starts out with ground beef, followed by onions, carrots, celery, beef broth, and barley. It is seasoned with thyme, rosemary, paprika, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce for a soup that everyone will enjoy.

Quick and easy to make, delicious, and easily expandable to make as much as you need, this soup also freezes very well. All you need on the side is some crusty bread and you have a meal everyone will enjoy.

BEST KEPT SECRET SOUP - Rich, tasty and hearty this is a soup that goes together very quickly using things that you probably already have in your store cupboard.  Six simple ingredients and a can opener are all you need to throw this together.   It is delicious served over crunchy corn chips, but I also like to bake some cornbread muffins to serve on the side.

This is the perfect soup to make at the last minute. Nobody will believe that you didn't slave over it all day!

HAM, POTATO & GREEN BEAN SOUP - A delicious soup to make when you are short on time. It goes together quickly and with very little effort, using only a few simple ingredients. Cubed potatoes, cubed ham, green beans, celery, onions, stock, milk, cheese and a few seasonings are all you need. I often use a ham steak to make this delicious soup.

Again, all you need on the side is some type of bread or crackers. This is quite simply delicious.

ROAST CHICKEN SOUP WITH BARLEY & PARSIPS - This soup starts with  a delicious homemade stock which is made from the carcass of a roasted chicken.  I always freeze my roast chicken carcasses specifically for the purpose of making soups.  Failing that you can use a good quality ready-made stock. You will also need some leftover cooked chicken shredded.  A rotisserie chicken is perfect for making this soup if you don't have anything else. Pearl barley, grated parsnips and cabbage are also used with incredibly delicious results.

You can also whip up a quick batch of baking powder biscuits to go along with the soup. Nobody will be complaining. These biscuits also freeze very well.

CASSEROLES

Casseroles are the perfect dish to take to someone who is needing meals brought in. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they also freeze easily. I always bake mine in a disposable container that goes from the freezer to the oven. One that will not need to be returned. If you don't have such a vessel, it is always a good practice to label your casserole dish with your name. Simply write it on a piece of masking tape and stick it to the bottom of the dish. Don't forget to include a label wih the contents and any heating instructions that may be needed.

BASIC MIX & MATCH CASSEROLE - With this basic Mix and Match Casserole recipe you will never find yourself at a loss as to what to do with your leftover veg, or meat, not even your leftover starches will be safe.  You will be able to find a use for all of it, guaranteed! This casserole is simply a basic combination of protein, vegetable, carbohydrate, sauce, and toppings. It is very adaptable.  You can use whatever you have to hand for making it. You can use leftover proteins of course, but you can also brown some ground beef, turkey or pork to use in this.

Again, a crusty loaf on the side and maybe a salad, and you have a meal that will be very much appreciated.

BEEF & POTATO CASSEROLE - Amazingly delicious this casserole is simply potatoes, browned ground beef and cheese layered together with a simple sauce made using tinned condensed soup, sour cream and regular cream.  Simple ingredients put together in the most delicious way.

You might want to include a cooked or ready to cook vegetable to enjoy on the side and again, perhaps some sort of bread or bun.

COTTAGE PIE WITH POTATO COBBLES - This may be the most delicious Cottage Pie ever and I don't make that claim lightly!  Tender beef in a rich and tasty gravy, topped with potato cobbles.

Potato cobbles are simply boiled potatoes cut into thick slices and layered on top of that rich beefy gravy, brushed with melted butter, sprinkled with cheese and baked until golden brown. Why settle for ordinary!  These are not much more effort than making mashed potatoes. In fact I think they are a whole lot easier!

CREAMY CHICKEN & BUTTER BISCUITS - With its rich and creamy base of chicken and vegetables and its butter biscuit topping, this is a real favorite dish and its not at all very difficult to make. It also freezes very well.

All you need on the side here is perhaps a salad as the bread is already included in the casserole.  Mashed potatoes would work well for heartier eaters also.  I recommend my Copycat KFC Coleslaw which everyone will enjoy.

HAM & CHEESE CASSEROLE - Baked ham, noodles and green beans in a cheesy creamy sauce.  This always goes down a real treat. I like to top it with more cheese and something crunchy like cracker crumbs or French fried onions. (The kind that come in the can.)

If you don't have leftover ham I find that a ham steak can always be cut into a small dice and used for casseroles like this one.  Again, some sort of bread and maybe a salad on the side and you have a perfectly delicious meal.

CLASSIC TUNA CASSEROLE - You are always taking a bit of a risk taking a fish casserole, but unless it is specified that NO fish is wanted, then you can always assume that bringing a tuna casserole will be okay and there is no tastier version than the Classic!  Tuna, noodles, a creamy sauce, peas and potato chip topping. Its not fancy but it sure is delicious.

Again, some kind of bread and a salad would go very nicely.

DESSERT

There is nothing nicer than something sweet to enjoy at the end of a meal. I don't think anyone will be turning down one of these tasty offerings. When it comes to desserts, cakes are probably your best bet.  They keep and transport very well. I would avoid anything with peanuts just in case.

LEMON & GINGER SNACK CAKE - Lemon and ginger are a beautiful flavor combination and this cake combines them both beautifully.  Moist and delicious, it mixes together right in the pan. I like to create a lemon glaze for on top and garnish it with some chopped stem ginger. 

CHOCOLATE CHIP SNACK CAKE -  A simple butter cake loaded with plenty of chocolate chips and toasted walnut nuts. Again, if in doubt leave out the nuts. This is a simple cake with a beautiful crumb. I like to top it with a simple chocolate buttercream frosting.  Everyone loves it.

DANDY CANDY CAKE -  This is an old, old recipe for a simple butter cake which has a crunchy brown sugar and coconut topping baked into the top of the cake. It is delicious as is but is even more delicious if accompanied with some fresh berries.  Very pretty also.

MAPLE CAKE -  This is an old family favorite. A moist and delicious cake loaded with plenty of maple flavor with a lush maple frosting on top.  You can garnish with toasted walnuts if you wish, or leave them off.  It is delicious either way!

MONKEY FACE COOKIES - Children love these cookies.  Partly because of the name, and partly because they are delicious!  It's fun to pick the raisins off and eat them separately . . . its fun to eat them all together.  It's just fun to eat them! A simple molasses sour milk cookie, topped with raisins.  They also freeze very well.

And there you have it, a few ideas to get your started on the Meal Train.  I have always felt that when you are gifting someone with a meal you need to gift them with your best and all of these ideas are sure to be thoroughly enjoyed!  I guarantee!

This content (written and photography) is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at: mariealicejoan at aol dot com  

This Sunday evening is the Superbowl LIX. Yes, the 59th Super Bowl is going to be aired on the television with the game being played between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs!  

I am not a person who watches American football regularly, but I do enjoy the Superbowl along with all of the excitement, the brilliant ads and of course that entertaining half time show!

Traditionally it is a time for people to get together with family and friends and enjoy the game together along with a few drinks and some tasty food.  Finger food and snacks being the priority!  

Chicken Wings are a very popular snack to munch on, along with dips and chips. Pizza is also a favorite.  Depending on your crowd, you may want to serve some hot sandwiches.  

Today I have curated a selection of tasty hot sandwiches that you might enjoy serving to your crowd during the game!  All of them are delicious. All of them are easy to make. Most of them can be thrown together ahead of time and then just heated up prior to the game.

One thing is certain, there is something here for everyone to enjoy! If I had to pick a favorite, I just couldn't!  Each one is delicious in its own right.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!  Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER DRIP BEEF SANDWICHES - You can't beat the ease of a hot sandwich where you put the ingredients for the filling into the crockpot in the morning and let them slow cook all day until they melt in the mouth. These are delicious, with buttery toasted buns, melt in the mouth beef, which has been spiced beautifully with the juice and flavor of the pepperoncini, the sweetness of the caramelized onions and that melty cheese.  Each mouthful holds a burst of delicious flavors that I just know you will also enjoy! 

All you need on the side is perhaps some crisp veggies and a big bowl of potato chips! Ain't nobody going to turn down one of these delicious sandwiches.  Easy to adapt to feed any number of folks!

AIR FRYER FRENCH BREAD PIZZA - These French bread pizzas go together quickly and easily and are cooked simply in the air fryer. No air fryer, no problem!  Cook them in a hot oven! To me, great pizza of any kind is down to the sauce and I include a fabulous recipe for my own homemade pizza sauce.

Layered onto slices of French bread which have been spread with garlic butter, and topped with plenty of cheese and pepperoni, they are then cooked to crispy edged perfection in the air fryer.  These always go down a real treat!

HOT HAM & CHEESE SANDWICH WITH BACON & CARAMELIZED ONIONS - Fresh poppyseed Kaiser rolls brushed with a honey mustard butter and filled with plenty of deli ham, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and crispy bacon! Amounts are for one sandwich but are easily multiplied to make as many as you have guests!

These really are very easy to make. Probably the most time-consuming part is the caramelizing of the onions. If you are not keen you can always leave them out, but I highly recommend you do make them as they really add to the deliciousness of this tasty sandwich! 

CROISSANT REUBEN SANDWICH - There is nothing I enjoy more than a Reuben Sandwich and this juicy homemade Reuben Sandwich recipe, using flaky and buttery croissants is a real winner! 

Crispy flaky buttery croissants, filled with tangy crisp sauerkraut and a homemade slightly spicy dressing, hot juicy meat and oodles of melted cheese.  This is everything a good Reuben Sandwich should be. Prepare to fall in love with this fantastic hot sandwich!  Yum! Yum!

SOUTH CAROLINA BIRD DOG SANDWICHES -  This delicious sandwich is the perfect marriage of bacon, chicken tenders, cheese and honey mustard.  Or, as I have also seen it described, the perfect option for those who don't like hot dogs! I can't imagine not liking hotdogs myself, but it takes all kinds!

The original sandwich comes from a restaurant in Anderson, South Carolina called Daddy Rabbitt's over 25 years ago. That original diner is no longer in operation, but the sandwich lives on!

HOT ITALIAN HOAGIES -  I wish I could tell you how many times I have made these delicious hot sandwiches.  They were something I used to make for the Missionaries when they would come for supper in the U.K. A little taste of home.

They are quick and very simple to make. As easy as layering simple ingredients into split fresh buns and baking in the oven.  The sub buns are spread with a parmesan garlic butter before laying with a selection of Italian Cold Cuts, spicy pickles and some cheese.  Baked in the oven until everything is heated through and the cheese all melty, nothing goes down better!  These are quite simply fabulous!

BBQ CHICKEN SANDWICH - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are browned lightly and then poached in a BBQ sauce mixture that you create. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, you shred the chicken and cook it for a bit longer in the sauce.  This can be done early in the day and kept warm, or refrigerated and heated up when you want to serve them.

That delicious, shredded BBQ Chicken is layered in toasty buns along with a fabulously tasty homemade coleslaw. Altogether these sandwiches are incredibly moreish. I would rather have this tasty chicken sandwich than pulled pork and that's no word of a lie!

THE CUBANO SANDWICH - Thinly sliced roast pork and deli ham, layered in a ciabatta roll (or Cuban bread if you can get it) with sour pickles, mustard and cheese.  Grilled to toasty perfection.

You can make as many or as few of these as you like. They are really very simple to make. I use my Cuisinart Gridler Indoor Griddle to toast them to perfection. 

HOT DOGS WITH CHILI DOG SAUCE -  The star here is that chili sauce. Rich and meaty with just the right amount of spice. A meat only, unadulterated, chili sauce, meant to be eaten on Chili dogs.

This simple recipe makes about 4 cups of the sauce, but no worries it freezes very well. Delicious served over grilled hot dogs in soft buns along with your favorite chili dog toppings. I opted for cheese and chopped raw onion here. Delicious!

BAKED HOT DOGS -  I have saved the best for last!  This is my absolute favorite hot sandwich, and not the least because they are very simple to make. It is also a very easy recipe to multiply to feed a crowd!

Hot dog buns are split and filled with your favorite hot dog fillings, mustard, relish, onions, ketchup (if you must) and then topped with frankfurters. Placed into a large baking dish, a good quality canned chili is spooned over top along with a generous layer of grated cheese. Finally a layer of crispy fried onions is sprinkled over the cheese.

 They are covered and baked to hot, toasty, melty, cheesy perfection! I uncover then during the last five minutes of baking to really toast them up. There is no other word to describe these other than amazing! Everyone always LOVES them!

And there you have it 10 deliciously tasty hot sandwiches to serve to your crew during the Super Bowl on Sunday. Whichever one you choose, I guarantee people will be more than happy with what is on offer!  Have a great time and enjoy the game!

 

One thing which I am never without is tinned tomatoes. I keep several kinds on hand. Whole, chopped, ground and in tomato juice.  I don't really buy the already seasoned ones as it is very easy to season these myself and that way, I can control what seasoning I put into them. 

You are never far from a meal when you have a can of tomatoes in the cupboard. In fact I have been known to make a meal of a tin of tomatoes, chilled in the refrigerator and a slice of bread and butter.

Here are several of my favorite ways to use them! 

TOMATO & RICE SOUP 

This has always been one of my absolute favorite soups. A few simple ingredients. Tinned plum tomatoes in juice, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, rice, stock and seasoning.  It is a relatively simple soup to make and is really delicious.  You can also add some spinach to it if you want.  That is gorgeous as well.

CHIANTI BAKED MEATBALLS 

 Tender meatballs filled with lots of flavor and a bit of zip, in a simple and tasty sauce.   This was a winner/winner Meatball Dinner! The sauce itself uses only a few ingredients.  Some good, tinned tomatoes, some seasonings and chianti.  Altogether a simple and delicious mix for a meal that everyone will enjoy.

MACARONI & CHEESE WITH TOMATOES 

Cooked macaroni is stirred together with a tin of tomatoes and poured into a casserole dish. A rich cheese sauce is poured over top and everything gets stirred together. It is then topped with some buttery crumbs and baked until golden brown and bubbling.  This is simple, delicious, comfort food.

SWISS STEAK ROLLS

Pieces of stewing steak are cut thin and pounded, then spread with a mix of horseradish and some herbs. Rolled up tightly, rashers of bacon are firmly wrapped around them and they are browned.  Once browned they are oven braised in a lush tomato and BBQ sauce, until they are fork tender and melt in the mouth delicious. These go very well with a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes and a vegetable on the side.

A REALLY GOOD BOLOGNESE SAUCE

When I was a child, my mother used to brown a pound of ground beef, mix in a can of cheap spaghetti sauce and called it "Italian Spaghetti." As an adult and living in Europe I came to know what really great Italian Spaghetti was and it starts with a fabulous Bolognese Sauce. It is the result of more than 30 years of experimentation and trial and error on my part.  This is the best of the best of the best. Great on pasta, or used in a lasagna, meat casserole, etc.

RICE 

Rice is one of those ingredients that is very versatile. From a tasty side dish, to a delicious main, to a fantastic dessert, it is an ingredient that fits into the menu just about anywhere.

When I was a child I only ever had minute rice as that is all my mother ever cooked. If you don't know what it is, minute rice is dehydrated rice product that you only need to add boiling water to and "presto-chango" in five minutes it is ready to eat.

As an adult I discovered long grain rice and all of the other different rice's that are available to use and to eat.  Basmati, Jasmine, Arborio, etc.  I love them all and I cannot imagine not having several kinds available in my cupboard to use. These few recipes I am sharing are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many ways I have chosen to use rice in my kitchen.

BAKED MUSHROOM RICE

A mix of rice, stock, thyme and garlic powder is put into the bottom of a casserole dish and covered with a thick layer of garlic mushrooms. No need to cover as the layer of mushrooms serves as a sort of a jacket for the rice, covering it . . .  the juices running down and mingling with the stock and rice beneath it as it cooks. When the rice is done, it is cooked to perfection and filled with flavor, having been infused with all of those flavors and mushroom juices. Just stir the mushrooms into the rice and it's ready to serve!

ITALIAN RICE PILAF 

Broken pasta (spaghetti or vermicelli) is browned in butter with rice until toasty brown. Some stock is added, butter, and herbs, and then the mixture is covered and cooked to perfection. This is very similar to the Rice-a-Roni I enjoyed as a child but tastes a bazillion times better. Plus, there is nothing artificial in it. It's just plain delicious.

TERIYAKI CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE 

Rich and indulgent the preparation of these is based on an old French Technique of baking eggs in cream in the oven. Rich and indulgent, yes, but also very delicious.  In France they call these Ouefs en Cocotte (Eggs in pots), and they are so simple to make. They are perfect for serving to as few or as many people as you wish to feed.

For breakfast or for a simple supper dish.