What are some quick dinners I can make for the family?

I love to use chicken because it can be dressed up or down so easily. My husband particularly likes this recipe because it involves cheese, and anything involving cheese is inherently good. To get started you need:

• Frozen chicken breasts (1 per person)
• Swiss cheese
• Ham (deli quality)
• Shake & Bake

Defrost the chicken breasts. Once defrosted pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Put chicken breasts in a glass pan with a little olive oil on the bottom to prevent sticking. Cover the chicken breasts with a slice of ham, and then a thin slice of the swiss cheese. Top this with a liberal sprinkling of Shake and Bake. Bake at 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes. Serve with steamed or pan fried broccoli, or a nice organic salad.

Another cheater's edition. I don't use dry beans, I use canned.

• 1 large can black beans
• 1 large can white beans
• 1 large can butter beans
• 1 small onion
• Ham leftovers
• 2 cups water
• Italian spice mix
• Salt & Pepper

Dice the ham leftovers into cubes about a quarter of an inch wide. Chop onion and set aside. Put a 2 gallon or larger pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium high. Dump all three cans of beans into the pot with the juices. Mix in ham, onion, and water as well. Use salt, pepper and italian spices to suit your taste. Heat until warm and serve. This goes well with cornbread or try my sourdough out!

I do the pizza thing to death, because it is so easy and usually gets a favorable response. You can put all sorts of toppings on yours, but here's one of my favorite versions.

• Package of Pitas (I like whole wheat)
• Tomato sauce
• Italian spices
• Mozzarella
• Feta cheese
• Kalamata olives
• Artichoke hearts

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop the kalamata olives into small bits. Place the pitas on a flat baking sheet. Mix the tomato sauce with a pinch of italian spices and spread about two tablespoon fulls on each pita. Top with mozzarella cheese. Spread the feta, olives, and artichoke hearts on evenly on top of the pita. Pop in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Cut into quarters and enjoy!

They may not say it, but deep down (in their bellies most likely) your family thanks you for cooking them dinner and not feeding them chicken nuggets. Thanks!