The concept of reducing time spent in the kitchen has been explored time and time again. Remember when the 'in thing' was to make one meal than slightly modify the leftovers for the next week, trying to convince your family that it was something new? How about casseroles and crock pots? A novel idea of including meat, vegetables and a starch in one, easy clean, oven proof dish. Then there was my favorite, 'Three Ingredients or Less'. I actually have two cookbooks with this title. When complaints started coming in that everything tasted like barbecue sauce, I decided to retire those recipes.
Now there is an exciting new trend in Central Florida for the busy family: Assembly-line cooking, a concept of meal planning that is fun, healthy, delicious and has the variety that families crave.
What started as a meal prep concept and has evolved into an evening out, a social venue and a great gift idea! Private parties for birthdays, corporate functions, showers or community groups are often able to book an entire time slot. Most locations will provide coffee and pastries for morning sessions and appetizers and wine for afternoon and evening sessions.
The steps are as follows:
- Select a Location based on:
- Recommendations
- Food selections
- Price
- Family requirements
- Recommendations
- Go on-line to:
- Choose a convenient date and time
- Select your entrees
- Pre-pay
- Choose a convenient date and time
- Show up at the date/time selected. You will be given a tour of the kitchen and assigned a workstation where all your ingredients will be measured out and waiting for you. Assemble your meals according to the directions then store them in the packaging that is provided. Affix a printed label and cooking instructions on each package.
- Take your meals home and refrigerate or freeze until you are ready to use them.