Episode 6 – Do I Have to Feed People? Recipes for Hospitality

But… do I have to feed people?

Just in case, I’m sharing some recipes and ideas for hospitality!

When I say, “hospitality,” I know that’s the question that overwhelms some of us. We have lots of hangups around hosting, and the idea of having to cook or prepare an elaborate meal could stop us before we ever get around to inviting. So DO we have to feed people? The short answer is…
No. But it’s sure a nice way to connect, to open hearts, and to share an act of love with someone!

Food is given not just for our sustenance, but for our enjoyment. When God created us, He made us with all the senses to see, smell, touch and taste food – and we can share that blessing with others. He also made food to nourish us, and when we feed someone, we get to physically nourish them, too.

“God never meant man to be a purely spiritual creature. That is why He uses material things like bread and wine to put the new life into us. We may think this rather crude and unspiritual. God does not: He invented eating. He likes matter. He invented it.” – C. S. LEWIS, Mere Christianity

Did you ever notice that several times in scripture, Jesus shares a meal with and/or feeds people?

• In Matthew 14 and 15, He and the disciples feed a crowd of over 5,000, then 4,000
• In luke 19, Jesus joins Zaccheus at his home for dinner
• In Luke 10, Jesus dines at the invite of Mary and Martha
• Jesus celebrates the biblical feasts/meals with His disciples throughout His time with them
• In Luke 21 after the resurrection, Jesus feeds the disciples breakfast on the shore

So I’m thinking if our Lord fed people, we can, too!

We may have some hold-ups, though, that we think prevent us from hosting with a meal. Maybe you’d say, “I’m not a cook,” “I have no time,” or “I’m on a tight budget!” Maybe you’re intimidated by people who are picky or have allergies or food preferences or sensitivities. There are answers to those valid concerns!

I’m NOT a cook

• That’s ok! Keep it simple, using no-cook snacks, or create a few go-to “no-recipe” ideas that you can throw together without stress!
• Water with lemons (camp people LOVED!), spritzer with juice and seltzer
• Pantry items: olives, dried fruit, gf crackers (taste good, too!), block of cheese
• Fruit with a drizzle of cream

I’ve got no time

• Prep in advance – freeze cookie dough every time you bake a batch
• Ask your guest to bring a favorite item of theirs

It’s hard to feed people who are picky/have allergies

For most situations when you’re making a full meal for people with food sensitivities, we are safe to stick to meat and veggies. Use herbs and olive oil to add flavor and try roasting for an easy, flavor-packed end result.  Just serve a snack of fruit! Sliced apples, berries oranges are simple and easy to nibble on. Salads are also a simple, potentially no-cook meal. If you want, add a protein; serve toppings in separate bowls and let your guest choose which to enjoy.

Whether you serve a full meal or just a bite, offering guests something from our table is a way to give them our blessing.

“Food cannot take care of spiritual, psychological and emotional problems, but the feeling of being loved and cared for, the actual comfort of the beauty and flavour of food, the increase of blood sugar and physical well-being, help one to go on during the next hours better equipped to meet the problems (p. 124).”
― Edith Schaeffer, The Hidden Art of Homemaking

So maybe you want to serve a meal, and you’re looking for some reliable ideas! If you DO want to cook – here are some of my favorites:

Meals in Bowls

I got hooked on meal bowls when I first explored Whole30. Meal bowls can be served in separate bowls for individual topping preferences, and you can cook only one or two elements. I love my Greek burger bowl, eggroll bowl (mix up the protein!), and salads where people can add what they want. One of our all-time favorite salads is Nancy’s Chopped Salad, and we’ve been making it in our house for over a decade!

Sheet pan meals made a huge impact on the recipe world for a good reason.

They’re relatively simple to make and pack a flavor punch. (Try roasting clean chicken/apple sausage with cut up onions, new potatoes and red and yellow peppers, topping with a jar of banana peppers and their juice as they cook. I also have a sheet pan round-up here you can try!
Soup is my all-time go-to meal that’s hearty and filling… and somehow also nourishing to the soul.

Louis P. DeGouy said, “Soup is cuisine’s kindest course. It breathes reassurance; it steams consolation; after a weary day it promotes sociability…” I love that!

Breakfast is the meal that says, “I love you!” ALWAYS!

Try keeping some instant pancake mix on hand (I love Trader Joe’s gluten-free ones that often only require water!) Add an egg to the mix or on the side, and try stirring in or topping with fruit, chocolate chips, and real maple syrup. I love to make a simple egg bake, or try baked oatmeal, and add some fresh fruit.

Want a printable list of some of my favorite recipes for hosting? These are some of my favorite easy recipes for feeding in a hurry, with a crowd, on a budget or with food sensitivies.

Grab it here!

Resources:
Flourish E-book
Greek Burger Bowls
Egg Roll Bowls
Breakfast Soup
Breakfast Recipes Page
Cheese Board
Edit Schaeffer, The Hidden Art of Homemaking