Dinner in a hurry — Suzanne Chambers

Sometimes I need dinner in a hurry. Nothing in the freezer. No time to run to the grocery store. And it's not Tuesday night. So I keep ingredients for a couple of quick and easy dinners that have saved my hide once! I credit my friends Cindi and Dianna with the ideas for these two. I get by with a little help from my friends!

Baked Ravioli

1 jar (26 to 28 ounces) tomato pasta sauce (any variety)


1 package (25 to 27 1/2 ounces) frozen cheese-filled ravioli

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of rectangular baking dish 13x9x2-inches, with cooking spray. Spread 3/4 cup of the pasta sauce in baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in single layer over sauce; top with half of the remaining pasta sauce and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers once, starting with ravioli. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil; bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot in center. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Shrimp and grits

2 1/2 cups water

1 tsp salt

1 cup uncooked grits

2 cups chicken broth

Bring water to boil. Whisk in grits and salt. Reduce heat. Add chicken broth and simmer for 10-15 minutes or as directed on grits package.

Add 1-2 tsp garlic salt or minced garlic

8 oz cream cheese

4 TBS butter

1 cup milk or half&half

Stir until cream cheese dissolves.

Add I package (thawed ) cooked shrimp, tails removed (I buy already cooked frozen peeled shrimp)

Serve with toppings:

cooked, crumbled bacon

shredded cheddar cheese

sautéed onions

mushrooms

All of the above ingredients are easy to keep stocked in your kitchen and make a quick dinner not only easy but yummy.

My tip for today - not only stock your pantry but stock up on good friends like Cindi and Dianna that share great ideas. :)

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