Let’s face it. When you’ve just completed a three hour round trip and on top of that was out in the heat that felt like 100 degrees for two hours, you want someone else to make dinner. And if possible cut it up and feed it to you forkful by forkful. But that was so not going to happen in this single woman’s life. Enter the rotisserie chicken and a little creativity at the end of a very long Saturday. That simple, hot and juicy, already prepared bit of heaven has saved more than overworked person. My choice was to just take a bag of frozen mixed roasted veggies and stir fry that up with some of the chicken, and it took all of about 15 minutes to do. One of my friends here at work’s favorite thing to do with it, is to make a great Greek Chicken salad which is just what I might do with the rest of it. But those million and one ways to use a rotisserie chicken grabbed at the grocery store can mean more than just stir fry or salad topping. How about Chicken Pot Pie Empanadas? Not too many ingredients, and something the kids will love. Anything they can pick up with their hands! How about going Greek with a Chicken and Dill Souvlaki? The Real Simple web site is a good one to check for more recipes, and don’t forget to leave enough for lunch the next day. My favorite recipe for a quick chicken salad is just diced up rotisserie chicken, toss in some celery and apple for crunch and a few dried cranberries, a little Hellman’s Mayo with Olive Oil that ‘s become my favorite, and use a good whole grain bread for a healthy, hearty meal that will keep you away from the drive-through.

   Please keep in mind that September is Hunger Action Month, and there are many ways to make a difference here in Tampa Bay. Many restaurants are donating a portion of their proceeds, groups are holding food drives, bake sales and volunteering at Food Banks. Tuesday, September 28^th might be the day you make your contribution; it’s Take Action Tuesday when you’re invited to bring non-perishable food items to Feeding America Tampa Bay's Main Tampa facility on Transport Drive in Tampa between 9 am and 4 pm. If you’d like to hold a food drive of your own, click here for all the details. And thanks Tampa Bay, you’ve never let us down in Kelly’s Kitchen. If you are participating, let me know and send along some pictures or videos so we can show everyone how much good is being done to end hunger in Tampa Bay. Thanks.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

"I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for the minds and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits." - Martin Luther King, Jr.