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 dry ingredients for step 1 of the cobbler. Store in an airtight container and freeze.

• Toast and chop nuts for cheese ball, place in a zip-top bag and freeze.
• Prepare dressing for vinaigrette slaw; cover and refrigerate.

• Prepare chicken marinade; cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare dressing (step 2) for potato salad; cover and refrigerate.

• Hard-cook eggs for potato salad and refrigerate.
• Slice celery. Chop onions and pickles for potato salad and place each in a zip-top bag.

• Marinate chicken in refrigerator, drain after four hours. Make sauce from reserved marinade; cover and refrigerate. Keep chicken refrigerated.
• Thaw nuts for cheese ball.
• Prepare cheese ball through step 1; cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare potato salad; cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare vinaigrette slaw; cover and refrigerate.
• Shuck corn; cover and refrigerate.

• Prepare cobbler, bake and cool to serve.

• Grill chicken.

• Reheat remaining barbecue sauce.
• Roll cheese ball in nuts and arrange with crackers.
• Cook corn on the cob.