I got a great Christmas present from my best friend from high school a few weeks before we to moved to different states. (by this time we were married and had kids). Desperation Dinners. Laurissa had checked it out at the library again and again and then decided to buy the darn thing she loved it so much. When she gave it to me, she had gone thorough it and marked her favorite ones. Nice touch, I thought. And I’ve raved about it to my mom, who bought one for herself (though she doen’t use it) and my sister and sisters-in-law.

Before you go buy this, I want to add the disclaimer that I will be giving no refunds to people who bought this book on my suggestion and didn’t like it.

I just love that the book has quick meals with REAL ingredients. Ones I don’t have to shop at a specialty market for or spend as much as eating out on. Quick and easy, right up my alley. My sister-in-law was less impressed and asked me to list my faves. I doing it here, because she looks here. (Or so she says! Speak up, woncha?) In no particular order:

Blue Runners and Rice*, Tempting Thai Chicken, Fiery Chinese Beef, (Laurissa liked Shepherd’s Pie, I haven’t tried it),Cheesy Ham Casserole*, Fettuccine alfredo, Creamy Tuna Melt, Creamy Chicken on Croissants*, Sloppy Janes, Hamburger Stroganoff, Fajitas in a Flash, White Bean and Chicken Chili, (L likes PDQ Broccoli-cheese soup, I haven’t tried it).

I think that’s about what I’ve tried. There may be more, but that’s a good start. Once I like something, I don’t get adventurous too often. I have my other faves that SHOULD be in the book, but aren’t. Pretty much every thing I cook is fast and easy. And I also prefer it to taste really good, or else my time was wasted. A couple I tried in the book weren’t that impressive, but I’m happy (or Laurissa is) with the ones listed. Hope that helps, Mindy!

I’m hungry.

*the ones I make at least monthly