Comforting Food from Our Family to Yours

Lamb Meatballs and Tzatziki RMHC Inland Northwest
Chef Tony Reed, from Seattle, WA, USA uses “Spiceology’s Greek Freak” seasoning to create this favorite meal for families served by RMHC Inland Northwest. Asked what motivates him to help RMHC, and Chef Tony responded: “I love cooking for people as is, but when given the opportunity to cook for those in need, it's a no brainer. A good meal at the end of a difficult day can turn things around, even just for a minute"

Murcian Paparajotes RMHC Spain
These unique treats are a favorite among guests at the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Murcia, Spain. Murcian Paparajotes have a special regional flavor because they are prepared with locally sourced Murcian Lemon leaves. While you don’t eat the leaf, the refreshing lemony flavor remains embedded in this sugary treat! In a demonstration of the hospitality and kindness RMHC staff members deliver year-round, Eva from the Ronald McDonald Family Room® in Murcia delivered a fresh batch of these for the RMHC Global Team when they were recently in Madrid!

Chocolate “Sausage” & Mandarin Cake RMHC Uruguay
Families served by RMHC Uruguay appreciate a sweet dessert while savoring a family meal together, or when engaging with other families at the House. Volunteers from the Chapter enjoy making Chocolate ”Sausage” that is cut into bite-sized pieces (as shown) but could also be used as the base for chocolate truffles. Another delicious treat in Uruguay is Mandarin cake, kindly created by volunteers. Both recipes tend to bring smiles to the faces of families and volunteers alike!

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad RMHC Upper Midwest
After months of frigid outdoor temperatures and blankets of snow, families, volunteers and staff always look forward to warm and pleasant weather and “Summer BBQ Wednesdays” at RMHC Upper Midwest (located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.) Volunteers & staff grill burgers, brats, hot dogs and corn every Wednesday, and serve them up with sides like chips, juicy watermelon and the Chapter’s signature dish: Fresh Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. Click below for the pasta recipe
Mini Key Lime Pie in Petite Mason Jars
RMHC Denver
In Denver, CO, USA Tuesday nights have become a favorite in the Ronald McDonald House because Chef Mary prepares dinner for families on ”Chef Night.” When asked which summertime recipe is a favorite with families, Chef Mary didn’t hesitate:
“It's gotta be the mini key lime pie in petite Mason jars. This is an adaptation of a Cooking Light Key Lime Pie recipe I've been making for years. Whether I make it in a full pie, or in single serving 4 oz Mason jars, it's always a hit. The tart/sweet flavor just sings ‘summer’!”

Roasted Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans, RMHC St. Louis
For the past seven years, The “Dinner Divas” – a group of over 11 volunteers – regularly prepare amazing dinners for families served by RMHC St. Louis, and so much more! From creating a comforting family meal space, to selling a cookbook of their recipes to raise funds for a new freezer, The Divas are also essential partners. Denise Nanney, the group’s leader shared, “We hope our dinners provide some small comfort to some very deserving families.” Check out three of their recipes for a hearty meal for a crowd.
Chicken and Spinach Pasta with a Kick, RMHC Ireland
A hearty recipe from RMHC Ireland was one that both children and adults staying at the House really enjoyed. “It contained a bit of vegetable and used a store cupboard ingredient to provide a good kick in what could have been a stodgy meal,” the Chapter shared. Consider trying it at your home as well!

Chef César’s Fusilli with Mushrooms and Asparagus, RMHC Spain
César is a chef El Celler de Can Roca, a three-Michelin star restaurant in Girona, Spain. César and his family have also been living at the Ronald McDonald House Barcelona for more than 6 months due to his child’s illness. When his little one is in hospital with mom, César finds comfort and familiarity in the House kitchen by preparing meals for guest families. His vegetarian whole wheat fusilli with mushrooms and asparagus is a healthy favorite among families after long days at the hospital and can easily be replicated for your family.
Families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Denpasar, Bali, are mostly from the coastal areas of Indonesia, so a traditional seafood dish is great for curing home sickness. This Green Chili Seafood dish with a unique sauce stimulates your senses and brings families together. Consider trying it at your next family gathering.

Benedictine & Bacon and Pimento Cheese Spreads, RMHC Kentuckiana
At RMHC Kentuckiana, Chef James helps provide thousands of meals throughout the year and is excited to share local flavors and traditions with guest families. Two summer favorites include traditional Pimento Cheese (which he describes as “the caviar of the South.”) and Benedictine, originally invented in Louisville in the late 18th century. Both spreads/dips can easily be replicated for your next picnic or summer gathering.
Blueberry Muffins from RMHC Maine
Summer is the time of year to utilize fresh fruit available in abundance. Since blueberries are considered Maine’s Famous Blue Fruit, RMHC Maine shares their favorite Blueberry Muffin recipe for all to enjoy! Often prepared by the Chapter’s Guest Chefs, these are a comfort food that rejuvenates the minds and spirits of RMHC families. Try them for your own family this summer!

The Anand Family’s Chicken Biryani
Thanks to generous RMHC supporters, Jennifer’s parents and siblings were able to stay at a Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland, just five minutes from her hospital room. For Jennifer’s family, preparing their traditional biryani, not only made them feel useful, but it also allowed them to bring Jennifer a fresh, warm reminder of home.
Stuffed Chicken Breasts from RMHC Manitoba
House Supervisor, Tracy Schubert, cooks this meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg in Canada on a regular basis. In 2022, after 38 years in their current 14-bedroom location, they will be moving to a new 40-bedroom House so that they can serve even more families
Chocolate chip cookies from RMHC Wichita
Ellen Patry volunteers her time each week to make dozens of cookies for families being served by RMHC Wichita. In her time as a volunteer, she has made nearly 27,000 cookies. Her efforts mean so much to families and has been told on numerous occasions that “It just smells like home.”


Cinnamon Buns from RMHC Atlantic
The Atlantic provinces in Canada have a strong sense of community where people are friendly, kind and look out for one another. These cinnamon buns from longtime volunteer, Nicola, provide more than just a quick snack— they invite families to sit, share their story, and offer support with others going through similar experiences.
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