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Having a realistic schedule can mean the difference between being able to enjoy the process of cooking for a crowd or wanting to pull out your hair trying to get things done on time. Getting as many things as possible done early is extremely helpful when cooking for a crowd. When you work ahead, the event runs more smoothly, and you can usually catch those last-minute details that you may otherwise overlook.
Preparing foods in advance
After you know what foods you'll prepare, take a moment to thoroughly go over your lists of foods and determine which ones you can make ahead of time. Also figure out how far ahead of time you can prepare each item.
As you may imagine, preparing food in advance is important for two reasons: saving time and enhancing flavor. This section gives you the details.
Saving time
 | One of the great reasons to work ahead of schedule is to save time. After all, cooking for a crowd is much more time-consuming than a typical meal, so considering your time is really important. As you're thinking ahead, take a close look at your recipes and all the tasks you must accomplish and keep the following points in mind: |
- Wash, dry, and cut up all the vegetables ahead of schedule. You can store them in individual plastic bags in the refrigerator.
- Make dips, spreads, and sauces ahead of time and refrigerate.
- If the recipe allows it, make desserts ahead of schedule.
- If refrigerator space allows, make anything that can keep overnight the day before the event.
- Clean the kitchen as you go. This tip may sound silly, but keep everything clean and put away. You don't want to face two hours of kitchen cleaning on the day of the event.
- Box up all nonperishable items that you don't need until the day of the event. Doing so will help you transport them more easily.
- If possible, set up the tables and chairs and take nonperishable items to the event location the day before the event. If refrigerator space is available at the event location, take what perishable items you can, too.
- If other people are assisting you, contact them for a follow-up. Now is the time to delegate tasks, so don't be afraid to tell them what to do.
- If you're storing items at other people's homes, follow up with them to make sure they'll be available when you need to come by.
Planning ahead to enhance flavor
Some foods actually taste much better if they're prepared ahead and all the flavors are allowed enough time to blend thoroughly. This group includes soups and stews, marinated meats, ground meat mixtures (for sausage balls), and pasta sauces.
| Of course, some foods must be prepared just moments before serving. But in case you're wondering, a number of popular food items lend themselves to being prepared well ahead of time. Here are a few examples to get your mind moving in the right direction. |
- Beans and some other side dishes
Keeping prepared items fresh
Now that you've decided what you can prepare ahead of time, take a look at how to keep foods fresh. Of course, the amount of time you save won't matter if the foods don't taste fresh. Don't worry, though. You can put some simple tactics to work.
Preventing odors in your refrigerator and freezer
Much of what you'll prepare ahead of time will probably need to stay cold or frozen. Because foods absorb odors, make sure your refrigerator, freezer, or ice chest is clean of any food that has turned into a science project. If that piece of tomato you've been saving for a month has long since turned white and fuzzy, get rid of it ASAP.
 | One of the easiest solutions to help foods stay fresh is to use a box of baking soda. Baking soda helps absorb odors that may be lurking around in your refrigerator, freezer, or ice chest. After all, nothing is worse than chocolate cake that tastes like an onion. Just open the box, pull back the lid slightly, and let it do its job. |
Keeping your cold items cold
Another tip that will help you keep your food fresher is to avoid overloading your refrigerator. Yes, it's true that when cooking for a crowd, you may have no choice but to stack things in every nook and cranny you can find. However, be careful not to block the air vent in your refrigerator and freezer. The more the air can circulate around the food, the more even the temperature will be, and the fresher the food will stay.
Sealing in freshness
Good quality plastic bags are very versatile and inexpensive. Plastic bags come in a variety of sizes, which can help you save room. Always keep a variety of storage bags on hand. You can store anything from hamburger meat to cookies to cut vegetables in plastic bags.
Reusable plastic storage containers are also very versatile and affordable. These storage containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be reused for a period of time and then discarded. Many of them are microwavable, which is also a big help.
Of course, another option is permanent plastic containers, such as Tupperware. You probably already have these in your kitchen cabinets, and they work great to seal in freshness.
| If you use plastic bags or plastic containers, make sure you always press out the air before sealing the bag or container. The less air you have in the bag or container, the longer the food will stay fresh. |
Wrapping your dishes
For most people, aluminum foil is as essential to the kitchen as the sink. It's great for cooking and for wrapping up foods you need to store. Just keep in mind that heavy-duty foil is always better than a less expensive, lighter weight foil. The lighter weight foil tends to tear easier, which lets freshness out.
Another standard kitchen wrap is plastic wrap, but make sure that it clings where it should if you decide to use it. If you want to keep your New York–style cheesecake from tasting like garlic bread, use a storage item that will give you consistently good results. Consider using several layers of plastic wrap for extra protection.
| Wax paper and parchment paper are two other kitchen standards that make preparing and cooking food easier. However, these two items aren't meant for food storage. Wax paper is great for keeping foods from sticking together in a storage unit, but used alone, it won't keep foods fresh. |
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