Bring It Together

Want to make sure you can put your entire meal on the table at the same time? Follow these timing tips to ensure every dish is ready when you are, or print out our handy Timing Checklist.

1. Before you start cooking anything, read the prep and cooking instructions for each item you plan to make. You may want to do this the day before in case you’re making something that needs to set overnight. Don’t be afraid to make a list of cooking times and temperatures for each dish — it can be a handy reference for the day of the meal.
2. Preparing your ingredients in advance — i.e., measuring, chopping, peeling, etc. — will save you time in the cooking process. Just make sure to keep everything fresh, clean, and stored properly.
3. First, prep and cook the foods that will take the longest. Usually your entrée or meat will take the longest to cook.
4. When preparing meals that include cooking a turkey, remember that you can keep a turkey hot for at least an hour while you cook the rest of the meal by following these steps:
   • Completely cover the turkey in aluminum foil.
   • Line a cooler with newspapers and place the pan with the turkey in the cooler.
   • Place a few dish towels over foil-wrapped turkey and close lid.
   • Your turkey will stay nice and hot until you are ready to carve. Be sure to carve and store leftovers within 2 hours.
5. Once your entrée is cooking, begin cooking your sides in order from longest to shortest cook time.
6. For sides such as rice, boiled or mashed potatoes, or pasta, don’t forget to factor in how long it takes to boil water.
7. If you haven’t prepared your ingredients ahead of time, put the water on to boil before you begin chopping or peeling to make the most of your time.
8. Sides that don’t need to be cooked, such as salads, can be prepared ahead of time and placed in the refrigerated until your meal is ready to eat. Do not add the dressing until just before you sit down to eat or the salad will become soggy.
9. Plate food as it is ready. If anything is done too soon, keep it in a warm oven until mealtime.
10. Don’t sweat it! If the rolls need an extra few minutes and have to be brought in after the meal begins, it is not the end of the world. In fact, your family and guests will probably think you planned it that way.