If you’re like me and totally not like Ms. Stewart then you have days that you don’t want to actually create a meal or have the money to order something to be delivered. I have what I call my “Go-To’s”; my quick fixes that are a no-brainer and easy on the budget. I stock up on the items below when they are on sale and I have coupons. I save them for desperate moments like days when I have a headache or it’s been really busy or I, um…am feeling a bit un-motivated. Here are my “Go-To’s”…

Meatball subs
Frozen or homemade meatballs (warm them up in the microwave)
Spaghetti sauce (warm this a bit, too)
Sub buns or hot dog buns (sub buns are much better!)
Shredded mozzarella or colby-jack cheese
Ranch dressing

Assemble the subs and then pop them in the microwave or oven to melt the cheese
Top with tomatoes and lettuce and drizzle a little ranch dressing on it!

Cheese Quesadillas
Flour tortillas
Shredded mexican cheese blend or colby-jack cheese
(Mozzarella is nice on it, too)

Warm an electric griddle or fry pan on the stove and lay out the bottom tortillas add cheese and then top with a tortilla.
Peek at the underside ever-so-often to make sure it’s not browning too much
Flip when you think it’s ready and finish cooking it

Cut in quarters with a pizza cutter and serve with sour cream, salsa, refried beans, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes and guacamole if you like.

Note: if you make a big batch of chicken taco meat then freeze it you can pop a bag of it in the microwave to defrost and then add that to the cheese on the quesadillas

Bagel & Egg Sandwiches
I stock up at the bakery and bread outlet in town about once a month or so. They have bagels, bread, buns, etc. that are near the expiration date but freeze well. I can get a package of bagels for less than 50 cents a package. We also have chickens so we get eggs…not enough for my liking since it’s winter and all…but enough that once a week or so we can have bagel and egg sandwiches off the cuff.

Scrambled eggs: (mix in a bowl and cook in a skillet on medium, stirring frequently)
1 dozen eggs
1/3 cup shredded colby-jack cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. salt

Grilled Peanut Butter
Two of our girls have a peanut allergy so I also make grilled cheese to go with it. Spread peanut butter on a slice of bread, put another slice on it and then butter the back of that, put it on the griddle and butter the other side. Grill to your liking. It’s good! Really!

Enjoy!