During the busy holiday season, are you struggling to find time to get everything done, and, at the same time, wish you could set aside more time for social gatherings with close friends? It is certainly likely that your friends are in same boat as you, so consider meal prepping as a unique way to check off both boxes on your holiday “to do” list. Here are a few formats for making meal prep a social get together.

1. Make and Take — This meal prep format is simple and utilizes extra-large batches of one or two items that are then distributed among everyone to take home for another time. For example, below is a large batch recipe for meatballs. The host provides the ingredients. Each guest brings a jelly roll pan or shallow baking dish, and when friends arrive, everyone grabs a drink and pitches in to help roll out a batch of meatballs for later — certainly something perfect for a last-minute holiday appetizer in the upcoming weeks. While this is a bit more work on the person hosting, the next month will be another person’s turn to do the honors.
2. Swap A Slow Cooker — Each guest completes the prep work for a slow cooker recipe, and places readied ingredients in freezer bags. When guests get together to trade their meals, more socializing and less in-the- moment-work make this format more about the fun. It is also so wonderful to have a collection of almost-ready recipes in your freezer!
3. Themed Meal to Go — If you have a small group that likes elaborate dinners but just doesn’t have the time to host one, divvy the actual get together up by course. Friend A brings the ingredients for the appetizer. Friend B brings the ingredients for the soup or salad. Friend C tackles the sides, friend D provides the center of the plate, and friend F supplies dessert. Voila! A five-course dinner that doesn’t feel like a lot of work!   

However you choose to celebrate the season, soak up the holiday spirit and share in a recipe with your friends very soon. Happy holidays everyone!

Meatballs

• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 12 ounces fresh whole-milk ricotta
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fennel seeds, finely chopped or ground in a spice grinder
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon finely ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 4 cups quick oats
• 5 pound ground beef chuck, 20% fat
• 10 ounces finely chopped prosciutto

Thoroughly combine all ingredients except for oats, ground beef and prosciutto. (Mixing the top list of ingredients will ensure your meatballs have an even flavor.) Then add in final ingredients and combine until a consistent mix is achieved. Be careful not to overmix. Roll into meatballs and then follow the instructions for either freezing or baking.

To Freeze: Use parchment paper and arrange balls in rows. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze.  When fully frozen bag them so that it is easy to pull the desired amount.

To Cook: Arrange meatballs in a shallow baking dish or jelly roll pan that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Turn your broiler to high and brown the tops of the meatballs. Remove from the oven and turn meatballs over to finish browning on the other side. About 3-5 minutes per side. Toss with your favorite marinara or pesto.   

Lincoln Land Community College offers credit programs in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Baking/Pastry, and Value-Added Local Food, and non-credit cooking and food classes through LLCC Community Education.

Cooking or food questions? Email epicuriosity101@llcc.edu.