Want to Support a Friend Who’s Struggling? Consider Just-Good-Enough Food

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When life becomes overwhelming, even a simple gesture can mean the world to a friend. When my child had COVID-19 and we found ourselves in isolation, a friend offered to help. She asked if I needed anything—maybe a cake? I readily accepted. Soon after, she showed up at my door with a large piece of mud cake topped with a rich chocolate ganache. I couldn’t resist sampling a corner, then another, and before I knew it, I had sliced generous portions for my husband and kids as well.

Later, she confessed that the cake was actually overcooked and dry, and the ganache was her attempt to salvage it. This revelation made her gesture even more meaningful—she had brought us an imperfect cake!

I’m a firm believer in the beauty of imperfection and the value of lowering expectations. If my friend hadn’t done so, I would have missed out on that delicious cake. It serves as a reminder that perfection can often hinder our enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures.

This principle guides me both in my kitchen and in my relationships. I adore cooking and I cherish my friends, especially when they’re facing tough times. However, with three children, two jobs, volunteer commitments, and a social life to juggle, I often find myself too busy to whip up gourmet meals. My experience with meal trains after each of my children was born taught me that I didn’t have endless hours to cook. When friends from our community began bringing us meals, we gratefully accepted, even if the food wasn’t Michelin-star quality.

The meals we received were likely delicious, but what mattered more was the thought behind them. I still need to remind myself that when I’m preparing food for others, the gesture and the relief it brings matter far more than how it tastes.

Even when I’m tempted to scrap a dish because the vegetables are overcooked or a quiche is lacking in cheese, I have learned to embrace the messiness of it all. I’ve realized that in times of stress, a homemade meal—no matter how imperfect—can be a heartfelt gift. For instance, a friend once reminisced about a “delicious” green chicken curry I made, which I later admitted was made with a store-bought packet. Another time, I shared some frozen bolognese with a family, and the mother was moved to tears—not because it was bad, but because it was a comforting gesture during a tough time.

So here’s the takeaway: in moments of illness, stress, or uncertainty, even B-grade baking can be an A-grade gift. Cooking is about love, not perfection, and giving is too.

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In summary, when a friend is struggling, the gift of food—regardless of its perfection—can offer comfort and support. Embrace the imperfections, and remember that the thought and care behind the gesture are what truly matter.