n order to keep interesting dinners on the table every night, you need fresh ideas on what to prepare and an almost unending parade of condiments and spices must live in your pantry.

Until now. Connoisseur Cooking has now come up with a collection of gourmet dinner helper kits that provide you with the recipes, preparation ingredients and serving suggestions needed to put great food on the table fast. All you have to do is a small bit of shopping for a few fresh items and voila!—restaurant quality meals in the comfort of your own home.

Connoisseur Cooking currently offers 10 meal selections ranging from Tri-tip Steaks Marinated in Bourbon, Spicy ‘Nawlins Prawns and Low-carb Penne Pasta to Vegetarian Stewed Lentils with Barley and Vegetables. The tri-tips steak kit comes with just enough mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, bourbon, spice mix, salt and rice to whip up a meal in short order: All you have to buy is charcoal and the steaks and there you have it.

Serving suggestions, including beverages such as a hearty Zinfandel, are provided, as well as step-by-step instructions and an assembly list of kitchen equipment. The cost is reasonable, at $14.95 for most kits, less if you purchase two- or three-pack assortments.

For information, or ordering: (877) 725.2831. Connoisseur Cooking, 225 Crossroads Blvd., Suite 398, Carmel, CA