OK I confess - I love to cook. When I moved into the house that I share with a couple of other girls, they were amazed by the number and variety of pots and pans that I brought. They were pleased too because like most people who love to cook I love to watch family and friends enjoy what I’ve prepared.

Weekends are the best time to be around my kitchen. I revel in the time available for preparing satisfying and well-balanced meals. Weekdays can be a problem though - I don’t get home until after six and my housemate's schedules are pretty erratic. Add one housemate’s vegetarianism and a tight grocery budget to the mix and easy to prepare healthy meals can be quite a challenge!

With a bit of thought I’ve developed a repertoire that we all can enjoy and that only takes a few minutes to prepare.

Here are three of those recipes for you to try next time you have a late night and don’t want to eat frozen pizza!

Vegetable and Rice Stovetop Casserole

Approximate Cost: $5.00

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 2-3

Serve with: Green Salad

1 package Cheddar Broccoli Rice Mix

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 12-ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained

1 1/2 cups of frozen corn

Pepper, oregano, and paprika to taste

Prepare Rice according to package directions. Ten minutes before it is finished cooking, add remaining ingredients to pot. When ten minutes are up, remove lid and stir contents of pot, continue to cook of medium-low heat until nearly all of the liquid from the tomatoes has been absorbed. Season to taste and serve immediately.

This recipe can also be prepared using leftover rice. Simply combine the ingredients and bake in a 350 F oven for 20 - 30 minutes. Meat eaters can add strips of chicken breast or frozen or fresh scallops to the dish as well.

Cream of Potato Soup

Approximate Cost: $4.50

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 2-3

Serve With: Bread or Muffins

3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

2 T of olive oil

3 T butter

1 cup of milk

1/2 cup of flour

Pepper, salt, oregano, thyme to taste

Lightly saute onions and potatoes in olive oil in a large pot until onions are slightly browned. Add enough water to cover them and boil for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are nearly soft. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until all of the butter is absorbed. Then whisk in milk by the quarter cupful until you have a thick paste.Pour this paste into the soup pot and stir. Add seasonings to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 15 minutes. Serve.

I sometimes add grated cheese to this just before serving. You could also sprinkle with bacon bits, chopped chives, or whatever suits your tastes!

Spinach Broccoli Pasta

Approximate Cost: $4.00

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2-3

Serve With: canned or fresh fruit.

1 8-ounce bag of egg noodles

1 cup of frozen chopped spinach

1 cup of frozen chopped broccoli

Grated cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. When it is half cooked add the spinach and broccoli to the pot. When pasta has reached the desired softness, drain into a colander. Place pasta vegetable mixture in a bowl and toss with the grated cheese of your choice. You could also add - pieces of leftover chicken, pre-cooked shrimp or additional vegetables.