Over the course of the last five years, it’s been hard enough keeping track of dates and times, never mind thinking about planning and preparing meals. I often think about the early days of 2020—when the pandemic first turned our lives upside down—and how sweet it felt, amid a sea of sadness, to have friends who found special ways to show they care. Much of that became clear through food, with thoughtfully orchestrated Zoom birthday dinners, deliveries of banana bread and big loaves of sourdough, and socially-distanced picnics in parks with beloved pets and family members.
It’s as important as ever to make sure close ones are well-fed and energized.
We all still know someone who, in some way, is somewhat overwhelmed. From new parents and first responders to hospitality workers and busy next-door neighbors, it’s as important as ever to make sure close ones are well-fed and energized. One of the best ways to do that, in my opinion, is to set them up with convenient, comforting, and hearty bites that come together in almost no time at all–which brings us to the freezer.
Taking the chill off hard days becomes easy with the gift of ready-to-reheat herbaceous breakfast burritos loaded with cheese, onions, and potatoes; fast and versatile broth for cooking flavorful rice or making a simplified version of miso soup; or coffee-infused cookie dough that’s not necessarily intended to be eaten raw, but no one will judge if that’s what feels necessary. These recipes are meant to be a reminder that stocking the freezer with tasty takes on familiar favorites can make any moment feel especially warm, and all they require is a slow Sunday afternoon with a small window of prep time to create long-term, easy enjoyment for your overwhelmed friends and loved ones.
Cinnamon and Coffee-Infused Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough
Coarsely chopped milk chocolate, instant espresso powder, and warming cinnamon come together in a brown sugar-forward dough that you’ll want to eat on its own, or blended together with vanilla ice cream. Of course they can be baked on an as-needed basis (a minimum of one cookie per night is a good place to start), too. If you’re gifting this cookie dough to someone you love, include a pint of your favorite vanilla ice cream and a small serving of good quality finishing salt, which balances the sweetness and brings things up a notch.
Aromatic Miso-Mushroom Broth for Rice, Soups, and More
This broth is extraordinarily handy to have on hand for cooking rice, making somewhat of a miso soup, stirring into pan sauces, and more. It doesn’t call for kombu, so those who don’t enjoy oceanic flavors can still feel taken care of. Thirty minutes of simmering time will make a big impact for multiple meals to come. Feel free to double measurements for larger batches.
“Green Eggs” Breakfast Burritos
These burritos take almost no time to reheat in the microwave, with the option of crisping them up in a pan afterwards for an ideal texture. It’s the “green eggs” that make them extra special; whisked with a blend of cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt, they kick the day off with brightness and buoyancy. Beyond that, this recipe—featuring well-seasoned potatoes, melted Oaxaca cheese, and soft flour tortillas—is simple and easily adjustable to personal preferences. If you’re gifting these to someone, include a favorite hot sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, for good measure.
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