Care packages

We are constantly being warned about the dangers of comfort foods; food that we turn to when we’re feeling down, food that fills more than just our hunger pangs. However, what if this is actually the point? Food has the ability to nourish more than just our stomachs.

At some time in your life, a dear friend or family member may need your help. Whether they have had a bad accident, a serious operation, or they are in the midst of a crisis, you can show them that you care, simply by cooking for them. Not only is it practical, it makes everyone feel good. Nothing tastes as good as a homemade meal kindly dropped at your doorstep. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. In fact, simple home cooking is the best, when it has been made with extra love and care. Especially for Melbournians and Victorians, during the current lockdown and restrictions, I think it is safe to say that we all need a little bit of comfort. And if you happen to live in any of the areas affected by the recent storms, you definitely qualify for some extra TLC.

Here are a few tips when making up a care package. Use disposable containers: they are easy to transport, store, reheat and no washing up required.

They are also practical as you can write any cooking or reheating instructions on the lid. Include a copy of the recipe: it lists all the ingredients (in case of allergies) and besides, if your friend likes what you have made, they may make it again.

Don’t forget to include vegetables or salad ingredients. You can prep these by washing, peeling and chopping. You can boil some potatoes, ready to be roasted.

 So next time you are cooking, make up double the quantity and send some off to someone you love.

Mum’s meatballs in barbecue sauce

What could be more comforting than your mum’s recipe? If possible, ask your butcher to mince some topside. Make up a double quantity and package some up for a friend.

500g  mince beef

1 cup soft breadcrumbs

1 onion, finely diced

1 green pepper, finely diced

1 egg, beaten

salt and freshly ground pepper

½ (half) cup plain flour

2 tbs olive oil

1 cup tomato sauce

1 cup water

1 tbs sugar

1 tbs worchestershire sauce

1 tbs white vinegar

few drops of Tabasco (optional)

1 tsp celery salt

In a medium bowl, place the mince, breadcrumbs, onion, capsicum and egg. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.

Place flour on a large, flat plate.

Roll mixture into balls and gently coat in flour.

Place oil in a medium frypan and heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. Wipe out the frypan, then add tomato sauce, water, sugar, worchestershire, vinegar, Tabasco and celery salt. Stir to combine. Bring to boil, reduce heat, add meatballs and simmer, covered, for 40 minutes, turning halfway through.

Serve with rice or creamy mashed potato.

Serves 4.