Make Ahead Dishes For Your Labor Day Houseguest
Company’s coming and no need to stress over meal time. Here’s a game plan from breakfast to dinner and even snacks. Make as much as possible ahead of time and simply heat, plate and serve.
Banana Pineapple Breakfast Bread is quick and easy to make and will satisfy your early rising guest and your gluten free guest, too. It can be stored in a cake dome for snacking throughout the day. You’ll love its versatility by serving a slice topped with whipped cream and berries.
Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread is a go-to favorite of mine. It’s great for breakfast or snacking. Luckily this recipe makes multiple loaves. You’ll be prepared to send your guest on their way with a lovely treat as they travel home.
Everyone loves a snack platter with a glass of wine and great company. I’ve made this extra large version that has been served and noshed on for hours. It was perfect when the evening called for grazing with friends rather than a traditional dinner.
If your Labor Day plans include grilling, be prepared for your guest to get hungry the second your fire up the grill. Up your snack game while heating up the grill by pairing charred red pepper dipping sauce with grilled bread, chimichurri dipping sauce and herbed goat cheese. All of these items can be prepped ahead and you'll look like a grilling pro when you set out these dishes bursting with flavor.
This garlic studded roast is easily prepped and slow roasted until fork tender and falling off the bone. Serve it on a bed of creamy grits to capture all those garlic infused juices. If you’re lucky enough to have leftover roast, it can easily be shredded or chopped. The flavorful leftovers are a great addition to crowd pleasing favorites such as pulled pork sandwiches or loaded nachos. The grits can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated up to 5 days ahead. Serve them with this roast or make double batch to warm and serve for breakfast, too.
When there’s a cookie jar filled with a variety of cookies you know it will satisfy your house guests sweet tooth. Try my Almond Pecan Sandies, Glitter Cookies, and Cacao Nib Crisps for a nice selection. The glitter cookies are one of many entertaining and gift giving recipes in my cookbook Entertain Effortlessly Gift Deliciously.
I love a Classic Cheesecake because it can be prepared up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Serve with your favorite toppings or fresh berries and its a winning dessert.
If you’d like more entertaining and gift giving ideas grab your copy of my cookbook here.
