A Meal To Take To Others: Spanish Style Pork Bowls

I love the idea of “intentional kitchening” – where you use food from your kitchen to love and serve others who need a little extra love and care. We think of this most often when someone has a new baby or when the person who does the cooking is off their feet due to surgery or sickness.

Here are a few other situations where a meal from your kitchen might love and serve your friends:

• On moving day – breakfast for the first morning in their new home, when everything is still boxed up
• When someone starts a new job/school routine and is trying to get in the swing of a busy schedule
• When someone is going through a difficult trial (even if it’s not a sickness). Having one less thing to do that day would be a huge blessing.
• A friend who cares for a terminally ill family member or elderly parents might appreciate a meal on any given day.
• A coworker who has been a blessing to you during a busy season at work – return the favor by bringing them a meal they can take home and enjoy.
• A family who has just received a new foster placement or who has welcomed their adopted child into their home.

I like to share things that don’t have to be eaten right away, but can be heated as needed. This is a meal I took to some friends just last week.

Tip: I learned from my mom to make enough for your own supper as well – it just makes life easier.

Menu: Spanish Style Pork Bowls

• Paula Deen BBQ Pork Roast – here’s my twist on this recipe: I used a large bone-in pork butt. I put the meat in my slow cooker with the marinade + 1 cup of chicken broth. After it cooks on low for 8 hours, I shred the meat and serve it with the pan juices. The only thing that makes this “BBQ” is if you add BBQ sauce (although the leftover meat is perfect for BBQ sandwiches). It’s just the best recipe I’ve ever used for slow cooker pork!

• Yellow Rice: I like the Pueblo Lindo Spanish Style Rice from Aldi and use 2 boxes for a family of 4.

• Toppings: Pico or Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Pickled Red Onions

• Fruit

• Brownies: I always keep a Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate brownie mix on hand

• Strawberry Lemonade

You could also add a side of black beans – I wish I had thought of that when I did this meal!

They can just snip the bottom corner off these condiments and use it like a piping bag – no utensils needed.

I always try to add in some pretty paper products (so they don’t have to do dishes) and I always use disposable containers (so they don’t have to get anything back to me). All of these things can be purchased at Dollar Tree. I just keep a stash on hand and use it as I need it!

Adding a note to let them know what they’re eating is always helpful and I like to send a little card with a few encouraging words. The Prayers To Share notes from Dayspring are perfect to tuck inside a card.

I feel like it’s always hard to think of things that reheat well or that would be good to take to someone else, so I hope this inspires you!

Do you know someone who could benefit from a meal? 

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