For us budget conscious cooks, we’re often torn between purchasing more convenience type foods that will give us some extra time or making everything from scratch.

But do you have to feel guilty if you spend a few extra dollars heading to the salad bar at the supermarket rather than putting together your own at home? I think you have to look at each situation as it arises. And now and then we all have emergency situations.

One place I’ve found that usually has some decent prices on ‘heat and eat’ foods is the deli at the supermarket. The prices are a bit higher than making the food yourself, but an occasional trip there won’t put a dent in your budget. And it’s a better choice than the fast food restaurant. Foods I’ve found with some good prices are the rotisserie chickens, oven roasted potatoes and vegetables. They also have some good deals on specials of the day, often lasagna or some type of fish.

Here are a few other foods I’ve found ideal for those emergency situations.

A bag of shredded coleslaw, especially the type with shredded carrots. A quick and easy side dish. If I have some in the fridge, I’ll pair it with homemade peanut and soy dressing. I also like the broccoli slaw that goes great with blue cheesing dressing and chopped roasted walnuts. It pairs ideally with chops, burgers or veggie burgers.

Speaking of burgers, I always make sure I have a packet of turkey burgers and veggie burgers stored in the freezer, plus a packet of hamburger buns.

A couple of bags of mixed vegetables, like baby corn, broccoli, sliced red pepper, perfect for a quick stir-fry

Phyllo and puff pastry dough. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a recipe for Phyllo dough and I can’t imagine spending an hour or so making puff pastry when you can get a package of both these items for less than $5. Perfect for a speedy pot pie.

Pizza crust. I always have every good intention of making my own, but whenever I pass the pasta aisle I see the prepackaged ones on the top shelf and can’t seem to leave the store without one.

Salad dressings-these days I make most of my own but I do keep one or two on hand for those just in case days. Not so much for salads, but types like Italian or vinaigrette dressings are great for a quick marinade for chicken or fish. The taste will make everyone think you spent hours on the recipe.

Frozen potatoes, I do make my own to freeze, but once again keep prepackaged ones on hand.

Quick cooking, frozen chicken breasts. Look for the type that doesn’t have to be defrosted before you put them in the oven. They can be pulled out of the freezer and on the table in 30 minutes.

Some type of packaged frozen fish, quick to defrost and cook and really versatile. And perfect for a quick dish like fish tacos.