I am friends with an adorable elderly couple in my community. A couple of weeks ago they had me over for dinner (pot roast with all the fixings) and this Thursday, I'm planning to return the favor by making dinner for them.

Here's the catch: I'll be serving the meal at their place as the weather has recently turned a little nasty here in the Midwest. I don't want to have to make a huge mess of their kitchen or have to haul a ton of kitchen utensils with me, so I'd like to have most of the meal prepped and ready before I get there.

I'm thinking of a small stuffed pork loin (sun-dried tomatoes, spinach & pine nuts) and a pear-berry crisp for dessert, because they can both be completely ready to pop in the oven when I arrive, but I'm at loss for a starch and a veggie. Any fabulous make-ahead suggestions?

[Serious Efforts guidelines »]