The Problem: Work-at-home mom, Christy Milton, is interested in shaking up her mealtime routine. "With multiple kids and multiple school activities, sometimes it's 4:30 p.m. and I haven't made anything for dinner, so we eat out." Or Milton cooks something quick at home from the pantry. She wants to fix more fresh foods for her family. But she doesn't know where to start, and time is short.

Kitchen Strategy: Our goal was to provide the Miltons with ideas for how to prepare fresh foods that cook quickly or with little fuss and that would appeal to everyone. While still allowing for handy products such as bottled minced garlic and prechopped vegetables, we developed various main dishes and sides that capitalize on tasty and nutritious ingredients. The simple Quick Carrot and Raisin Salad makes a wholesome substitute for a side dish the Miltons might have picked up at the supermarket deli counter. The Cornmeal-Crusted Tilapia Salad, for example, provides tasty fish, fresh vegetables, and crisp corn tortillas in roughly the time Christy allots for her prep time.

Reader Reaction: "Everyone loved the Spiced Roasted Chicken," says Christy Milton. "It was perfect and just took a few minutes to put together." Milton says she appreciates the adaptability of the chicken, which can also be used in soups and casseroles.

"I though the Cornmeal-Crusted Tilapia was great, too, especially the flavor of the dressing and the salad itself. We served the fish on the side for the girls since they don't like to mix textures," says Milton.

Seeking fresh and fast meals for your family? Try the recipes we developed for the Miltons.