The Last Minute / DINNER IN 10 MiNUTES

“I first started making ‘deviled ham melts’ when my husband and I would play cards with another couple at night. I usually have deviled ham in the house and, of course, eggs. The muffins, topped with the ham, some scrambled eggs and cheese, are a quick and simple thing to whip up for a snack.

“When the children were young we would have deviled ham melts for dinner and sometimes lunch. We ate it with a salad, rolls and a dessert.

Here’s how you make them: Split English muffins and toast. While the muffins toast, scramble some eggs--one per muffin half. Spread some deviled ham on the split muffins. Top with scrambled egg, then a slice of Velveeta cheese. Put the muffins in the broiler and heat them until the cheese melts.”

--LURA WILLON

Palos Verdes Peninsula

How do you get dinner on the table fast? We mean real fast. The rules: No more than one stop on the way home, no more than 10 minutes’ prep time. The rest is up to you. To share your idea, write to The Last Minute, Los Angeles Times Food Section, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Or e-mail us at food@latimes.com.