The Meal Maker, About Us/FAQ

What is walk-in Wednesday?
No appointment is necessary on certain Wednesdays of each month. An abbreviated menu is available from 4:00 - 6:00 pm and you can make one or all of the this shortened menu for $18.00 each. To know which Wednesdays are walk-in consult the printed menu.

Can I order less than the minimum?
YES! However, you cannot place that order on-line. Place it by phone, fax or email.

How much are your pans?
Full size aluminum pans with lids are $2.00 each, 1/2 size pans are $1.00 each and 1/3 size pans are $.75 each.

I don't have time to come in and make anything. Can you make them for me?
Let me make them for you. Prices include sales tax and containers. 7 entrées for $148.78, 10 entrees for $200.91, and 14 entrees for $266.07 To order on-line click on Other Services or order by phone.

When I divide an entrée do I need to modify the cooking instructions?
When the entrée was tested, it was tested as one. If you have divided an entrée either in a bag or a pan, you need to revise the cooking instructions to reflect the smaller portion. Use your meat thermometer and the guidelines in our FAQ regarding proper cooking temperatures as your guideline for knowing when your divided entrée is done.

How do I make sure my food is properly cooked to prevent food borne illness?
According to the Partnership for Food Safety Education, experts agree that foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause food borne illness. Use a meat thermometer, which measures the internal temperature of cooked meat and poultry, to make sure that the meat is cooked all the way through. Poultry, eggs, ground poultry = 165 degrees F for 15 seconds ** Ground Meats = 155 degrees for 15 seconds** Pork, Beef (steaks, chops) = 145 degrees F for 15 seconds** Fish = 145 degrees F for 15 seconds

How are the nutritional values of the entrées calculated?
The Meal Maker uses a computer program to analyze the recipe ingredients for nutritional data. The calculation is based on the greater of the number of servings. So, for example, if you see there are 4-6 servings, the nutritional information represents one of six servings. In addition, where there are marinades involved, the nutritional information is calculated based on the fact that most of the marinade will be discarded rather than consumed.

How do I get a printed menu?
Click on Entrées and then on Print Menu for the month. You can then view or print the menu in Adobe

Why do I have to make an appointment?
Your appointment assures you that what you ordered will be ready for you to prepare when you arrive.

How far in advance can I make an appointment?
You may register anytime within 24 hours of an open session. Click on Ready to Order for the appointment calendar.

How will I know if my place is guaranteed?
You will receive an electronic order confirmation that guarantees your session space. if you do not receive a confirmation, please call 509 892.1403. Print your invoice page and bring it with you . Space is limited, so it is wise to schedule in advance to get the session time you want.

What do I need to bring with me?
A cooler, pans if you need them and your invoice. Pans are available for sale in the kitchen.

How will I know what size or type of container I will need for my selections?
The container size and type is part of the description and will print out on your invoice. Freezer bags are included with the price of each item, pans are extra.

How much room do I need in my freezer?
You will need a space 12" x 12" x 13" to accommodate 5 stacking 9" x 13" baking dishes. Most entrées are assembled and then frozen in a gallon freezer bag and will take less room than pans.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of entrées I must order?
Entrées are ordered in increments of 7, 10 or 14. This helps you to plan ahead and The Meal Maker to buy ahead and in bulk to offer entrées at a low cost per serving. Most entrées yield 6 servings, however some yield 8 -10. Serving size is listed with the description.

What if I want to order 7, 10 or 14 of the same entrée?
You can order 7, 10 or 14 of the same entrée, 7,10 or 14 different entrées, or any combination of entrées equaling 7,10 or 14.

Can I divide my entrées?
It is very simple to divide an entrée and it is encouraged if you have a small family or live alone. Use two 8" x 8" pans, or the equilvalent for a 9" x 13" pan.

How much does it cost?
Prices are: 7 entrées for $112.00, 10 entrées for $155.00 and 14 entrées for $210.. All orders are paid by credit/debit card when placed on-line. Phone orders may be paid by check, cash, or credit/debit card.

How do I pay?
Pay on-line with a credit/debit card when you schedule a session. If your do not want to use your credit/debit card on-line you may pay by check, cash or credit/debit card when you come.

What if I can't attend my session?
Call or email 24 hours before your appointment, and we will make every effort to reschedule for another session. If rescheduling is impossible, you will receive a full refund. If you must cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment and can't reschedule, you will receive a refund minus a transaction-handling fee of $25.00. Keep in mind, that even if you can't keep the appointment you may send someone else to make your entrées. A call letting us know that someone else is coming in your place will be appreciated. A refund will not be made if you miss your scheduled appointment.

Can I bring my kids?
Children 12 and over are encouraged to attend any session with an adult. Children under 12 have a special session each month. Click on Other Services for the dates, times and password.

Can I bring a friend?
You may enjoy sharing this experience with a friend and we encourage you to do so. Just give us a call ahead of time to make sure we have enough 'elbow room' for everyone.

What can I expect when I come in for my session?
We'll show you around and explain everything to you. It doesn't take long to see how easy it is to make your order because everything is prepared and ready for you.

Can I come in more than once a month?
Of course, register as often as you want. Some clients return because they want more of their favorites offered during that month.

How long can I keep an entrée frozen before using it?
We recommend that all entrées be cooked and served within 60 days of preparation.

Where does The Meal Maker get their basic ingredients?
We look for the best buys at grocery stores, wholesale suppliers, local meat, seafood and produce suppliers. We look for what is seasonal, what is fresh and has established quality. While some of our ingredients are organically grown, not everything is. If you're on a totally organic diet, chances are The Meal Maker isn't for you.

Do you have entrées for low fat, diabetic or restricted diets?
All entrées are listed with the approximate nutrtion per serving. In addition you can leave out any ingredient you want to or request a substitute. Some menu items are noted as using gluten free ingredients.

This is a new concept for me. Can I see how this works before I decide to schedule a session?
We'd love to give you a tour of the facility and show you how it works. Contact us and we can arrange something for you.

My book club would like to schedule something just for us. Can we all come in at once?
Yes. We have dates available for groups such as book clubs, church groups and Girl and Boy Scout Troops. Contact us and we will make arrangements with you.