Meal Planning

The best way to enjoy cooking and entertaining is to be organized and prepared ahead of time. Doing the shopping, cooking and entertaining all on the same day is a good way to overextend yourself and not have a good time. So, create your shopping list and do the shopping at least a day ahead of time. Then determine what food preparation can be in advance and a list of all the other preparations that need to be done. Keep in mind that if you haven’t used your silver in a few months, it might have to be polished. Or if this is your first summer BBQ, the grill and lawn furniture will probably need to be cleaned. Share the tasks with your family, too.

Shopping List

Review your menu and read the recipes for all of your food items so that you know what ingredients and cooking implements are needed. Check your pantry for any staple food items that you might have on hand and your storage areas for items such as candles, napkins, wine, etc.

Prepare a list of all food and beverage items that you need. Organize your grocery list according to the section of the store where the items are found to make it easier to shop. See the example below.

To Do List

It only takes a few minutes to organize the preparations for entertaining and it is well worth it. Assign tasks to family members and complete tasks over a few days prior to the event.

Do as much food preparation ahead of time as possible. Meat marinades, rubs, and desserts can be made at least a day ahead of time. Vegetables and salads can be prepared in the morning. Some side dishes can be cooked ahead and be reheated before being served. Think through how each dish will be prepared and how to ensure that all warm dishes are ready at the same time. Be sure that you have the proper tools/wares for each dish. See the To Do and Food Preparation List examples:

To Do List
Task	Day
Power wash deck	Wednesday
Make grocery list	Wednesday
Clean lawn furniture	Thursday
Clean grill/check propane	Thursday
Shop for paper goods/beverages	Thursday
Grocery shop	Friday morning
Make brownies	Friday afternoon
Make gazpacho/ guacamole	Saturday morning
Cut vegetables/fruit	Saturday morning
Put beverages on ice	Saturday afternoon
Prepare meat with rub	Saturday afternoon
Set up outdoor space	Saturday afternoon
Set out appetizers	Saturday evening
Guests arrive	Saturday evening

 

Summer BBQ Food Preparation List
Item	Instructions	Timing
Kahlua Cream Cheese Brownies	Bake; refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator	1 day prior 1 hour prior to serving
Sundried Tomato Guacamole	Prepare in the morning; refrigerate	Morning
Gazpacho Tequilla Shooters	Prepare in the morning; refrigerate Remove from refrigerator	Morning 1 hour prior to serving
Certified Angus Beef Kebobs	Cut meat; add rub; refrigerate Place on skewers	Morning 1 hour before guests arrive
Bell Peppers and Onions	Cut vegetables; refrigerate Place on skewers	Morning 1 hour before guests arrive
Jicama Cucumber Lime Salad	Cut jicama and cucumbers; refrigerate Drizzle with lime juice	Morning Just before serving
Grilled Corn on the Cob	Soak corn husks; drain	1 hour before guests arrive Grill before meat; keep warm in oven.
Watermelon	Cut into wedges; refrigerate	Morning