At the end of a long, hard day, an empty cupboard and a growling stomach can make the words pepperoni pizza spring to mind. Yet you don't have to settle for quick and greasy. A few simple tips can help you get a delicious, nourishing meal on the table in less time than it would take for the pizza delivery guy to arrive. Cook for more than one meal. When you have an hour to make something special, double the recipe so you'll have enough to refrigerate or freeze for another dinner.
Many casseroles taste even better reheated.
Keep a well-stocked cupboard. With the right ingredients handy, you can easily throw together a terrific meal without having to shop. Essentials include pasta, rice, potatoes, onions, garlic, a variety of canned and frozen vegetables, canned beans, tomato sauce, olive or canola oil, and cheese. Then heat some spaghetti sauce in the microwave. If you zap a package of frozen broccoli, too, you'll turn basic noodles into pasta primavera.