Especially for those with children, it is very useful to have a number of “quick and easy” recipes on hand.

On busy days, having a full dinner served and ready within 15 minutes is a very useful trick, but the better the meal the more impressive the trick.

Chances are, you already know how to serve up grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Yes these meals just aren't as impressive for a last minute dinner.

Fear not for I have dug around for unique “15 minute recipes,” tested many out.

Now I am ready to share the recipes that were passed and approved by both children and husband.

Enjoy.

Caryn Murray is a mother and

frugal food shopper

Taco Joes

Some days you want tacos and they want sloppy joes.

This recipe is a surprisingly tasty and easy way to meet in the middle.

Makes 8 sandwiches

1 pound ground beef

1 can condensed tomato soup

1 cup salsa (thick & chunky)

1/2 cup chedder cheese, shredded

Sandwich buns

Brown ground beef in a skillet, strain off fat and then add soup and salsa.

Heat through, mixing ingredients briefly, then top with cheese.

Serve on buns with a side of french fries.

Quick and Easy Steamed Lobster Tails

The reason I chose this recipe is because even though it is quick and easy, lobster tails are something that many people are intimidated by. You'll be glad to know that this “elegant” dish can be on the table in about 13 minutes.

4 lobster tails, thawed

1 can of beer

Bring the beer to boil over medium to high heat in a medium saucepan. Meanwhile, slice open the shells on the lobster tails, lengthwise.

Once the beer has started to boil, place lobster tails in a steamer basket over the beer, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes.

Goes great with garlic, melted butter, and/or lemon juice.

Instant Gnocchi

Another impressive quick meal, great for last minute guests.

1 cup instant potato flakes

1 cup boiling water

1 egg (beaten)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Salt and pepper to taste

Place potato flakes in a medium size bowl, add boiling water, stir, and let cool. Stir in egg, salt and pepper. Blend in enough flour to make a stiff dough.

Turn dough out on a well floured board and knead lightly. Divide dough into halves, shaping each half into a long thin roll (about as thick as a breadstick) and then cut into bite sized pieces with a knife that has been dipped in flour. Place gnocchi into boiling water, a few at a time, and remove once they have risen to the top. Serve with favorite pasta sauce.