An Introduction to Once a Week Cooking

As a busy mom of many children, I find dinner time to be one of the most challenging and stressful times of the day. Between the kids arriving home from school, helping with homework, and shuttling everyone to after-school activities, the hardest question to answer is "What's for dinner?"

Twelve years ago, I began cooking once a month, and freezing all of my family's main meals for use every day. Selecting a meal and having it ready for the oven or letting it slow cook in the crock pot all day has helped in smoothing out the afternoon and evening rush in our home.

I believe so strongly in this as a tool for saving money and time, that each Tuesday evening at 7PM at the Hershey Karns I will walk you through preparing 5 main meals for your family to "Eat Now, or Eat Later".

When Do We Cook?

Each Tuesday night starting at 7PM.

Where Do We Cook?

At the Hershey Karns in the Marketplace Cafe.

How Much Does It Cost?

$16.00 a meal, or $17.00 a meal for gluten free meals.

Meals that show with an ** are an additional fee. The additional fee can be paid when you arrive at class.

Meals with a "CP" after them indicate that these meals can be made in the crock pot or the slow cooker. Meals with "WWPP" and a points number indicate meals that are Weight Watcher Point Plus meals. Meals with "GF" after them indicate meals that are gluten free. Meals with "VEG" after them indicate that the meals are vegetarian meals. As we strive to increase our styles and types of meals offered, please make sure that you provide feedback on these meals. If you have meals that fall into any of these categories and they are meals that are proven to be freezer worthy, contact me to be considered as "Chef of the Month". Our best ideas sometimes come from you our clients!

What do I need to bring to class?

If you tend to be a "messy" cook bring an apron. You will also want a cooler or cold tote bag to carry your meal(s) in when leaving class and transporting your meal(s) to your car and home. ***Please note that the food is prepared in accordance with standard food preperation regulations. Once the food leaves the Marketplace Cafe, you are responsible for proper storage and cooking and serving of the meals.***

How Do I Pay for My Meals?

You pay the night of the class (with cash or check) before assembling your meals, OR you can pay when ordering on the website via PayPal.

What If I Want Additional Portions?

For $8.00, you can upsize your meal by three single serving portions.

Why would there be an additional charge for a meal?

There are occassions when the costs of the meats, or the number of ingredients in a particular meal cause the portion costs to be above the amount charged. When this happens, there will be a notation after the meal (***) indicating that there is an additional $5.00 fee for that meal. If you are ever uncertain about the cost of the meal, please feel free to contact me with question or concerns.

How many servings do you get from the meals?

The "regular meals" provide approx. 6-8 servings as a rule. The Weight Watchers Points Plus meal selections are typically only 4 servings per meal, sometimes 6. The reason behind this is that Weight Watcher meals are designed for weight/diet control. Limiting portion size and ingredients are part of a successful program if you are a Weight Watcher subscriber.

What if I register for class and at the last minute I am unable to make the class?

Because the meals are planned in advance, you need to a)call as soon as you know you are not able to attend class. The meals will be prepared for you. b) You will need to make arrangements for pick up or delivery of the meals, and a $25 fee will be assessed for processing. This fee will be collected at pick up or drop off.

Can I purchase a Gift Certificate?

Yes. Gift Certificates are available upon request. Email or call to make arrangements.

How Do I RSVP?

By emailing Michelle Lingle, no later than the Sunday PRIOR to cooking day by 6PM. Please note this is the last opportunity to register for the class, we can not accept walk ins, and there may not be availability that late. When possible, it is encouraged to plan at least a week out. When making your reservation for class, indicate the number of meals you are making as well as the name of the meals. Also, indicate if you are in need of additional portions (for the above mentioned fee) or if you have any special requests. (When reasonable, we will strive to honor special requests.) OR go to the Order Tab, and using PayPal, make your reservation and pay in advance of class.