Why: Help your members save time and reduce food waste by enabling batch cooking and prep sessions. This feature allows them to prepare larger quantities of meals in advance and manage their prep work efficiently.
Navigate: App Station > Content Library > Recipes > [Recipe] > Prep Ahead tab
Quick Start
Click on the Content Library in App Station.
Select Recipes and choose the recipe you want to set up for batch cooking.
Go to the Prep Ahead tab.
Enable "Batch Cooking" and specify the total servings to prepare.
Add any prep tasks that members should complete ahead of time.
Understanding Batch Cooking
Batch cooking allows you to plan for making extra servings of a recipe on one day, with the intention of using those portions on subsequent days. This approach is different from simply saving leftovers; it involves intentional planning to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
Key Concepts
Batch Source: This is the primary recipe entry that indicates how many extra servings you are preparing.
Portion Entry: These are subsequent entries that utilize servings from the batch, allowing members to enjoy the same meal on different days.
How It Works
As an admin, you add a recipe to the meal plan and enable the batch cooking feature.
Specify the total number of servings you want to prepare (e.g., 6 servings).
You can then create portion entries for other days that will use servings from the batch.
The shopping list will calculate ingredients based on the total batch, not just individual portion entries.
Setting Up Prep Sessions
Prep sessions are a great way to organize and track the prep work needed for your recipes. Members can check off completed tasks, making the cooking process smoother.
Adding Prep Sessions
In the meal plan editor, click the + in any grid cell or in the Advance Prep section.
For advance prep, select the Prep Session toggle and set the "When to prep" date range (e.g., "2-4 days before start").
Name the prep session (e.g., "Sunday Prep").
Add tasks using the task picker:
Click the Add Tasks button to open the picker.
Select prep-ahead steps from recipes in the meal plan.
Save the session.
Editing Prep Sessions
Click on the prep session card.
Select Edit from the dropdown.
Modify the "When to prep" date range if needed.
Add or remove tasks as necessary.
Save changes.
Benefits for Members
By utilizing batch cooking and prep sessions, your members can:
Prepare meals in advance, saving time during busy weeks.
Reduce food waste by using all prepared servings.
Stay organized with clear prep tasks they can check off as they complete them.
Related Features
Meal Plans: Learn how to create and manage meal plans effectively.
Shopping Lists: Understand how shopping lists are generated based on your meal plans and batch cooking.
Recipes: Explore how to create and manage recipes within your app.