FROM THE EDITOR

CookingLight_®

MAKE-AHEAD MEALS

There’s a certain comfort in having dinner already done when you get home. You know your family will eat well during the week, regardless of hectic schedules, and any prep or cleanup will be minimal. Even if you aren’t a champion meal planner, having a couple of go-to meals stashed in the fridge or freezer can be a lifesaver.

The recipes in this book make the most of your time so none of your effort goes to waste. Doubling a batch of roasted vegetables, for example, adds little prep or cook time yet yields enough for two more quick weeknight mains. In the same vein, we believe a frozen entrée just isn’t convenient if it requires an overnight thaw or a two-hour bake; our recipes go from freezer to table in less than an hour. And when there’s just no time to cook, refrigerated mains are delicious both cold and at room temperature.

We begin with a chapter of freezer-ready dishes with tips on how best to freeze, thaw, and reheat in time for dinner. Next, “Cook Once, Eat Three Times” makes clever use of leftovers to avoid a dinner rut. Fridge-to-table dinners follow, and then slow cooker favorites that can simmer during the day so you can serve them up as soon as you walk in the door. A chapter of finish-and-serve mains lets you assemble ahead and add final touches whenever you plan to serve—everyone will think you’ve cooked all evening. This collection of make-ahead recipes helps you prep, plan, and cook on your schedule so you can enjoy truly great meals any night of the week.