Looking for a recipe for a meal to give away

[avendesora]

I'm giving a meal on Saturday to a family that just had their fourth (adopted) baby. The dad likes everything, but I think might be lactose intolerant. The mom enjoys being very health-conscious (whole foods, I think she prefers low fat) but has given herself permission to use more convenience foods so she can give more attention to the little ones. The kids: 3.5 years, 2 years, 1.5 years (and newborn who is getting donated milk).

Any suggestions as to what I should bring them?

I was thinking of a homemade pizza with whole wheat crust and lots of veggies on part of it.

Thanks!
Aven

[wholewheatchick]

Pizza sounds good! The little kids would like it, too.

This recipe is def. more time intensive, but it is the one that I usually bring to new mommies. It makes enough for a family, and it's good cold, too.

"Chick" Rice Soup
Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
1 1/2 c. red onion, diced
1 1/2 c. celery, sliced
3/4 c. carrots, sliced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. uncooked brown rice
1/2 t. salt
pepper
1 t. dry mustard
1 1/2 t. dried thyme
1 1/2 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. dried marjoram
3 1/2 c. cooked chickpeas
4 c. broth
3 c. water
2 bay leave
2 T nutritional yeast
1/2 t. dried sage
1/2 t. dried thyme

Directions:
In a large pot over medium heat, add oil, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, wild rice, salt, pepper, dry mustard, dried thyme, oregano, and marjoram and stir to combine. Cover and let cook 5 - 6 minutes, stirring once or twice. Add 2 1/2 c. chickpeas, broth, water, and bay leaves and stir to combine. Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 45 - 55 minutes, until rice is fully cooked and inner white grain of rice is exposed. With a hand blender, pulse soup to add body and creaminess to your desire. Stir in the reserved cup of chickpeas, nutritional yeast, sage, and thyme. Cook 2 - 3 minutes, then serve.