Weeknight meals are often a test of planning and simplicity.

Most of us want a dish that can be whipped up in a flash, using ingredients already on hand or ones you remembered to pick up on a weekend grocery store run because you planned a week in advance.

Smoked sausage -- easy to find in most grocery stores in a variety of flavors -- is a great place to start because it's already cooked and doesn't need much more than a quick browning to create a satisfying dinner.

This recipe from Cook's Country pairs sweet and juicy chicken and apple sausages with savory smoked Gouda grits that come together on the stovetop in about 10 minutes and will stick your ribs like nobody's business on a chilly fall evening.

Chopped apples and shallots cooked in butter with a pinch of sugar until the fruit arrives at the intersection of tender but still slightly firm boost the seasonal flavor.

It's a mouthwatering combination that shouts "comfort food," but also "fast food" in the best possible way.

In a pinch, you can substitute stone ground cornmeal for grits if that's what you already have in your cupboard, but it won't have the exact same flavor or texture. You also can swap shredded sharp cheddar for the smoked Gouda.

The dish works just as well for breakfast or brunch as dinner, and also reheats well in the microwave for lunch.