The grocery store shortcuts that make weeknight dinners easier

A food editor’s go-to buys for quick flavor, from frozen chicken cutlets to saucy canned beans

Published November 5, 2026 10:30AM (EST)

Grocery bags (Ashlie Stevens)

A version of this recipe first appeared in The Bite , Salon's food newsletter. Sign up for early access to articles like this, plus recipes, food-related pop culture recommendations and conversations about what we're eating, how and why.

There is a particular little sequence to my autumn evenings that I’ve come to adore.

I finish work, head to a dance class or the gym, and come home ready to cook. I pour myself a little cooking-time spritz — my current favorite is ginger-flavored sparkling water mixed with iced green tea and a squeeze of lemon — put on an old sitcom Halloween episode and open the refrigerator to see what we’re working with.

I love this part of the day. I love gathering ingredients, turning on the stove, deciding what sounds good.…