How to Organize a Thanksgiving Casserole Exchange
As a southern woman, I find it a little nicer than a good casserole, especially at this time of year. ( This is my favorite.) Casseroles are almost the language of love: if someone gives you a casserole, they say, “Here, friend, here is a complete meal that requires so little of you.” I think this is very good.
We may not be able to harvest this year, but we can of course swap (casseroles, that is), and thus feel the closeness not coming. Now, depending on where your friends and family are, it might not be as easy as tossing a casserole on their doorstep, but the distance can be changed. No matter how far apart the participants are, the same rules apply: everyone is randomly assigned a casserole buddy (use an online generator to draw names ) and you either deliver the fully assembled casserole to your buddy or provide them with the means to cook casserole.
If your loved ones are very close
This is the easiest way. Just make a casserole, wrap it in foil, and toss it home (make sure they’re home first). However, in order to toss the hot casserole, the recipient must be ready to eat it, which is why I’m a big fan of freezing assembled (but not baked) casseroles in disposable aluminum containers. This way, your friend or family member can enjoy a hot and comforting meal at their leisure. Just make sure any meat is completely cooked before freezing. In general, do whatever you normally do just before putting it in the oven to keep it browned and pretty, then wrap it tightly in a double layer of foil and freeze it. Write the temperature and cooking time on the foil and you’re done.
If you’re not that close
If you’re too far from your intention to toss a casserole on his rung, consider putting together a casserole care bag. You can collect and ship the non-perishable ingredients yourself or use a grocery delivery service and all the ingredients will be delivered directly to your friend’s casserole’s home. Be sure to also send in detailed instructions and make them more attractive. If you send them by regular mail, print or hand-write on pretty paper and decorate with stickers or something else (I’m not crafty). If you are submitting it online, use a beautiful template or photo editing software to make it special .
If you want to make your delivery special, include some cute but pertinent additions such as potholders, serving utensils, or pretty kitchen towels. Everyone loves a pretty kitchen towel almost as much as they love a casserole.