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Meal Planning & Assembly Party

A Personal Option to Super Suppers & Dream Dinners Stores

Sep 30, 2006 Janice Benoit

Create your own version of the popular meal assembly centers that are springing up everywhere. In one afternoon, create four entrees with your friends.

Super Suppers, Let's Eat, and Dream Dinners are some of the popular franchises of dinner on the go assembly kitchens that are popping up in strip malls across the country. If you've ever visited one of these storefronts, I am sure that you'll agree that they are convenient, efficient, fun and produce some great family meals. The downside to them, is that the meals are a little pricey for the average family. However, with a little initiative, you can enjoy the advantages of these dinner on the go stores, with a more cost effective method. Specifically, you can turn your own kitchen (or a friend's) into our own Super Suppers, and invite your friends to join in the fun of a Meal Plan & Assemble Party.

Invite Some Friends

Unless your kitchen rivals the size of a commercial kitchen, you should invite no more than 3 friends to cook with you. You may want to start on a smaller scale, and only invite one fellow cook to join your first party. Set aside a time where you can have 2-3 hours of uninterrupted time in the kitchen.

Decide on the Menu

Choose four entrees to create, based upon seasonal ingredients and the preferences of each cook. Try to select at least one pasta dish, one beef dish, and one chicken dish. Create a master ingredient list and a list of special cooking utensils/baking pans that will be needed. Divide the lists amongst the cooks, and set the day and time on which to meet.

Set Up

Your menu choices will determine the order in which to cook and assemble the entrees. It is recommended that one cook is the leader for each entrée -- making sure that everyone understands the instructions, etc.

Clear the counters and any tables (kitchen and/or dining room), as you will be using these for prep surfaces. Supply enough cutting boards and knives, so that everyone can pitch in. Make sure to begin with an empty sink and dishwasher. That way, as you create dirty dishes, pots and pans, you can place them in the dishwasher and continue with your next entrée.

Packaging

Supply 1 or 2 gallon sized freezer-quality ziploc bags. Prepare labels ahead of time, which include the name of the entrée, the date, and any serving instructions. You may want to supply aluminum foil steam pans (1/2 size will feed a family of 6 easily) and lids, which you can purchase at your local wholesale club or your party store. These will enable you to freeze and stack your entrees.

Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine to celebrate the end of your day of cooking and camaraderie. (Plus, you can start planning your recipes choices for your next Meal Planning Party!).

The copyright of the article Meal Planning & Assembly Party in Entertaining is owned by Janice Benoit. Permission to republish Meal Planning & Assembly Party in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.