Easy and Tasty Weeknight Dinners

Planning ahead on the weekend for meals you'll cook during the week makes weeknight dinners much easier. Make a quick creamy soup base on Sunday evening using nonfat milk, bouillion, cornstarch and spices, and store it in a plastic container in the fridge for use all week. You can use this base to create a variety of dishes like cheesy vegetable soup, turkey and broccoli casserole, or a creamy pasta sauce. Try stirring in dressing mix as an instant flavor enhancer when you combine the ingredients for your special dishes.

There's no need to scramble for dinner when you can make up a quick and tasty meal using eggs. Serve up a fun fritata with whatever vegetables you have on hand, tossing in some chopped ham or sausage for even more flavor. Omelets are another favorite option with eggs that can be made quickly using just about any filling, such as grated cheese and sautéed mushrooms, onion, and garlic, or even just a favorite fruit. Make egg drop soup for a real change of pace, and fancy it up with greens, sausage and halved cherry tomatoes. By being creative with your ingredients at dinnertime, including things like scallions, potatoes and leeks, you can make an egg-based meal that feels like something special.

Chicken is the best friend of many busy moms. Pick up a rotisserie chicken and a bag of pre-washed salad. Cube or julienne the chicken and add it to the salad in a big bowl. Toss in some pieces of chopped fruit and add your favorite dressing for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner salad that makes a light and refreshing meal all on its own. You can also use rotisserie chicken meat in fajitas or tossed with cooked milk, cheese and veggies over pasta. Chicken doesn't have to mean rotisserie, either. Flash-frozen chicken breasts cook up in a snap and can be used in many of the same dishes.

A slow cooker helps you create hearty dishes without too much effort. Simply pour in what you need for chili, a stew or a casserole in the morning, and let your cooker do all the work. You'll have a delicious and filling meal ready when everyone comes home from work and school. A slow cooker also makes great roasts or braised meats, saving you hours that you'd otherwise spend in front of the oven.

If your family is tired of the same old flavors, spice things up with simple meals from other cultures. Quesadillas are quick easy to prepare with corn or flour tortillas and grated cheese. Spice them up with your favorite cooked and shredded meat, chopped tomatoes, onion, guacamole, or salsa. Another international option is to simmer meat and hearty root vegetables in pre-blended curry spices, and serve this Indian-inspired meal over rice. A quick stir-fry of chopped vegetables, tofu, ginger and canned pineapple chunks brings the taste of Asia to your family dinner table.