Do you hear what I hear? A song, high above the trees, with a voice as big as the sea…We are in this TOGETHER. This tagline is resounding through communities everywhere, encouraging and engaging superheroes of all sorts. It’s becoming an anthem, a beautiful rallying cry…a voice of HOPE, as big as the sea. (Hey, a little bit of ‘Christmas’ always cheers things up, right?!)

In particular, we love the innovative ways people are helping each other and the economy; which helps all of us. How many of us have asked local restaurants and businesses to support a local schools, sports teams or annual fundraisers? Or have been on the receiving end of a local business’ generosity? In our community, these are the folks that generally step up eagerly and often. These restaurants and businesses have Little League team photos and thank you cards from school events hanging up proudly for all to see. It’s a rare thing for the tables to be turned, where the businesses are the ones that could use some support. We are going through one of the most trying times of modern history. It’s heartbreaking to see hard-working people struggle at no fault of their own, on both ends of the spectrum – and everywhere in between. Even so, we still see hope. 

We personally know families who have workers in “essential” positions, including a Fireman who still goes out on calls not knowing who they will be exposed too and a Physician Assistant who works in the Emergency Room. These families are use to the general risks they are exposed to everyday. However, there’s now an extra layer that adds increased risks to their families at home. This means not being able to return home for long periods, having to stay in a travel trailer or some place outside the house and/or they have to take extra precautions to remove clothing, sanitize and quarantine items and themselves at certain times. It has a physical and emotion toll on the whole family. At the end of their shift, they can no longer turn off their day and “leave it at work”. However, they proudly continue, day after day.

Despite the depressed, fearful and uncertain air in our world today, imagine a community that rallies together not only over little league or school fundraisers, but especially for the couple who just welcomed their first baby during a time of isolation, the family whose 4 yr old is battling leukemia, the grandma who is going through chemo treatments alone since she can’t risk being exposed to the virus due to her suppressed immune system, the family who lost their son to a tragic car accident, the family who is struggling with COVID-19, the family whose Dad and Mom lost their jobs and are dealing with uncertainty, or the local business who is struggling to keep their doors open and their employees paid. These are all real people, real situations that are only scratching the surface of the needs that exist. There are so many opportunities to be a light all around us, to send encouragement and hope.

“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.”

Dr. Seuss

We just have to start, somewhere. What if we all pooled together, little by little, and helped our local community businesses by paying it forward to our frontline workers (eg. $5 each or whatever you can)? We could put the local restaurants to work by ordering take-out or delivery for the local frontline workers, knowing that we each contributed in our own way. What a win-win!! Restaurants get to keep their workers working, frontline workers get refueled and energized from the support and our community grows from the generosity of pulling together and getting things done; as we are supported by those frontline medical workers.

Food Tidings is use to seeing communities rally together. From our vantage point, we see the impact that generosity has every day; one that lasts a lifetime. Food Tidings schedules are being used to help individuals, groups, businesses, organizations, medical centers and countless others. Regardless of the name, we call it ”community”. We couldn’t be prouder, but we know ALL the credit goes to the “Organizers”. We are only a tool — it takes a person, an Organizer, to be the real difference maker. 

We see countless ways of people saying “Thank you”. We see people stepping up and sharing. Face Book Groups have sprung up that are helping share supplies and letting people know when local stores are back in stock with some of the high demand items like baby food, baby wipes, toilet paper, eggs, milk, etc. More importantly, they are growing optimism and encouraging “community”, it’s such a beautiful thing. It just took one person to be an “Organizer”, to get it started.

While Food Tidings is used across America and world-wide, we are a local, family-owned and operated business in Northwest Phoenix, Arizona. To help local businesses in our own backyard, we are encouraging our community to support local restaurants and medical workers. For example, drop off your own take-out order or donate money gifts via a Food Tidings schedule that will be used to provide meals to local medical center workers through local restaurants.

We’ve adapted a version of our tool to allow “Purchase-only” schedules to accommodate collecting funds and meal purchases only. This enables meals on the schedule(s) to be made by restaurants rather than homemade; putting restaurants to work and giving confidence that the food handling and delivery is as safe as it can be. 

Restaurants are giving their best prices and all proceeds will be going toward meals; Food Tidings won’t be making any profit on this effort. It is our joy and pleasure to enable and support communities; it’s especially endearing when it’s your own. It doesn’t take much, but it adds up quickly when we work together.

What COMMUNITY do you know that could use some support? Be the catalyst. Be the spark that ignites your community into a generosity machine. The benefits are always returned, it’s a universal principle. We are better together, no doubt. 

Especially during this time, show the firefighters, policemen, medical workers or frontline workers near you that they matter. Your impact will be a life changing, history making. Go ahead, be an encouragement to others and spread hope – we would love to hear your stories. #FoodTidings #MeaningfulMeals #TidingsOfHope #Superheroes

If you need assistance or would like to customize a Food Tidings Schedule, let us know – we are happy to help! Contact us at: info@foodtidings.com.

Cancer stinks, no doubt about it. The reality is that all of us will experience some impact from this awful disease; if it’s not us or our family, it’s someone we know or know of. The closer it is, the deeper the impact. Once you’ve been through it or watched it, you’ll never be the same. Your heart will ache when you hear the word. However, there is always a way to give and feel HOPE. You may need it yourself or you may need to share it. The fact is, the ups and downs of the ‘cancer road’ is smoother when people feel supported.

However, receiving can be hard. Pride and dignity can put on a brave front, but everyone yearns to feel and be supported. I get it. My family has experience; with both sad outcomes and good ones. My Father-in-Law fought cancer for 6 years and my Mother-in-Law for 12 months, before they lost their battles. However, we’ve had other family and friends beat it. Most recently, I had two friends diagnosed with breast cancer within a month of each other; thankfully, their prognosis looks good but, they have a long road ahead of them. Through these experiences, we often had to talk these people into letting us help them. They never wanted to impose on others, but I saw the gratitude well up inside them when support, of all kinds, was given. The gestures, big or small, all helped beyond words.

I know there are tons of suggestions on how to support people with cancer. After seeing support coordinated through Food Tidings for years and having some very authentic conversations with people I deeply respect, I wanted to share some recent take-aways. So, whether it’s October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” or any other month, we want to make sure you have some meaningful, tangible ways to support others, make it easier for them to “receive” and GIVE HOPE.

That is the essence of Food Tidings – to give ‘comfort & joy’; and hope. 

Let’s make it a HOPE STORY, more than a cancer story.

10 Ways to Share Hope:

1. Take a Little Time: Just Be There. The ‘more the merrier’, is especially true when you’re going through something that’s not so merry. Chemo or radiation visits are one of those things. Yes, just “sit” there. Simple. No pressure. The smiling face of a friend and even the smallest chit-chat can provide a welcomed distraction to the anxiety and physical discomfort. They can do it alone, but it’s a huge gift if you can spare 1 hr to join them. Be courteous and read their ques; if they don’t seem up to talking much, that’s ok – just hold their hand or sit nearby. You are helping more than you know. They’ll remember the company over the treatment – a priceless gift. If you can’t be there in person, send a text, card or note letting them know you are there in spirit.

2. Meaningful Meals: Give nourishment and encouragement, in one! Providing a meal not only impacts the person fighting cancer, but the whole family. A simple dinner is always enough, don’t worry about being a chef! A few fun ideas that easily ‘fancy it up’ in a meaningful way: add a personal note or kid’s drawing, fix a ‘favorite’ dish of theirs or pick a dinner theme like ‘Mexican fiesta!’ to make it a dinner-party at home. They are more likely to remember the gesture, than what you actually cooked – so, take the pressure off. Of course, creating a Food Tidings schedule to coordinate meals is convenient and helps organize meal delivery for the family; easily giving instructions and details to meet the family’s needs. Rally the troops and give others the opportunity to help with meals, it’s a win-win-win.

3. Grocery Gratitude: This gift gives food, convenience and time – a true trifecta of help that is sure to have them bursting with gratitude! For someone going through chemo or radiation – it’s hard enough thinking about a grocery list…imagine trying to find the energy to actually stop at the store, lift legs that feel like 100 lb weights and fight nausea as you make your way through the grocery store. Then, the mere task of loading & unloading the grocery bags can zap you of energy for hours. Be a hero and provide some basic groceries or ask for their list, to pick up. There are so many options to make it a simple, but extremely useful gesture – send your driving teenager (great life & serving experience), order ahead for pick up or have the groceries delivered straight to their door.

4. Practical Please: Gifts that have a useful purpose are ‘multitaskers’ at its finest – practical and generous. However, don’t be afraid to ASK if they have something already. That’s the key. It’s true that chemo places are so cold. However, people often get a bag of essentials on their first day as part of the treatment. Multiples of the same thing can quickly turn to “waste”. Blankets and socks are really nice, but they probably don’t need 20 of them. Be practical and make a quick call or send a text with a list of a few different items and see what would be the most useful. They’ll appreciate it now and later, as you’ll be saving them from having to deal with all the “extras” that added up in the hall closet. This is not to say, that “fun” gifts are not appreciated or useful (laughter is always good for the soul!)…just another perspective to consider.

5. Comfort for Days: Jammies and lounge clothing are always a hit, especially right after a surgery. Having a new, comfy something to lounge in immediately brightens the mood and brings a smile to the face. You can’t go wrong with ‘soft and comfy’. By far, this is ranked as a favorite gift! Not sure about sizing? Discreetly ask a significant other or give them a gift card to a store with a note of what it’s intended for. Give them the directive to go on a “PJ or Loungewear Treasure Hunt” for themselves, otherwise they’ll often end up getting something for someone else in their family. Moms, especially, can be that way; so, give them the freedom to treat themselves.  

6. Happy Household Help: Don’t we all wish we had a cleaning-fairy? This is especially true when you don’t feel good. Helping someone pick up the house, doing a quick dusting, assisting with some laundry or hiring a housekeeper is a huge gift of happiness…on all fronts. You are either helping the person who is in charge of “the house” still accomplish their “job” even when they can’t (boosting hope & fighting discouragement) or giving a caregiver a welcomed reprieve from additional “work” and giving precious moments of rest. Don’t have the time or money yourself? A few friends or small group can pitch in and gift 3-6 months of house cleaning service to cover a treatment period. This little thing can take an unbelievable amount of stress off a person and family.

7. Flexible Funds: Not new, but still worth mentioning. Restaurant, Gas, Grocery and other gift cards are always appreciated. Patients often have to travel a distance to treatments and doctor offices. Being able to fill up the tank without financial tension or have a family member or friend use a gift card to get something to eat for the patient/group is SO useful! Cancer can have a financial impact on all families, and is certainly a financial burden for most. Having gift cards to fall back on is huge. It’s like Christmas in October, or whatever time of year it is! Gifting flexible funds for any of the basic needs is an easy go-to that you can trust will be put to good use.

8. Delightful Distraction: For the readers, give them an escape or happy distraction from what they are going through. Not cancer books; they can buy or research those on their own. Give “fun” or “funny” books. Magazines, of any kind! Word Search or coloring books can give them something to do. Uplifting books, such as devotionals, can be a gift that keeps giving; even after their treatment. One recommendation, “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” By Lysa Terkeurst, came with big accolades from a good friend of mine in the midst of a breast cancer battle. (Disclaimer: We don’t get any marketing commission, just sharing a heart-felt recommendation.) Again, asking what they are interested in is always useful (and/or include a gift receipt). Giving coloring books to someone that doesn’t color is wasting your money and not hitting the mark, even though it’s well intended. A quick question or text to them, or someone close, will help make sure you get the best value for your efforts.

9. Funds to Fight: At the risk of talking too much “money”, let’s face the reality. Even with the best health insurance, medical co-pays, the patients’ portion of expenses, and tons of associated costs add up very quickly for families. Nobody wants to ask for financial help and it can be very difficult to discuss. However, what a gift it would be to have help with even just one medical bill. For some, there’s a point along the way when the well-intended “gifts” they receive start to look like “wasted dollar signs”. No one wants to be or seem ungrateful, but if they had the money for all of the gifts being donated they would gladly make the trade for the financial assistance and peace of mind. If only a family could easily and discreetly trade in unneeded or duplicate gifts for the money they were worth, that would be a game changer. Until then, reducing the ‘waste’ and giving them money to help where they need it most would be a welcomed gift, whether it’s asked for or not. It may not feel very ‘personal’ to you, but giving cold-hard cash could be the thing that reduces anxiety and helps their body to fight and heal without extra stress.

10. Prayer: The power of PRAYER can not be underestimated. Call it ‘meditation’, ‘good vibes’, ‘good thoughts’ or what you will. It works. Even people of little or no faith will appreciate the gesture of “prayer”; just mentioning the word can bring calming and soothing thoughts. It lets a person know that you actually do care and you want the best for them. Aside from the psychological assurance that the God of the universe knows what is going on through ‘prayer requests’, taking a moment to pray healing and life into a person reaches them, and you, on so many levels. Don’t just say it, actually do it – pray for them in person, set a daily or weekly reminder on your phone and/or write them a card that shares a prayer so they can read it themselves (over and over). Hearing something can make you believe it, especially when you’re too exhausted to say it yourself. Prayer can make all the difference. It gives HOPE. Not only is it free to do, but the impact is priceless; again, to both of you.

We hope this list gives you some new perspective and/or inspires you to come up with your own ideas to support someone you know. HOPE is always in style, so give it away freely.

Crystal Van Dyke

Food Tidings Contributor

I loved FoodTidings.com at first sight. My husband and I had the opportunity to join the Food Tidings team in 2011 as Partners, after meeting the original co-founders at our church. I have a Bachelors in Public Administration from the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats!) and a Masters in Health Services Administration/Strategic Planning & Marketing from The George Washington University. We planned my early retirement from the market 3 kids in and was blessed with a 4th to complete us; finishing with 2 boys & 2 girls. Our oldest is now launched, happily married and proudly serving in the Air Force, one is in college (adding a Wildcat to the family), while the two at home keep us on our toes, amazed and inspired. As a full-time Wife and Mom, this website is my side-gig that serves as a personal ministry for our family. Seeing caring communities created, hope spread and generosity in action continues to be a motivator for all of us.  Matt 5:16

“We’ve seen when ‘frozen’ actually warms the heart.”

Can you imagine life without a refrigerator or freezer? From the store or when planning ahead for dinner time, frozen food or meals are a staple item in most homes. We’ve seen this translate to a Food Tidings schedule, as well — groups will get together and make “freezer meals” to stock up for a family welcoming a new baby, Organizers will request extra portions of soup or a meal so the Recipient battling cancer can freeze the food for a future use or a Participant who lives in another state will have a meal shipped, grateful they can contribute to supporting their relative recovering from surgery. We have seen when ‘frozen’ actually warms the heart.

It’s been proven time and time again, that frozen meals can be a great fit for Food Tidings’ Participants and Recipients, alike. They are convenient to purchase when you are busy or live far away and easy and handy for the Recipient to enjoy at their convenience. That’s why we offer “shipped” or flash frozen meal options in the Food Tidings Shoppe; making it possible to provide a consistent, nationwide meal option to support families, in addition to the home-kitchen or local restaurant.

We take quality very seriously, so we make sure our vendors provide chef-prepared frozen options that make a you proud and represent you well. Trust us, these are not your Daddy’s frozen TV dinners who got a bad rap because they were processed, additive laden, and free of flavor – unless you count the taste of the aluminum tray, that is. Today’s frozen meals are a far cry from the foil-encased atrocities of yesteryear. They have come a long way, baby – thank goodness! In fact, we vet vendors to ensure they are providing the highest quality ingredients, keeping meals preservative and chemical free, flash freezing freshness in and using the most careful packaging and shipping for pre-made healthy meals; not to mention excellent customer service. 

Additionally, we do most of the thinking for you! We select a variety of meals that meet various diet requirements, as well as covering plenty of the good ‘ol comfort food options. Our vendors, such as MagicKitchen.com, work with us to customize meal packages that fit our customer base; targeting favorites and nutrients that hit the mark for new Moms, surgery recovery, special diets, soups for those battling cancer or looking for lighter fare, etc. In-house chefs whip up these favorite dishes in small batches and immediately flash freeze them for delivery to a Recipient’s doorstep. Think of them as your personal chef and courier service, with a much lower price tag than if you hired them each yourself!

We’re big freezer believers and fans. Here’s five reasons frozen foods are often better than fresh:

Freeze the flavor

Flash-freezing produce and meals ensure the Recipient gets perfectly vine-ripened flavor whenever they’re ready to heat and eat. Typically, “fresh” produce is harvested early, before peak ripeness and then must ripen in a truck on the way to a grocery store.

Nutrients on ice

Key vitamins, nutrients and other good stuff is locked in when foods are frozen fresh. After just five days in the fridge, “fresh” produce counterparts loose vitamin A, vitamin C and folate.

Easy freezy

Once frozen, produce and meals are no longer in a race against the freshness clock. Mealtime simply becomes more convenient. Frozen meals are easy to store – easy to make on the Recipient’s own schedule.

Frozen in time

Frozen food stays better for way longer. Ice is nature’s pause button and is perfect for the unpredictable, busy lifestyles of the real world.

Price drop – Savings 

Because it’s easier to prepare and store, frozen foods end up saving money with much less waste. Less food going bad, more time to enjoy mealtime – it’s a win on all fronts. 

Rest assured, science is on the side of frozen and you can be, too. We’ve tried our vendors’ frozen meals and we haven’t tasted a meal we didn’t like. We trust your Recipient will feel the same!

Sources: 

5 Reasons Why Flash Frozen Food is Better

Could Frozen Vegetables Be More Nutritious Than Fresh? 

5 Reasons Frozen Food is Better than Fresh, Veestro.com

Don’t you love when you stumble on a Pinterest “Gem”; you know, a link that actually works and gives you not only what you were originally looking for, but so much more! Recently, we found one – Our Home Made Easy: Helping Working Moms Create Extraordinary Homes the Easy Way. We like the way Brittany, the blog’s creator, thinks. And, as an added bonus for us, she’s local to Phoenix, AZ; the birthplace of Food Tidings. It’s always nice to support “local”, when you can!

Our Home Made Easy created a pin for “20+ Super Easy Recipes for Dinner Time”. We invite you to check out her entire post and website, but here’s a sampling of dinners…all of which would be great options to easily double the recipe, package up the extra & deliver it as a Food Tiding to make someone else’s night, too. In fact, we bet you make their whole week, at least!

Thanks for Keeping It Simple, Brittany!

Easy Dinner Recipes:

Sharing them in FULL color, so you can practically taste them – enjoy!

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Subs

Philly cheesesteak Crescent Ring

Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti

20 Minute Healthy Chicken Burritos

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Easy Fried Rice

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Cheesy Party Burgers

AND, since we can’t leave out dessert:

Gluten Free Monster Cookie Cheesecake

How many Parents do you think see themselves as true “Leaders”? Ask a Mom and I’ll bet the answer is even less. Too often, I’m afraid the word “leader” is reserved for the office rather than home; unless it’s a game of “follow the leader”, to keep kids busy. If there is any doubt, let me clear it up for you. If you are a Parent (biological or otherwise), you are a Leader (with a capital L!). 

Parents and family figures really shouldn’t cut themselves short. From day one, we provide the framework for how our children will view leadership. From feeding patterns, sleeping schedules and so on, parents are given the opportunity to establish healthy parameters, routines, discipline habits and confidence that will set up youngsters and the family, for success. Each stage of parenthood and childhood has its own set of skills required; it’s like going from a ‘Start-up’ and growing into a ‘Corporation’, regardless of what side you’re on. To do it well, leadership is required. Just as employees would be lost without vision and management, families will be lost if they let the kids run the roost without direction. 

As with professional leaders, one of the most difficult transitions for parent leaders is the shift from doing to leading. I’ve heard this advice many times over the years and have tried to take it to heart: Don’t do something that your kids can do themselves. Mothers are often the culprits of doing everything. There are many reasons for this, and I get it. It’s easier, faster and usually done better, if you do a task yourself rather than wrangling, arguing or repeating the work your child does. But you’re not doing yourself or them any favors, if you’re always doing it for them. If your toddler is use to you doing everything for them, don’t be surprised when your teen or young adult is, too. 

“One of the most difficult transitions for leaders to make is the shift from doing to leading.”

To Be a Great Leader, You have to Delegate Well, Harvard Business Review

You may consider that doing things for your kids is an act of service or shows your love to them. While that may be true on the surface, let’s remember that our job as parents is really to prepare our children for adulthood; a productive and engaging adulthood is an even better goal. It may seem simple enough when you have one child. However, add one, two or five more kids, have your job or volunteering situation change or you may just start feeling a little (or lot) more tired – and doing everything yourself just doesn’t work anymore. Please consider, even if you can do it, should you? 

In the end, the more you allow your child or others to help you, the more you are actually leading. By delegating chores and work you are preparing your kids for a productive, self-sufficient life that encourages them to develop their own leadership skills. Kids or employees will stand up taller, feel respected and most likely be eager for more responsibility with their newfound confidence and dignity through empowerment.

Another major component to leadership, I believe, is service. Being consistent makes you a trusted leader. Showing compassion makes you approachable. Rolling up your sleeves and pitching in or serving along side your kids or colleagues when needed, makes you relatable. Knowing a leader is willing to do anything that they ask of you is a motivator to the one being led. When you serve others, in whatever capacity, it creates a culture of giving. Giving or serving puts the attention on others, embedding a sense of greater purpose in what you are doing. All of which will develop strong teams, whether in your family or at work.

Also, don’t underestimate how you are leading by example. Helping others and having your kids see it, or better yet having them participate, is one of the best lessons you can give. By serving others and creating a sense of a greater purpose in life, you develop more empathy and an outward perspective that will help reduce selfishness and numerous related pitfalls. We tell our kids all that time that their childhood is “practice” and “experience” for what is to come: how they will get along with roommates, what kind of employee they’ll be, how they will communicate with their spouse, how they will lead their family, etc. Cast a vision for them. Be a good example, they are watching. All. The. Time.

I tend to view most things through a leadership lens, FoodTidings included. I have always considered FoodTidings much more than just a volunteer coordinating tool. It is a leadership tool. FoodTidings’ Organizers are leaders that are mastering the art of delegation; they identify a need and they address it. Serving others would quickly be overwhelming if you were trying to provide all the support or meals all by yourself. Talk about the work, time and money, oh my! It just wouldn’t happen. More tragically, it would be selfish and rob friends and family the opportunity to contribute and celebrate. Life was meant to be shared. A great leader surrounds themselves with people and resources to reach mutual goals. Tools to help us do that should be embraced; and we hope Food Tidings is a go-to resource for you.

From a new mom, a dear friend fighting cancer, a sweet neighbor who just lost their spouse, a co-worker who broke their foot, a family taking in a couple of foster children, a family who is seeking asylum from their war-torn country to a military family who’s Dad or Mom is being deployed – there are so many opportunities for someone to step up and lead the way, organizing a meal schedule or collecting funds to assist where help is needed most. It just takes someone willing to be a leader.  You can do it. You already are. FoodTidings can help. 

Crystal Van Dyke

Food Tidings Contributor

I loved FoodTidings.com at first sight. My husband and I had the opportunity to join the Food Tidings team in 2011 as Partners, after meeting the original co-founders at our church. I have a Bachelors in Public Administration from the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats!) and a Masters in Health Services Administration/Strategic Planning & Marketing from The George Washington University. We planned my early retirement from the market 3 kids in and was blessed with a 4th to complete us; finishing with 2 boys & 2 girls. Our oldest is now launched, happily married and proudly serving in the Air Force, while the three at home keep us on our toes, amazed and inspired. As a full-time Wife and Mom, this website is my side-gig that serves as a personal ministry for our family. Seeing caring communities created, hope spread and generosity in action continues to be a motivator for all of us.  Matt 5:16

My mother-in-law first made these rolls with my kids several years ago and we’ve been stuck on them ever since. It’s an easy Easter tradition that is sweet and meaningful…a perfect mix.

The original paper print out that my MIL gave me was getting pretty messy, so I searched Pinterest for a digital update. I have to admit, I laughed out loud when I read the story from Christy Denney, The-Girl-Who-Ate-Everything:

New Baby Meals

“The generosity shown to me after I had my third son Wes was unbelievable. Not only did my church friends bring in meals for 5 days but my friends brought in 4 meals after that.

Usually I have food issues. I’m not sure where it stemmed from. Maybe it’s just that I have found one too many hairs in food. Anyway, unless I know you well…and know that you are a clean cook, I am wary of your food.

A bit snobbish, but it’s the truth. After I had the baby, however, I didn’t even think about any of that. I was humbled and truly grateful for everyone’s willingness to help make a meal.”

-Christy Denney, https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/empty-tomb-rolls/

I get her. I’ve been known to side with the germaphobes. However, it is truly amazing how a small gesture of care can melt away some of our silly notions. That, and how pure exhaustion will make you willing to eat anything! 😉

Honestly though, I find that people are usually MUCH more careful when they fix meals for other people than they even are for their own family. I know I am, and I’ve seen the efforts of many others who are the same way. No worrying needed, just enjoy the gift of generosity!

I love that Christy’s gift meal included these Empty Tomb Rolls – such a great idea and nice gesture.

Perfect for Easter, or any time.

Here’s a breakdown of the symbolism of Empty Tomb Rolls:

• Large Marshmallows – body of Jesus
• Melted Butter – oils of embalming
• Cinnamon and Sugar Mix- spices used to anoint Christ’s body.
• Crescent Roll – the wrapping of Jesus’ body or the tomb.
• Oven – the tomb
• Cavity in bun – the empty tomb or the empty cloths

Empty Tomb Rolls Recipe:

INGREDIENTS

•  1 8 ounce or (12 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls (the bigger size makes it a little easier to wrap around the marshmallow)
•  1/4 cup sugar
•  1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
•  8 large marshmallows
•  1/4 cup butter , melted

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Separate rolls into eight triangles. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Dip each marshmallow into butter, roll in cinnamon-sugar and place on a triangle. Pinch dough around marshmallow, sealing all edges. Make sure to seal well or all the marshmallow will escape.
2. Dip tops of dough into remaining butter and cinnamon-sugar. Place with sugar side up in greased muffin cups. It helps to use jumbo muffin tins so that the juice doesn’t overflow.
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until rolls are golden brown. Allow to cool slightly then eat warm.

RECIPE NOTES:

Source: The-Girl-Who-Ate-Everything, Christy Denney

Crystal Van Dyke

FoodTidings Contributor

I loved FoodTidings.com at first sight. My husband and I had the opportunity to join the Food Tidings team in 2011 as Partners, after meeting the original co-founders at our church. I have a Bachelors in Public Administration from the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats!) and a Masters in Health Services Administration/Strategic Planning & Marketing from The George Washington University. We planned my early retirement from the market 3 kids in and was blessed with a 4th to complete us; finishing with 2 boys & 2 girls. Our oldest is now launched, happily married and proudly serving in the Air Force, while the three at home keep us on our toes, amazed and inspired. As a full-time Wife and Mom, this website is my side-gig that serves as a personal ministry for our family. Seeing caring communities created, hope spread and generosity in action continues to be a motivator for all of us.  Matt 5:16

Sometimes I get “meal-idea-block”, unable to think of a “good” meal idea when I am asked to help a family with a dinner. Oh, the pressure. As though the meal needs to be amazing or they may think I’m a lousy cook! Sound familiar? Trust me, the struggle is real. So, let’s melt that “block”, together.

Here are a few ideas to keep up your sleeve (or anywhere handy that you’ll remember) for the next time you get asked to help with a Food Tidings schedule or a meal for a family.

I can assure you, these meal ideas are easy and travel well: 

1. Breakfast for dinner: Scrambled eggs, or a quick egg casserole with onions, peppers, ham, and cheese; baked at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Add some pancakes or cinnamon rolls (from the tube at your local store), with fruit on the side.
   
2. Taco night: Brown up some ground beef (seasoned to taste), and package up shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, jar of salsa and some tortillas and/or chips on the side. Feeling fancy? Throw in some guacamole!
   
3. Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner: Roast a chicken with potatoes and broccoli, seasoned with butter and salt. A one-pan dinner! Or, in a hurry? Pick up a pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken from Costco or local store, add your roasted veggies on the side.
   
4. Casserole a la Easy: Make a chicken and rice casserole with mixed veggies: Add chicken (pre-cooked), rice, mixed veggies (frozen, works great!), can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream and top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Add fruit on the side, and you gift “fresh-comfort” all in one.
   

While these recipes or ideas may not win fancy awards, but they are meals that most families can and will eat. When a family is in need, that’s the most appreciated thing about getting a meal; they can enjoy it without having to think about it. Also, these meals require no special ingredients and can be made in double batches so you can feed your family that night, too!

Again, these are just a few general ideas to keep in mind. Go with it as they are, or use them as general themes to start the ideas flowing. If you’d like more specific recipe details, you can always use your favorite recipe(s) or find something on Pinterest or online.

In the end, I hope you’ve gained a few simple, quick, go-to dinner ideas to relieve the pressure the next time you are asked to serve another with a Food Tidings. Never be “meal-idea-blocked”, again. Be confident and, most importantly, know that anything will be appreciated!

Leanne Schinella

Food Tidings Blog Contributor

After being the recipient and participant in many meal schedules, my husband and I co-founded Food Tidings in 2007. We have 8 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 9 chickens, 1 hedgehog and 2 bunnies (yes, we are THAT fun) 🙂 When I’m not on wife or mom duty, I love photography and capturing family moments, for other families and my own, to treasure.

I wanted to share a recipe for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that my family and I have really been enjoying lately. It gets two thumbs up from all four of our kids; and let me tell you, that can be challenging. It’s “Mississippi Pot Roast”, a recipe adapted from simplyhappyfoodie.com. Made in the Instant Pot, it literally fell apart when I opened the lid (which is a good thing for roasts, in my book!), and it took quite a bit of willpower to wait to eat it until dinner time! The amazing smell seemed to lure each of the kids to the kitchen, and I had to tell them we’re “closed” until dinner so it wasn’t gone before then. HA!

This would definitely be an awesome meal to bring to a friend or family member who is going through a transitional time in their life: had a baby, sick, going through treatment for cancer, recovering from surgery, just moved, has a chronic illness, a caregiver for a family member who is sick, or those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. We suggest taking it in some kind of container that you don’t mind getting back or something that is disposable.

INSTANT POT MISSISSIPPI ROAST

Ingredients:

• 5 pound beef chuck roast cut in 2 to 3 pieces to fit inside Instant Pot
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini juice
• 8-10 pepperoncinis, whole
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or something of the like
• 8 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter

Directions:

1. Turn the pressure cooker on, press “Sauté”, and wait 2 minutes for the pot to heat up. Add the avocado oil and beef and cook until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once. (Note: You may need to cook the beef in batches so the pot isn’t overcrowded.)
2. Take beef out and place on plate, insert Instant Pot trivet. Pour in beef broth and pepperoncini juice. Then place beef back into Instant Pot, add salt, pepper and ranch seasoning packet. Cut the butter into chunks and place the butter on top of the seared beef. Then, place the pepperoncinis on top, as well.
3. Turn the pot on Manual, High Pressure for 90 minutes and then let the pressure naturally release release. Once it’s released fully, open the lid and enjoy the amazing smell that comes from the pot, but don’t put your face too close or you’ll get a steam facial you didn’t bargain for. 🙂 The meat should shred quite nicely. ENJOY!

Lisa Shepherd

Food Tidings Blog Contributor

Hello to our amazing Food Tidings community! My husband and I co-founded Food Tidings in 2007. It’s been amazing to watch it grow the way it has, and be such a wonderful tool for SO many people all over the world!