Do you think you're too busy to cook your own healthful meals? Take advantage of bags of frozen mixed vegetables, canned beans and other shortcuts with these delicious, super-speedy recipes. If you're not in the habit of cooking your own whole grains, learn how, and learn why whole grains are so important to a healthful diet, in my Good Food Book; it's free -- see the link at the bottom of this article.

Extra Quick Chili

1 16-ounce bag frozen onions and peppers

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, cut in pieces

1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable bouillon granules

OR one bouillon cube

1 tablespoon mild chili powder

2 teaspoon cumin

pinch cayenne, or to taste

2 cans kidney beans or black beans

Cooked whole grains (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Serve over the whole grain of your choice, if desired.

4-6 servings

Quick Moroccan Vegetable Stew

2 cups bouillon

1 cup whole wheat couscous

1 16-ounce bag frozen onion-pepper mix

1 16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots & cauliflower or any combination you like)

1 28-ounce can Italian plum tomatoes, undrained

1 15-ounce can chick peas, undrained

2 teaspoons bouillon granules

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce, to taste

lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

In a large pot, combine all ingredients except the lemon wedges, bring to a boil and simmer until everything is heated through and tender; 5-10 minutes.

4-6 servings

Speedy Creole Bean Stew

2 cups bouillon

1 16-ounce bag frozen onion-pepper mix

1 bag baby spinach leaves (or use frozen spinach)

1 teaspoon liquid smoke seasoning

1 teaspoon Cajun spice mix

pinch cayenne, or to taste

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup bulgur

1 16-ounce can kidney beans

2-4 tablespoons rice vinegar

Bring the bouillon, vegetables and spices to a boil in a large pot. Stir in the tomato paste and bulgur, return to boiling and simmer 5-10 minutes, or until the bulgur is soft. Stir in the beans and 2 tablespoons of the vinegar and heat through. Taste and add as much of the remaining vinegar as you like.

4 servings