Rush hour rescue By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen

Unplug the panic button and get ready to sail effortlessly through two weeks of great meals.

Photo: Chunky Chicken in Dijon Cheddar Sauce
Photography by Yvonne Duivenvoorden

These 15 recipes will take you from fast-and-fabulous weekday suppers to fuss-free weekend dining. We've included shopping lists as well as tips to make getting out of the store fast and easy. And surefire cooking tips make the recipes guaranteed winners.

Shopping Wizardry
• Plan ahead. Plan the week of meals and make a shopping list. It prevents overspending and dithering in the aisles.
• Add to the list. When you run out of a food item, write it on the shopping list right away.
• Check the specials. Watch newspaper for discounts and money-saving specials to incorporate into meal planning.
• Organize the shopping list. Group items by aisles or into sections, such as produce, dairy, grocery, frozen food and meat.
• Pick up canned and dry goods first then perishables, such as dairy, meats and seafood. Put fragile items such as eggs, produce and bread on top.
• Ask for help if you can't find an item.
• Shop during off-hours either early or late in the day.
• Buy in bulk if possible, especially frequently used pantry items.
• Order groceries if desired. Many grocers deliver to the door at convenient times. E-mail, phone or fax orders and pay when it arrives.