Nothing says lovin’ like something from the oven

For many of us, our first instinct when someone needs a little TLC is to head to the kitchen. When someone is having a tough time, we want to do something to show we care. Sometimes the best gift is food — especially when cooking is far from the highest priority. Preparing a meal or something homemade allows us to put a little thoughtful energy into doing something for the people we care about.

Sometimes it is a meal. Sometimes, in my case, it is a batch of my famous ginger snap cookies. I have gotten into the habit of baking these special cookies and taking them to people I know will be cheered by something sweet and spicy. These days, I do not spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so when I bake cookies, it is an event.

Whoever coined the words “comfort food” must have lived in the South. Lovingly prepared food can be the best medicine, whether someone is recovering from an illness, dealing with the loss of a family member, or simply facing a tough stretch. Living in the South has taught us the beauty of bringing food to someone’s doorstep when they need it most. We have been the grateful recipients many times, and we try to be quick to return the favor.

Things have evolved in our kitchen, and Big Guy is always ready to help. He is also quick to point out that he doesn’t cook — he grills. Most of Big Guy’s meals are outstanding and usually come from the backyard grill. He has an impressive collection of powders and potions that he mixes, rubs, or marinates onto his chosen piece of meat before it hits the grill. Veggies and salad are my assignments.

More importantly, Big Guy is the family shopper. Grocery shopping is not a chore to him; he truly relishes his time in his favorite grocery store. He likes to shop and is often seen there more than once a day. He is on a first-name basis with most everyone. If, by chance, I stop in to pick something up, concerned employees will sometimes ask if he is OK. I reassure them that he will be back.

He is a superb shopper, but I do have to intervene occasionally when the cupboards become overstocked. He is a pushover for BOGO — buy one, get one free — and certain supplies have a way of multiplying until they literally pile up in our very small cupboard. Apparently, there is no such thing as having too much mushroom soup.

When a friend needs more than one meal, friends and neighbors often rally around. Someone usually steps up and organizes a schedule so that meals arrive over several days. It is a wonderful way to help, but there are a few things to remember. Offer some variety. Check with the family about food preferences. And, especially, ask about food allergies. A thoughtful meal is only thoughtful if someone can actually eat it.

And then there are the plastic containers. They can pile up almost as quickly as Big Guy’s BOGO purchases. Here’s my advice: use a casserole dish that doesn’t have to be returned. If you hope to get your dish back, be sure to label it. You just might see it again.

And when you deliver the food, there is one more thing to remember. Ask if your company is welcome. Sometimes people would appreciate the meal but don’t need a visit.

Sometimes, the very best way to show someone you care is to put a little comfort in a casserole dish or bake a batch of cookies. It is more than the food it is the thought that counts.

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