I'm at work and I returned to my shift tonight after my weekend off to learn that a co-worker whose presence I've enjoyed has been disagnosed with illness, and will be leaving us abruptly after this week to begin medical treatment. This was something that was caught early, so the staffer- who was planning to retire soon, anyway- will just move up his departure plans a wee bit early- and he is hopeful & opitmistic.

A "Food Day" has been planned for later today at 10:00AM (My shift ends, and I will leave at 8:15AM) and I wish to participate in this eating celebration to show appreciation for and say "we'll miss you" to this departing co-worker. Trouble is- I'm short on time. I've got less than two hours to throw something together and return to work with- so no time to bake and decorate a cake.

Let's see- usually I bake a dessert each week... last food day I made a cheese and fruit tray. The one before that I made a veggie tray and a cheese-ball. The one before that I made an antipasto tray... What to do this time?

Okay- a quick & easy CHEAT! I'll dump two x-large jugs of Ragu Spaghetti Sauce into the crock pot and two bags of frozen, pre-cooked meatballs. I'll buy a couple bags of mini hoagie rolls and a large bag of shredded mozzarella cheese, and my contribution to my department's Food Day will be "Meatball Sandwiches"!

In the same boat- what would YOU have made?

Fortunately I have several chest freezers. As a result I never face that problem; there's always something available for emergencies of that nature.

Deviled Eggs and a pickle/olive/cheese tray with cracker combo!

Sis Cathy....Devil eggs are my backup too....lol...

Hit the pantry and the freezers!

That's where canning your own sauces, etc. comes in handy!

Pull a roast out of the freezer, make a ton of gravy, make some big rolls - quick sammies.

Pickle/relish trays; olive salad; cheese salad; whip up an antipasto; grab some homemade mixes and make desserts; no-roll crust pies, quick parfaits, etc.