Meal Planning: Putting It All On The Table At The Same TimeOne of the difficulties of putting together a meal is the timing of everything and getting it to the table at the same time. I remember my first several attempts at getting a meal on the table all at the same time. I did not plan well and had to learn the hard way about planning and putting together a meal so that everything came out at the same time. Below I have put together a meal, I made for my family not too long ago, that we will plan out the steps and timing.
 Menu:
Pork Chops alla Pizzaiola (I tripled this recipe to serve 6)
Baked Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese & Bread Crumbs (I doubled this recipe)
Insalata Caprese
(Menu I Print at Art.com)
Taking a look at what you have planned, find out which of the recipes will take the longest to prepare and also at the cooking times. If you have more than one recipe requiring the use of the oven...you will need to consider the cooking time and that the dishes might take longer to cook if you have them in the oven at the same time. I try not to have too many things in the oven at the same time that require long cooking times. If you have a double oven...this will not be a problem. Pull out the items you will need before starting the preparing/cooking process...this will save you time and should you not have one of the items needed, you can alter your recipe, pick up the items needed or change this part of the menu altogether. Think about the time it will take for items to be prepared (peeling, cutting and any dishes needed for cooking), boiling and cooking as well especially if you have a time set for your meal. I try to give myself an extra half hour beforehand and serve a small appetizer to help with the timing.
With our aprons on...let's get started!
Looking at what I am making and what is required (see the recipe links above) I know that I will have to start on the Baked Mashed Potatoes and while the potatoes are boiling, I can start on the mixture and topping and set aside. The boiling time is about 15 minutes but the time it takes to peel, cut and get the water to start boiling all needs to be considered. I also prepare my pan for the pork chops and have it preheating the oil on the stove.
With the mixtures made and oven turned on to preheat, I can now begin the main dish. Cooking time for the pork chops will vary according to the thickness and depending on how many you are making - roughly 6 minutes per chop or 3 minutes per side. While some of the chops are cooking I prepare a platter and foil to help keep the ones I do have complete to stay warm. As the chops are being cooked, I begin chopping the onions and set aside. Open the can of tomatoes and place along side of the onions. I added to this recipe fresh mushrooms which I sauted after the onions cooked. I also added to the sauce about a half of cup of white wine towards the end of the cooking. (the alcohol will evaporate as you cook leaving behind the wonderful flavor of the wine used).
During this time, your potatoes should be soft enough to prepare. Just as you do with mashed potatoes, add your milk and butter and mash. I use beaters to mash potatoes to make them creamy smooth. Add the cheese mixture and mix well. Place in your prepared casserole dish and then add your topping. Place in the oven. You now have roughly 20 minutes before this is ready.
Once the chops are cooked, place on a plate and cover with foil to keep them warm, and begin cooking the sauce using the same skillet used in cooking the chops. You want to include the bits and pieces left behind for your sauce. Saute the onions until just soft and then add your mushrooms - allowing them to sweat just a little before adding the tomatoes. Simmer for a few minutes and add your wine and simmer for about 15 minutes.
What should be going on right now? The potatoes are cooking in the oven and your sauce is now simmering. Time to start the Insalata.
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella ball(s) and prepare the oil and vinegar dressing. Place on a plate alternating the cheese and tomato slices...
You should have about 10 to 15 minutes left and enough time to set your table and serve your guests or family an appetizer if you like. If you know ahead of time what kind of meal you are serving you can add extra little touches. The meal above definitely has an Italian theme...so think Italian! A nice table cloth, wine carafes for serving water in and maybe some music from Italy (you can stop by your local library and check out cd's). Maybe some candles and Italian garlic bread to be served with your meal. For dessert...coffee and cheesecake (purchased at your local bakery store or prepared the day before).
This is a wonderful opportunity to include your children in preparing the meal. Learn about the origin of the food and in this case it is Italy. Pick up books at the library and learn about the country (people, foods, music, famous people, etc.) and have them discuss what they learned over the dinner. Have the children make the country flag and use as place markers or napkin rings. Let them help you plan the meal and prepare it as well making a menu card like the one pictured above or place on a chalkboard just before the dining area.
A little preplanning on your part will allow you to be stress free and...you too will be able to sit down with your family and/or guests and enjoy a wonderful meal...together!
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