Today's busy lifestyles don't often leave time for the kind of cooking we may remember from childhood. But that doesn't mean we have to settle for anything less than delicious, healthy meals at dinnertime. With a little planning and help from recipes sites and the right tools in the kitchen, you can prepare great dinners with just a few minutes of prep and cooking time.

One secret, resurrected from the '70s, is the slow cooker. Yes, your Mom called it a crock pot, but slow cooker sounds a lot more appetizing, doesn't it? Today's selection of crock pots--oops, I mean slow cookers--is extensive; from high-end manufacturers like All-Clad and KitchenAid to less expensive choices. They all basically do the same thing, however: allow you to toss a bunch of ingredients into the heavy stainless or ceramic deep dish in the morning, and return home to a savory, tender treat, ready to be served.

Another modern "experience" is what I like to call the "cooking store." Appearing in a suburban town near you, these service centers provide everything you need to prepare a number of dishes one night a week, taking them home, ready to pop in the oven, on those nights when your schedule doesn't allow you a lot of prep time. If you love to cook, but only have a couple of nights a week to do it, check out this great new option.

Finally, there's nothing wrong with prepared foods at your local supermarket or gourmet shop. Ask at the store about sodium content and ingredients, and make sure you're happy with how they are prepared. One good compromise is to make the main dish and pick up the sides at the store. Or do the reverse and make a fresh salad or vegetable to go along with that prepared main course you brought home.

All in all, there's no reason to eat take-out every night, even in when both parents work and the kid's schedules make you crazy. Go ahead, give it a try. You'll be glad you did.

Today's busy lifestyles don't often leave time for the kind of cooking we may remember from childhood. But that doesn't mean we have to settle for anything less than delicious, healthy meals at dinnertime. With a little planning and help from recipes sites and the right tools in the kitchen, you can prepare great dinners with just a few minutes of prep and cooking time.

One secret, resurrected from the '70s, is the slow cooker. Yes, your Mom called it a crock pot, but slow cooker sounds a lot more appetizing, doesn't it? Today's selection of crock pots--oops, I mean slow cookers--is extensive; from high-end manufacturers like All-Clad and KitchenAid to less expensive choices. They all basically do the same thing, however: allow you to toss a bunch of ingredients into the heavy stainless or ceramic deep dish in the morning, and return home to a savory, tender treat, ready to be served.

Another modern "experience" is what I like to call the "cooking store." Appearing in a suburban town near you, these service centers provide everything you need to prepare a number of dishes one night a week, taking them home, ready to pop in the oven, on those nights when your schedule doesn't allow you a lot of prep time. If you love to cook, but only have a couple of nights a week to do it, check out this great new option.

Finally, there's nothing wrong with prepared foods at your local supermarket or gourmet shop. Ask at the store about sodium content and ingredients, and make sure you're happy with how they are prepared. One good compromise is to make the main dish and pick up the sides at the store. Or do the reverse and make a fresh salad or vegetable to go along with that prepared main course you brought home.