Carrie Bradshaw said it best: “The only thing that I have ever successfully made in the kitchen is a mess.”

Just because we too store pumps in the oven doesn’t mean we don’t crave the odd home-cooked meal. In lieu of culinary duress, we’ve turned to Parentête, a delivery service of freshly made, individually portioned plates by chefanista Rose-Anne Gabriel. Wholesome recipes include turkey lasagna, sweet-potato shepherd’s pie, and tilapia in lemon sauce (from $8.50). 

For those of us parenting more than just ourselves, order up family-size portions (from $28) and kid-friendly meals like chicken fingers and pizza pot pie ($6). Menus change weekly and meals are never frozen so all you have to do is pop them in the oven (after you’ve removed your beloved Manolos, of course).

514-831-4431, www.parentete.com

Breakfast in bed? We love the concept but our eggs are runny and day-old bread is dull.

Instead, dial-up freshly baked brioche from Mon Panier Gourmet, a delivery service devoted to the most important meal of the day.   Each of the 20 menus (from $33.99) is made from locally sourced artisanal products and served on a wooden tray. 

Go for the Lovely Matinée with fruit salad, honey and almond granola and tropical green tea or the decadent Chocolateful including black chocolate muffins, cappuccinos, granola chocolate bars and fresh orange juice.

If you’re hoping the in-laws won’t stay an extra night, best stick with burnt toast.

www.monpaniergourmet.ca

Your best pal has given birth to an adorable wee bairn.  Does she really need another blanket and bouquet? Chances are she’s just craving a decent home cooked meal.

If you’re the kind of person whose best cooking skill is making dinner reservations, order her up some nutritious meals at www.mamaluv.ca. Its selections are far from frozen and bland: menu choices include seven-layer vegan lasagna, basil crusted tilapia with goat cheese and lemon red snapper with mango salsa.

All dishes are served partially cooked and are delivered in an eco-friendly canvas gift-bag that parents can re-use for diapers. 

Maman will be happy, you’ll be the hero, and you’ll never have to put on an apron.

Packages $49 - $229, 514-823-9050, www.mamaluv.ca