How Far In Advance Can I Prepare My Veggies etc.?

[sgny]

I am making some dishes that require onions, fennel, basil, parsley etc.? Would like to get prep work out of way but how soon is too soon? Also, a bruscetta recipe with ceci beans says serve immediately. Any problems making it and throwing it in fridge and bringing it to room temp before company arrives? Thanks.

[Springhaze2]

You can grill/broil the bread for bruscetta before hand and prepare the beans, but don't top until just before you are about to serve.

[pikawicca]

I find that the quality of the grilled/toasted bread deteriorates rather quickly. This is one thing I do at the last minute, or pretty close.

[pikawicca]

If you're sauteeing the fennel and parsley, you can do that a couple hours ahead and leave at room temp. Any longer, I'd refrigerate. If the beans are mashed, you may need to thin with a little water. Go ahead and chop and refrigerate the parsley, but do the basil at the last minute, as it will discolor,