Ask Nana Jorj Morgan is the author of 5 books whose subjects range from entertaining to cooking and most recently to health and wellness. Jorj’s books include Gorgeous: The Sum of all Your Glorious Parts, Fresh Traditions: Classic Dishes for a Contemporary Lifestyle, and At Home in the Kitchen. Most importantly Jorj is a mom and new grandmom. Learn more on her website From Nana's Kitchen Make-ahead Meal Tips Q: Dear Nana, My family is coming for a holiday weekend visit. I just love it when they come, but I find myself glued to the kitchen. Do you have any make-ahead meal tips that the children and grandchildren would love? Heated Up in Phoenix, AZ A: Dear Heated Up, Family guests arrive using all manner of transportation, so my method of entertaining, for what my pals and I have come to refer to as “Entry Night,” is a casual supper—one that can be prepared in advance, served as guests arrive, and has staying power on a buffet table, in case one of those methods of transportation hits a bump in the road! Strategy number one—the casserole dish. There’s history here! Early 18th-century casserole recipes consisted of rice that was pounded, pressed, and combined with savory ingredients like chicken or sweetbreads. The food was cooked in, and then served from, earthenware containers. The idea of casserole cooking as a one-dish meal became popular in America in the twentieth century, especially in the 1950s, mostly because of the invention of new forms of lightweight metal and glassware baking dishes. These became known as “casserole dishes,” and ingenious, thrifty homemakers filled these dishes with every ingredient imaginable. Those of us who are, or have been raised by, Baby Boomers nostalgically remember casseroles as one of the true comfort foods (tuna, noodles, peas, Campbell’s creamy soups and all!). Today’s casserole dishes are smart and decorative, thereby making them appealing as dishes to serve on a supper buffet. Today’s casserole recipes are bright, flavorful, and stylish. Ingredients like chipotle peppers, citrus zest, freshly grated artisanal cheese, and an abundance of fresh vegetables blend over and over to create a filling and appealing meal that your guests will dive into. Served with a salad that features the freshest produce, enhanced with dazzling vinaigrettes and dressings—the meal is not only complete, but also deliciously appetizing, especially after the long day’s journey. Check out my casserole recipe for Veggie Enchiladas with Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Corn, and Black Beans to see what I mean. —Top Nana Send your Ask Nana questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it