When someone we know passes away, we want to help by bringing a plate to the grieving family.

Many times, we are not sure what would be appropriate to wear. When asked, I recommend a fully baked casserole. Yes, the family will receive numerous pans, but you can easily freeze them for a later date.

Here are some tips:

1. Buy cheap saucepans and keep them on hand. When the time comes, give him your saucepan on the plate. Families are too busy to worry about returning their expensive pans.

2. I would avoid making tuna noodle stews or baked mac and cheese. Families seem to be bombarded with it.

3. To accompany your casserole, give the family a drink. A good juice, sparkling water, soft drinks, flavored teas, etc. Drinks are often overlooked.

Here are the three recipes I like to make for dueling stews.

hamburger bean

1 lb. bacon

1 lb. Burger

1/2 cup onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon mustard

2 tablespoons of vinegar

1 lb. canned baked beans

1 lb. can of beans with butter

1 lb. can kidney beans

In large skillet, fry bacon until done; drain and crumble. Fry the burger and onions in the same pan you used for the bacon until done. Return bacon to skillet, add remaining ingredients. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. For saucepan on plate. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Corn Beef Noodles

3 cups raw egg noodles

1 can of cream of chicken broth

1 can of corn meat, chopped into small pieces

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup green bell peppers, diced small

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

In a large saucepan, cook noodles in boiling water until tender. Drain; stir in cream of chicken soup until blended. In a large bowl, combine beef, milk, cheese, green bell pepper, cooked noodles, and soup mix. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a greased 2-quart saucepan. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs on top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Cheesy Chicken Noodles

1 bag (16 oz.) egg noodles

1 1/2 pounds cooked chicken, cubed

2 cans of cream of chicken

1 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

Milk

In a large pot, cook chicken until done. Remove from the bone and reserve. In a large saucepan, cook egg noodles until tender, drain. Combine chicken, noodles, and peas in a 2-quart baking dish. For the cream soup over the noodle mix, add enough milk to cover the noodles. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the noodles. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.