From Ashley Lusk. Check out her blog, Metropoetrylis. Find her on Twitter @arlusk or email her at ashley[AT]borderstan.com.
No recipes for grief. (Luis Gomez Photos)
On Friday, after a day of watching Twitter feeds and broadcast news unravel the details of the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I felt sick.
I picked at lunch, ate half an apple and nursed a cup of tea. That afternoon a general sense of grief hovered as the catered appetizers at our work holiday party went largely untouched.
In times like these when we and others mourn, I want nothing more than to nourish the rawness inside us with food. The great tragedy is that in these moments food is only a necessity. Here are some tips to consider when providing food for the grieving:
- Keep it easy. Avoid spicy or complicated flavors; make a meal that is simple and nutritious.
- Frozen is best. Because food is often far from the mind of those in mourning, consider creating a meal that can be frozen. Always use dishes that may be disposed of later by relatives.
- Call it in. The first few days after a death, families are often flooded with food. Consider offering to pick up the check for a delivery order later in the week.
- Avoid painful memories. Was the departed loved one responsible for the broccoli casserole at family reunions? Make something else.
- Celebrate life. After welcoming those paying their respects, a quiet meal can often be appreciated by those in mourning.Offer to take the family or friend out for a special meal celebrating the life of the loved one.
Simple Recipes That Can Be Frozen
- Broccoli Gratin from Martha Stewart
- Sweet Potato Gratin from The Kitchen
- Beef Lasagna from A Chow Life
- Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole from Washington Post
- Lamb Shepard’s Pie from Mango Tomato
- Roasted Tomato and White Bean Soup from Once Upon a Cutting Board
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