When I am reading about food, which is frequently, I notice that popular recipes usually are quick to prepare or include
make-ahead options. Many people feel that they do not have all day to dawdle over food preparation. Even though
I am retired, I don't necessarily want to spend all day every day cooking. Sometimes that idea feels like fun, and sometimes
other things are happening.
Since we decided that storage was more important to us than a microwave oven, we cannot use the "quick prep" techniques
that include this tool. However, there are plenty of other options. Dishes can be made ahead of time, and if the
dish is a salad or fresh fruit, it doesn't even require reheating. Dishes that simmer for a long time or bake in the
oven may need to be started well in advance of the meal, but they require little attention during their cook times.
It is always important to be sure we all define the words we use to communicate, because otherwise, everyone hears the
words using different definitions and may draw inappropriate conclusions. When I use the term "quick prep" for a meal,
I mean 30 minutes or less. The recipe on our Recipe Treasures page can be prepared in a very few minutes, so it
qualifies as "quick prep," but it takes another 30 minutes to cook. Prep time might be 30 minutes, but if cook time
is also 30 minutes, then from the time prep starts until the dish is ready to serve is more than an hour.
Here is the timeline:
- Gather ingredients and cooking tools -- 5 minutes
- Prepare the meat to cook -- 5 minutes
- Bake the meat -- 30 minutes
- Let the meat rest -- 10 minutes
- Carve slices -- 5 minutes
- Serve up plates -- 5 minutes
Total time -- 1 hour
Mustard-crusted pork tenderloin fits this timeline. You can bake white or sweet potatoes in the same oven with the
tenderloin if you start them earlier. They could be put in the oven at the beginning of meal prep. Then you could
make a salad and prepare the tenderloin. After you add the tenderloin to the oven, you can turn your attention to a
side dish such as a steamed vegetable and some bread. Make a dipping sauce for the bread. Set the table attractively.
One hour's time, and you have a delicious meal that will encourage you to take your time and dawdle over conversation.
Here's a menu that works:
Mustard-crusted Pork Tenderloin
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Steamed Asparagus
Fresh green salad with homemade dressing
Crusty baguette slices and simple dipping oil
