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

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