Do-Ahead Timeline

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

• Prepare gazpacho. Cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare dressing for Wilted Garden Greens Salad. Follow step 2 for dressing, cool, transfer to jar, and refrigerate.

• Prepare Southwestern Tri-Tip Roast through step 1. Cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare Spanish Rice and cool. Cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare Chipotle-Lime Butter. Cover and refrigerate.
• Wash and dry greens for Wilted Garden Greens Salad. Cover and refrigerate.

• Measure all ingredients except ice cream for Bananas Foster, set aside to make dessert at the last minute. Do not slice bananas.

• Roast beef in 425-degree oven, following directions in step 2 of recipe.
• Dice avocado for gazpacho.

• Gently reheat Spanish Rice in microwave at 50 percent power, stirring frequently.
• Cook corn on the cob.
• Transfer salad dressing to skillet, heat, and toss with greens.

• Slice bananas for Bananas Foster, cook according to directions, and serve over ice cream.