You know when a friend has a baby and your plan is to make her some meals to freeze and pull out when needed? But you’ve got kids too.  Somehow, you can never quite pull it off. Well, now you can get the glory of providing the food without having to actually, you know, cook it — or even deliver it. All thanks to Dan Close Food Concepts.

This line of frozen, boil-in-the-BPA-free-bag (stay with us here…), ready in half-an-hour, gourmet entrees and sides are made from sustainable, healthy, locally sourced, and organic ingredients.  And they’re delivered right to your door all around Greater Vancouver.

The creation of local chef, dad, golfer and triathlete, Dan Close, the menu includes everything from Yellow Thai Chicken Curry, to Braised Short Ribs, to Roasted Root Veggies, to Ratatouille. We’ve tried a handful of the dishes and they’ve all been delicious and satisfying.  Each meat dish (about $13) serves one, but the sides (about $8) serve two. So if you like beef, your significant other prefers salmon, and you both like Wild Rice Salad, you’re all set. Plus, you can find a full ingredient list for each item online, which is handy for those with allergies or sensitivities.

And because cooking is simply boil-in-the-bag, you gain 30 minutes to knock something off your never-ending to-do list. While we wish plastic wasn’t involved, the bags are BPA-free and CFIA approved. And because the packaging is light, Dan can keep his food prices lower. Admittedly, we have yet to master getting the food out the bag without burning our fingers, but we’re avidly practicing.

We think a freezer full of Dan’s creations would make a great Mothers’ Day present, a thoughtful gift for new families, or a pick-me-up for someone who’s under the weather. And while you’re stocking others’ freezers, don’t forget to snag a few for yourself  — your to-do list will thank you.

Dan Close Food Solutions: www.danclose.com

Yo, mama! Love the idea of delicious delivery? Then you might find these tasty:

• Indish
• SPUD
• Ripe Baby Food