Do-Ahead Timeline

This timeline shows how far in advance food preparation for the menu can take place. Following these tips allows maximum time with your guests and minimum fuss.

• Bake chocolate cake layers. Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze.

• Prepare marinade for pork roast. Cover and refrigerate.

• Cook Sweet and Sour Cabbage and cool. Cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare Creamed Corn Casserole through step 2. Cover with foil and refrigerate.

• Marinate pork roast. Cover and refrigerate.
• Thaw frozen meatballs in refrigerator.
• Prepare layered vegetable salad. Cover and refrigerate.
• Thaw cake at room temperature.

• Bring corn casserole to room temperature.
• Make no-cook frosting and frost cake.

• Roast pork in 325-degree oven.
• Prepare sauce for pork.
• Place foil-covered corn casserole alongside pork. It will take longer than 1 hour to cook because the oven is at 325 degrees F., less than called for in the recipe. Stir, cook until hot, and keep warm until the roast is cooked.

• Cook meatballs; keep warm.

• Reheat Sweet and Sour Cabbage.