Amy Welk-Thieding
Food Editor, Simple & Delicious
Product: Refrigerated linguine
Why I like it: "I'm a huge fan of refrigerated pastas because once the water is boiling, the pasta cooks for only 2 to 3 minutes and it's ready to eat."
Use in: Creamy Prosciutto Pasta
Kristy Martin
Test Kitchen Associate
Product: Egg substitute
Why I like it: "It bakes up like eggs, but contains no fat, no cholesterol and fewer calories."
Use in: Lemon Delight Cake
Jenni Warren
Associate Food Editor
Product: Microwavable whole grain brown rice
Why I like it: I use this quite often at home when I don't have time to cook brown rice on the stovetop. It's super with stir-fries.
Use in: Asian Orange Beef
Peggy Woodward
Food Editor, Healthy Cooking
Product: Canned tuna
Why I like it: I keep water-packed tuna on hand for quick and easy weeknight sandwiches when I don't feel like cooking or am pressed for time. It's a lean protein and great for anything from casseroles to sandwiches.
Use in: Herbed Tuna Sandwiches
Wendy Stenman
Food Editor, Country Woman
Product: Frozen puff pastry
Why I like it: Puff pastry is so easy to use, and the result always looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort.
Use in: Fontina Asparagus Tart
Alicia Bozewicz
Associate Food Editor
Product: Miniature phyllo tart shells
Why I like it: The tart shells are a breeze to use. They brown well and have a nice crunch, without the hassle of phyllo dough sheets. They're ideal for quick appetizers and cute desserts.
Use in: Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets
Karen Scales
Test Kitchen Manager
Product: Frozen ravioli
Why I like it: "I simply cook the ravioli and serve with spaghetti sauce, but this recipe really dresses them up."
Use in: Ravioli with Shrimp Tomato Sauce
Christine Rukavena
Recipe Editor
Product: Frozen stir-fry vegetables
Why I like it: "These frozen veggies make prep fast and easy for weeknight meals. This stir-fry is a regular meal in my repertoire."
Use in: Hamburger Stir-Fry
Tina Johnson
Associate Food Editor
Product: Refrigerated pasta
Why I like it: "I really don't use a lot of convenience products, but among those I prefer is refrigerated pasta."
Use in: Tortellini-Shrimp Caesar Salad
Pat Schmeling
Food Editor, Taste of Home
Product: Tortillas
Why I like it: "Refrigerated tortillas are a staple at my house. I use these versatile wraps for sandwiches, tacos, enchiladas, appetizers and casseroles."
Use in: Cheese Enchiladas
Annie Rundle
Associate Food Editor
Product: Taco seasoning
Why I like it: "Taco seasoning is a quick way to give a dish that wonderful Southwestern flavor. This delicious lasagna is easy enough to make after work."
Use in: Fiesta Lasagna
Mary King
Recipe Editor
Product: Refrigerated crescent rolls
Why I like it: "I've used the reduced-fat version, and they work just fine. They make an easy crust for quiche."
Use in: Pepperoni Spinach Quiche
Marie Parker
Associate Food Editor
Product: Polenta
Why I like it: "I'm a big fan of polenta, but who wants to stand over a stove, stirring for 20 minutes? So I use tubes of polenta. It's not as wonderful as the real thing, but in this recipe, it's combined with cheese."
Use in: Porcini-Crusted Pork with Polenta