Yes, I've Cheated! And His Name IS...

Shhh! Joe. Trader Joe, that is! OK, that was pretty cheap. But, hey you clicked on me! Would you have, if I'd titled this post "Pantry Basics"?  Admit it, you've cheated with him too, (even the guys). You can't go to a casual party or dinner in Pasadena where there's not at least something from Trader Joe's. I can write about TJ's now, because I believe there is one in almost every state. I even saw a Joe's in Union Square on a recent trip to New York city. Trader Joe's started in South Pasadena more than 50 years ago. I could easily work there, and probably should, because I know all their products intimately. I buy all my pasta and grains most of my cheeses, nuts and cereal and lots of condiments. Oh, yeah, and of course wine. I could go on and on, but back to my cheating ways. I do work full time as a teacher, so sometimes I come home from work, after picking up the kids and I'm tired! Fast food just has never been an option for us. It's not like we live in a monastery, but I reserve fast food for long road trips.  I always keep these three beans on hand So here are some of the things I use to "cheat".  Canned beans, you can do a whole lot of things with canned beans...add them to soups, casseroles or just puree them for a quick dip. Green chilies? I put those in rice, enchiladas and soups. Tapenade is great as in a salad or on a sandwich. Spaghetti sauce? So shoot me! I'm not Italian, Joe's Basil Marinara is just fine for us...add some turkey meatballs, boom I'm done. Especially when I've got an evening commitment and I need to leave something for the girls to prepare. See the pizza sauce? That's how I make 30 minute pizza!  Yeah, I make most of my curries from scratch, but when I need a super quick meal, I pull out some chicken, saute some onions, maybe some zucchini and add a curry sauce, throw it on rice and it's dinner.    So today I leave you with 2 fast dips made with canned beans. I figured out these by buying the more expensive version from Joe's then reading the ingredients and experimenting.  Smoky Black Bean Dip Smoky Black Bean Dip 1 can black beans, drained 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons mesquite liquid smoke dash of hot pepper sauce (to your taste) Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Season to taste. Add more hot pepper sauce if desired. Hummus Easy Hummus (The kids love this with veggies or as a spread in a wrap) 1 can of garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained Juice of one lemon fresh parsley 1 or 2 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or tahini (if you have it) In a food processor, puree the beans with 1 clove of garlic, juice of half of the lemon, oil, salt and pepper. Add a small handful of parsley and process again. Add more lemon juice if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings. Stay tuned...I will be sharing more of my cheating ways!