I’m told The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen has some delicious ideas, but overwhelmingly, people replied that they wanted to eat healthful, light food, and the number one idea was soup. So many people said they were comforted by blended soups.

Homemade soups like my Feel Good Soup are ideal. Another super easy choice (because you start with a store-bought rotisserie chicken) is my Rotisserie Soup.

And another delicious idea is my Green Summer Soup with beautiful vegetables sautéed and puréed with chicken stock. It is so nutritious and delicious and simply makes you feel better to eat it.

Small bits of protein would be helpful. A gentle meatball was suggested several times. Other types of protein, like my Sizzling Everyday Roast Chicken Breast cubed, a chicken salad, or cubes of steak would be great too. A protein-packed smoothie is good when an entire meal seems overwhelming, especially for someone who has a taste for ice cream. Many responded with a preference for bland food, while others found that eating spicy dishes was really helpful, so again, be sure to ask.

Everybody agreed on baked potatoes. If you’re going to make a baked potato, really do it justice! Start with a gorgeous Idaho, scrub it dry, oil it, poke it, salt it, and bake it. Deliver it while it’s still warm, and by the way: when bringing food, don’t plan to stay for a visit. Find a way to leave it at the door in a family member’s hands.

I love the idea of dropping off baked potatoes with some toppings and accompanying them with my Caesar Salad. My Caesar Salad Stuffed Baked Potatoes are also fantastic, and while the person doing chemo may just want a plain baked potato, the rest of the family can have the loaded version.

Since many patients have mouth sores, remember that soft foods like Lucy’s Egg Salad, Cucumber Salad, (both from my cookbook), smoothies and rice pudding could all be lovely options. 

Hydrating dishes—even simply pieces of watermelon or pitted cherries in small containers--make hydration easy and less overwhelming. Making someone a fresh green juice is certainly an act of love. But with some kinds of chemo, raw fruits and vegetables aren’t options, so check with the friend you’re cooking for to make sure it’s suitable. Popsicles, fudgesicles, or a milkshake (if dairy is tolerated) could also be hydrating.

Some people really wanted carbs and soft breads, while others didn’t want carbs at all. For carbs, either my Quick and Easy Protein Pancakes from the blog or Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Oatcakes from the cookbook would be so nice to have on hand. My Blueberry Crumble would also be delicious. If you drop off something yummy, your friend’s family or helper can enjoy it as well.

If you’re not living close enough to cook, a gift card for the family’s favorite restaurant is a spectacular way to help. And remember that running errands, helping to drive kids, or taking your friend to and from doctors’ appointments is a significant way to assist. But above all, bring a kind spirit, because a smile and some laughter will make all the difference.

I was 34 when I started my chemo treatment. My kids had just turned 5 and 3.  When my hair started falling out, I had a head shaving party with my family. I wanted this to feel fun and not scary for my kids.  I chose not to wear a wig, because I didn’t like how it felt on my head and it didn’t feel like me.

People have options: being bald, wearing scarves or hats, or wearing a wig. No need to worry about how it makes other people feel. It was so great for my kids to be a part of. When my hair did start growing back, my youngest said, “Mom, it’s time to shave your head!” And in that moment, I knew my decision had been the right one for me and my family. Bald can absolutely be beautiful!

Lexy Austin

We have a limited number of Marinated Onion Bowls available for pre-order in the Shop, and we’re so excited to add our newest glaze, “Sweet Cream.” All bowls will be glazed to order, so this is an excellent opportunity to get your hands on your favorite glazes. Remember, this is a limited restock and will go quickly! If you’re reading Friday Favorites but you’re not a subscriber, you can receive it weekly! Just click here to subscribe and be sure to confirm. Add our email to your address book, so that your issues will arrive in your inbox.

I am always a little blown away to see the amazing cookbook reviews, like this one here. If it feels organic to write one, I would be so happy if you’d do an honest review of my cookbook.