If there's no time to get to the store, host Mary Ellen Pinkham has some ideas for making quick meals from items that can usually be found in the pantry.
- A well-stocked pantry should include items such as pasta, olive oil, rice, root vegetables such as potatoes and onions, canned beans and certain canned vegetables like tomatoes and greens. These simple pantry staples will make it easy and convenient to cook dinner in a hurry without a trip to the grocery store.
- A burrito casserole, made without tortillas, is a zesty pantry meal. Mix together one cup of uncooked rice, one can of black beans, a small can of chopped chili peppers, one cup of water and salsa to taste. Pour in a casserole dish and cover. Cook for one hour at 375 degrees. If rice is not available, substitute uncooked pasta.
- Make a quick chicken dish by combining one cup of cooked wild rice, a can of cream of mushroom soup and either diced leftover chicken or canned chicken. Stir together in a casserole dish and top with almonds if they're available. Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.
- The tuna-noodle casserole is a classic pantry meal. Just add egg noodles, one can of tuna, one can of cream-of-mushroom soup and a little bit of milk to help cook the pasta. Top it off with crushed potato chips or corn flakes.
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