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Make-ahead meals cut the stress out of dinner- time and help a family stick to their grocery budget, too.

Who wants to wrestle with rush hour traffic, strategically shop for dinner and then go home to chop onions, toss salad and tenderize meat? Some people may enjoy the challenge of putting together a nice dinner after a long day at work, but the majority of us want to find fast, simple ways to feed our families healthy, delicious meals.

Using a slow cooker is one great way to have a ready-made meal. In the morning just plop in your favorite roast, (make sure it fits in the cooker) cover with chopped root veggies and a few cups of liquid. If you're feeling lively, you can add some Worcestershire sauce, herbs or a dash of cooking wine.

You can also make stews, soups, chili or chicken and biscuits in your slow cooker. They are handy for hot cereal, too. You have to use real oatmeal, though!

Sit with your family and decide on a menu for the week and shop for those items. Spend an afternoon cooking and freezing dinners in microwave able containers. It's healthier and less expensive than processed frozen meals. You may have to fix a salad or steam something green to compliment the meal, but it beats the whole nine yards.

Ordering pizza isn't necessarily cheating, if you don't make a habit of it. When you do have pizza, ask if they have a special and order an extra pie or two and then put the extras in the freezer. They can be reheated in a snap on a busy night.

Potato cups are a great versatile, edible meal holder. They can be frozen and used when needed. The good thing about them is that you can fill them with just about anything you want from ham and eggs to chicken and gravy. The recipe for the cups follows.

4 Peeled potatoes; boiled.
C milk
2, large, fork-beaten eggs
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix milk, eggs, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add to potatoes. Mash well. Form mixture into 8 mounds on a greased cookie sheet. Use a spoon to shape into shells, or cups about " high, with " thick sides. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and bake in 375* oven for 40 min., or until browned.

The first time you make these, they might look like potato balls or hunks. That's okay! The trick is to get them in the shape of small dish so you can fill them. If they come out like hunks, cover them with gravy or serve them with bacon and eggs.

Someone once said that if you can do it today don't leave it until tomorrow. If all else fails, have cereal for dinner!

Learn more about this author, Stacia Elizabeth Whitbeck.
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