The April “Do a Good Cooking Deed” winner is Amy C. from Kirklin, Indiana. Get the tissues!

I have been freezer cooking since I attended a seminar that Tara and Nancy did last May in Frankfort, IN. I love every minute of my cooking day, and being able to pull something out of my freezer almost every night of the month. I have also explained the cooking process to my Somebody's Mother group (sharing/support group for moms). Many of the moms were interested, some became freezer cooks, and others still say they want to try it. This week, though, I have been able to use the strategy to help one of the moms from the group. Her son was just diagnosed last week with stage 4 neuroblastoma of the adrenal gland. He's 2 1/2 and he has very advanced cancer. Needless to say, many of us felt helpless, but wanted to do something tangible to show our love and support for them.

The group donated $100 to buy groceries. I organized several recipes and called moms to help prepare enough food to put into their freezer so they won't have to stop treatment or end happy playful moments (which may be few and far between with the aggressive chemo/side effects) to cook a whole dinner. Seven people helped prepare meals. Two of them were not freezer cooks, but have decided it is something they will try.

The best part was the call to let them know the food was coming. They had not eaten very well during the multiple-day hospital stay, and were hungry on their first night home. When I delivered the food, they were amazed at the variety and immediately snagged a bag of Pasta with Herb Sauce to warm up for that night. Their gratitude was heartwarming, and I felt empowered to do something in a seemingly helpless situation. Their health and well-being won't be sacrificed to drive-thrus or junk food.

We made Taco Rice (frozen in quart size bags for eating with nachos, making a few tacos, topping on cornbread with the typical fresh on-hand ingredients, etc.), Mediterranean Chicken, Chicken Nuggets, Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Tara's Mac N Cheese, Chicken BBQ (using the beef recipe and substituting chicken), Parsley Parmesan Chicken, Pasta with Herb Sauce, Stuffed Shells, lasagna, Crispy Cheesy Potatoes (some with chicken, some with ham). We made the "kid-friendly items" without their usual spices since he needs a fairly bland diet, but the doctors are advising that he eat whatever sounds good to him. We also made many "parent-friendly items" since they can't eat chicken nuggets everyday!!!! All that is left to do is purchase veggies and other on-hand type items to go with the entrees. Several people have donated pantry type items for them in addition to the 7 who cooked.
Thanks, 30 Day Gourmet, for helping us be a blessing in someone's life!