Bend writer Suzanne Schlosberg got the idea for “The Good Neighbor Cookbook” when a gift of food appeared at just the right time.

A week after she and her husband brought their newborn twins home from the hospital, a pot of three-bean chili arrived from a friend.

Schlosberg and her husband, Paul Spencer (of Paul The Computer Guy in Bend), were overjoyed because they were exhausted, overwhelmed and hungry for home cooking.

“I was really so incredibly appreciative when people brought me food. It made me feel it’s the best thing you can do for somebody — bring them something good to eat when they’re too busy, or frazzled, or exhausted or laid up to do it themselves,” Schlosberg said.

Not much of a cook herself, Schlosberg, 43, a health, nutrition and parenting writer and author or co-author of 10 books, including “Fitness for Dummies,” connected with Sara Quessenberry, the former recipe developer for “Real Simple” magazine who is now writing the website for Jessica Seinfeld’s “Do It Delicious.”

The result is “The Good Neighbor Cookbook,” with 125 recipes organized by occasion, not food type: new baby, get well soon, new neighbor, block parties, book clubs, condolences.

“That’s what makes this book unique. There are plenty of potluck books organized by chicken, fish, meat, salads and soups. That’s not how I think. I have to go to a block party — what’s good for a block party? I don’t think, what chicken dish should I bring? When thinking about a new mom, what would be good for her, I don’t think, what kind of stew should I make? Now I just go to that chapter,” Schlosberg said.

It’s food to nourish new neighbors and old friends, or to feed your own family, anytime. Most of the recipes in the book make four to eight servings, and they’re all designed to be easily transported.

The cookbook can be a lifesaver for busy people who are asked to contribute to a “meal train” for a neighbor, colleague or church or synagogue member and don’t want to take something store-bought.

The “Bringing Home Baby” chapter, for instance, includes recipes for three simple smoothie kits that take five minutes to prepare and freeze in plastic bags.

The lucky recipient will just need to add yogurt and a little milk or juice, and blend for a quick snack or meal.

Schlosberg’s neighbor had a baby, so Schlosberg made her the sweet potato and rice soup recipe from the book.

“It was different, and she was so grateful because she said people had been dropping off frozen lasagnas. She really appreciated it,” Schlosberg said.

“The Good Neighbor Cookbook” has other recipes that don’t immediately spring to mind when someone needs food.

“People think casseroles, but there’s so much more you can bring to somebody. You don’t think of bringing someone a sandwich, but when someone makes you one, it’s so good. Our recipe for a turkey, brie and apple baguette is really simple, but it’s so delicious,” Schlosberg said.

Being a good neighbor and friend often involves gifts of food, so Suzanne Schlosberg frequently finds herself cooking these days — often with her now-3-year-old twins helping — to help others.

“People are happy to get the food. The recipes Sara came up with are simple and delicious, and I learned it’s not that hard to cook. My husband and I were so grateful for food that people dropped by when the kids were born. Homemade scones! I thought this is something I should be doing for other people,” Schlosberg said.