Favorite Convenience Items???

[lindrusso]

I just wondered what everyone's favorite convenience items are?

I love to cook, but the preparation sometimes makes me crazy, so I love the bagged salads and lettuces or anything that comes pre-chopped (sliced olives, etc.). Plus, I don't have to waste an entire head of lettuce when I'm just making a salad for two. It's more expensive, but sometimes it's worth it just to keep my sanity!!

And last night I found a bag of shelled, deveined shrimp (frozen, but I can't get fresh here anyway) - worth every penny!!!

For a really easy, quick dinner using convenience items, I love Mrs. T's Pierogies - just sautée them with some garlic and onion and yummy!

Anyone else??

[Grace]

Oh, now this is a good question! Some of my favorites are bottled grated ginger and minced garlic (although fresh garlic is still a lot better), cans of low-sodium chicken broth (I HATE making soup and/or broths!), Fat free/sugar free instant pudding, my tubs of lemon and orange zest that I bought from King Arthur Flour (I can't tell you how often I use these! So much easier than trying to grate those dumb rinds!), and certainly things like Gardenburgers, Gorton's (I think?) frozen cajun blackened fish fillets, frozen steak cut french fries (only 4g of fat per serving, and I bake them on my pizza stone) - my husband loves these on nights when I have no time to cook and I make him "fish sandwiches and french fries".... and also Healthy Choice Traditional Spaghetti Sauce. I like it the best of all the varieties I have tried, and I usually "fix it up" with mushrooms, peppers and onions anyway, and sometimes some ground beef. But it's a great base sauce. That's about it. As I sat here and thought about this question, I realized just how much I make from "scratch" - I have a vacuum sealer and package up a lot of stuff, and I also have green produce bags (they're specially treated to make produce last longer), so I usually get green leaf or red leaf or romaine lettuce, wash them up and stick them in the green bag, and it's as if I have bought those pre-bagged lettuces, only much cheaper, and they stay good for at least a week in the green bags!

Good question, though, and I'm interested to see what other people have "found" at the grocery store! I'm all for making life easier!

Grace

[CrystalB]

Frozen chopped spinach!! I always have one in the freezer. There are a million appetizers that call for it, and it has saved me on more than one occasion when I have forgotten I am suppose to bring something!!

[lorilei]

Oh, yes! Big fan of chopped spinach.

And I really must second the CLASSICO pasta sauce recommendation (although it's a bit thin for my taste, it's one of the best out there for under $3) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I am also extraordinarily grateful for frozen phyllo dough, as I WOULD NOT stand there and make it from scratch! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

hmph. I guess I'm a regular convenience food queen...

[Shirley Panek]

Shelly, you make me miss Tallahassee. That's the only place I've found Sister Shubert rolls. I love their Parker House rolls. Yum!

I love the powdered buttermilk. That way if I don't have any in the fridge, I can mix some up quickly. I also like the Swanson's resealable chicken broth boxes (in the canned food aisle). That way I don't have to worry about wasting any open cans if I only need a small amount.

I used to be able to find (when we lived in LA) bottled egg whites - found in the dairy aisle. Since I've moved to Maryland, everyone looks at me funny when I ask if they sell them. They always point me to the powdered egg whites, which I've never tried.

[Kristilyn1]

I agree with the frozen spinach--a must have.

I also like the bagged veggies. I buy many different ones. I have even been known to buy the bagged, diced potatos on occasion. I close my eyes to the price though when I do. I also could not live without the frozen pie crust. Quicky quiches, pies, etc. Another staple in my house are the refrigerated tortillas. We love wrapped anything--so those are great to have on hand. I also like the little four packs of wine--that way I don't have to open a big bottle to cook with. I like to cook from scratch--but who has time during the week?! We eat dinner at 7-7:30 as it is!

Kristi

[ElinorC]

I also love the canned powdered buttermilk. If I buy the fresh, half of it goes bad before I can use it. I also love the matchstick carrots (I hate to julienne carrots and other veggies), and bottled minced ginger. Probably a lot of other things too, but can't think of them now.

[BeckyM]

For me, the ultimate convenience item is the packaged sliced mushrooms. I LOVE mushrooms, and I used to spend so much time brushing them off and then slicing them. I invested in countless mushroom slicers, but they kept breaking. Now I ONLY buy the pre-sliced ones, and I use them all the time.

I also agree with frozen chopped spinach, powdered buttermilk, refrigerated tortellinis, and refrigerated tortillas.

Another thing I use a lot is the cooked chicken strips that are not frozen, just refrigerated. I can't remember exactly what they're called, but I think they're by Tyson. They have several different flavors (grilled, southwestern, italian, teriyaki), and I think they've even come out with beef ones now too. I always have a few packages of these on hand. They're great for mixing in with a salad to make it a main course or for making wraps!

[Susan]

I would be lost without my bagged salads! These are the best! Oh and those little tiny carrots are wonderful-I've eaten so many more carrots since finding those! I'm also a fan of frozen Pierogies. My pantry is always filled with canned chicken broth too. Another thumbs up for the Classico sauce which we recently tried. The frozen raviolis and tortellinis are frequent visitors of my freezer too. Probably my favorite convenience item of all are the Good Seasons salad dressing mixes. I love experimenting with those using different types of vinegar and oil.

With a toddler in tow and another on the way, these (and other!) convenience items are lifesavers in the kitchen...along with Cooking Light magazine of course!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[lindrusso]

I'm laughing because in reading the replies I'm realizing that my definition of convenience food is kind of warped!

When someone mentioned frozen chopped spinach and phyllo dough - to me these are necessities, not conveniences!! I too would not have the patience to sit there and butter and stack thin layers of dough.

I guess my measure in whether or not I use convenience items is not only how much time I have (or how much effort I feel like expending) but also how much the convenience food resembles the homemade equivalent. For instance there are some times when frozen spinach just won't do but other times when you end up cooking the fresh spinach so much you may as well have used frozen.

Also I wonder if homemade phyllo dough would be that much better than the frozen store bought variety that it would make the huge effort worthwhile?

A woman I know who cooks professionally was amazed when she came across another chef who used canned broth but would make his own croissants!! Go figure. Each person has their own idea of what must be made from scratch and what can be fudged.

Of course if you're Martha Stewart you make your own mayonnaise, vanilla extract, marshmallows... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Laura B]

I'm sure I use more than just these, but these are the ones that jump to mind: bagged salads, jars of minced garlic, DiGiorno refrigerated pastas, tomato sauce in a jar (but I keep telling myself I should try making my own tomato sauce), refrigerated canned biscuit dough.

Oh, and fresh cooked rotisserie chickens from the grocery store's deli/meat section. Can be served as plain roasted chicken, or cut up and put in chicken caesar salad (from a bag of course http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif), or chopped up for chicken salad, etc., etc.

I also love Zatarain's Jambalaya mix and Red Beans & Rice Mix. Chop up some sausage, throw it all in a dish, put in microwave for 20 minutes. Dinner with scarcely any effort or mess.

[This message has been edited by Laura B (edited 07-11-2000).]

[lorilei]

I'd have to agree with you, lindarusso http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif There is an awful lot dependent upon your definition of "convenience" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I would consider myself a pretty "from scratch" gal, but would never think of standing around making my own marshmallows. It's just not worth the effort!

(Gardening, on the other hand, is another beast altogether!)

[MrsReber]

I too like the Zatarains mixes, but I find them a little bit salty. I never knew there was such a thing as canned powdered buttermilk. I will have to look for that next time I'm at the store! Susan (I am a Susan too) I just love the Good Seasons dressings. I use red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. I took a package of seasoning along on our last camping trip. I sprinkled it over some veggies in foil and cooked them on the grill. We had some good meals over the campfire!

[Abby]

My favorite convenience item is Tyson frozen cooked, chopped, white meat chunk chicken. My mother-in-law is a food broker so I get it at wholesale in 10 lb bags. It's the absolute best thing I've come across - great for soups, chicken salad, casseroles, etc. It also has great flavor and no fat! I think they sell a retail version, but I don't think the quality is as good and it's pretty expensive - called "Time Trimmers" or something???

[Angela]

My favorite convenience item are Keebler Graham Crusts. I usally always keep one on hand in case the urge to bake something comes along. Besides, I can never seem to get the homemade cookie crumb crusts to come out right. Another fav are the jars of minced garlic.

[KateH]

I have to agree with Becky on the sliced mushrooms. The other day I was at the grocery store and they were out of them... I just stared at the empty space on the shelf. What to do, what to do?!

I also like the Thai Peanut sauce that comes in a packet that you can mix with light coconut milk. We mix in some chicken or tofu and pour it over rice.

Grace -- those green produce bags sound intriguing. Where did you find them? Anything to keep my cilantro good for another few days...

[karen w]

I agree with so many of the items listed-frozen spinach, chicken broth, classico sauces, chopped ready to eat chicken etc...Another one I just started using is frozen bread dough. CL featured some recipes a few months ago using frozen doughs-some stuffed breads and the citrus cream cheese pull aparts. Since then I began using it for alot of other things. As a matter of fact tonight my husband and I had calzones for dinner. Although I usually make my own pizza dough and I still prefer it, sometimes there is just not enough time(especially with 3 kids-4yrs, 3yrs, and 11 mo.). Frozen bread dough works great in a pinch.

[Mamasue]

I have to agree with Classico sauce and low-fat, low-sodium broths are always in my pantry. Although I am of Italian (full blown) heritage I find the jar sauce convenient for those nights when chicken caccatorie is on the menu or a quick pot of "clean out the frig" soup. I also will pick up a cooked chicken for dinner one night when the temperature is hot and make up a salad, loaf of crusty bread, and dinner is on the table without a sweat. I consider bottled salad dressings a convenience food for I don't usually make my own. Pillsbury rolls are purchased for some meals....making them from scratch is a waste of time for just the two of us. America is a nation of convenience foods...go to Italy and you will not find any such thing....fresh is the only way they eat!

[CAROL ANN]

My Favorite convenience foods are baby carrots, jars of minced garlic,low sodium chicken broth and Classico pasta sauce. I will also use Keebler Graham Cracker crusts. I love to make pie dough but I do not like to make the graham cracker crusts.

[lorilei]

Hmmm... I must admit to being one of those evil people who once poked fun at all "precooked, precut, prepared" foods. I still think things like individual serving cereals and bottled pancake mix are a bit excessive. But I have begun to appreciate that some things just aren't "worth the work", especially on busy days.

I very much appreciate pre-shredded cheese, especially if I only need a handful of cheese. I've killed myself on many-a hand grater, and I hate pulling out my KitchenAid grater attachment for a measly 1/2 cup of cheese.

I also like the variety of "veggie burgers" on the market -- they're not the yucky tofu burgers of old, and I don't have to fight to get my mashed bean burgers to hold together in the frying pan http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Oh - and I shouldn't forget bags of frozen snowpeas and snowpea mixes. They make great stir-frys in a pinch!

[Nanci]

I couldn't live without Tyson frozen chicken breast strips. I have used these in lots of CL recipes. Chopped or perhaps diced or minced (for those of you who read that post) garlic is another great shortcut.

I am also a big fan of veggie burgers and I would be lost without a can of tomato soup.

[MrsReber]

Frozen pie crust! I absolutely love to bake, but pie crust is not one of my specialities. It makes life so much easier to just be able to pull one out of the freezer. The ONLY jarred sauce I will use is Classico. I prefer to make it from scratch, but I always keep a jar on hand for those hectic days when I get home from work late or just don't feel like being on my feet anymore.

[Shelly]

Platina flatbread, which I can't find anymore since I moved. Boboli is OK, but Platina is out of this world! Great for throwing together homemade (well, sort-of http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) pizza or just heated in the oven and served with soup or in place of garlic bread. Rosetto's frozen cheese or sausage ravioli is good too. I serve it with Prego (the only bottled sauce my fiance will eat). A recent discovery I made on the frozen food aisle is Sister Schubert's frozen sweet rolls. They have blueberry (with cream cheese icing, my personal fave), cinnamon, apple and orange. I had never seen these until I moved to FL. AND, at 190 cals and 6 g fat for 2 rolls, they're almost too good to be true! Of course, I never eat only 2, but I thought I'd mention that little tidbit http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif. These are wonderful with a good cup of coffee!
I forgot to mention individually frozen chicken breasts and tenderloins. They usually come in 4 or 5 pound bags, and they are trimmed of most of the fat. The tenderloins don't have any fat on them at all.

[This message has been edited by Shelly (edited 07-11-2000).]

[Mary Ann]

Fresh pastas in the dairy section, especially tortellini. A little cilantro pesto, and you're good to go!

Also, the bags of fresh broccoli and/or cauliflower and/or baby carrots in the produce section. I've used these for stir frying or you can just poke a few holes in the bag and toss the whole thing in the microwave. And no waste!

[Shelly]

Wow, lots of good suggestions and ideas here. Shirley, fill me in on Parker House rolls; I have never seen these. I used to use Rhodes frozen whole wheat roll dough - the absolute BEST whole wheat rolls I ever tasted, but I can't find them here in
Tallahassee. I would also be interested in hearing about the "green bags" for produce. And tubs of lemon and orange zest? Oh my..Kingarthurflour.com, here I come!!!!

[karen w]

Just thought of another one for me-jarred roasted red peppers. When red peppers aren't expensive I roast my own, but when you're short on time and the peppers are pricey this is a nice time saver!

[BethH]

lindrusso,

I'm from Indianapolis and I live and work downtown! Where do you live? So glad to meet another Hoosier on this BB!

As for the shrimp in Indiana...I have difficulty finding even raw, frozen shrimp! Its all already cooked! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif I would love to find a place that sold a bag of basil leaves! I can only find expensive small packets of fresh basil at large grocery stores. *sigh* I wish I had a garden! *sigh*

[BarbaraL]

I'm a pretty much "from scratch" gal, too, but I love those store-made rotisserie chickens (great for those nights I'm too tired to cook)and not "junk" food. I also love Purdue done it chicken breasts and Stouffer's side dishes (not for me -- too many calories, but something my husband will make for himself and our daughter on nights I'm not home). I also like Classico pasta sauce; 5 Brothers is good too. I don't bake much, but when I do, I love the frozen pie crusts! I never considered chicken broth, etc convenience food - never made my own, always considered them a staple! I also want to look for dried buttermilk -- never heard of it!

[BarbaraL]

I forgot to mention cous cous! One of my all-time favorites! We love rice, but sometimes can't spend the 20 minutes. My hubby loves baked potatoes, but they seem to sprout very quickly! Cous cous is always ready on the shelf, and takes 5 minutes! Can't beat it!

[Anne]

This talk about quick foods is making me hungry. Canned tomatoes and tomatoe sauce, bottled salad dressings, and powdered buttermilk are favorite convience items in our house.

[BethH]

KateH...I love the Thai Peanut Sauce in the packet too! My SO is very skeptical of veggies so I add some cooked, diced sweet potato to the sauce with chicken and *presliced mushrooms* and he loves the sauce so much he'll usually eat the sweet potato too! It cuts some of the heat too--yum.

Let's see what other convienence foods do I have in my house....frozen spinach and veggie stirfry mixes, bagged fresh spinach, canned chicken broth, canned tomatoes--very necessary!, minced ginger but I will not use the minced garlic--no flavor!, canned beans, frozen, cooked shrimp (we can't fresh in Indiana either!), bags of the broccoli coleslaw mix to make my asian salad with, the garlic and olive oil couscous in a box--good stuff, biscuits in the tube and in the freezer, shredded cheese, bags of frozen strawberries and peaches for smoothies....

Hmmm--I have a ton! I think I could go on too. I really am a convienence girl! Maybe I need to cut out some of these products and go back to the basics!

[lindrusso]

BethH -

I'm in Angola (in the very NE corner of IN). I will be traveling near your neck of the woods in October for a club meeting in Greenwood, but I've never been to Indianapolis.

I would have thought that being in/near a city would have meant you had more variety in the supermarket!!!

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by BethH:

frozen, cooked shrimp (we can't fresh in Indiana either!),

BethH -Indiana is where I can't get the fresh shrimp too! Where in Indiana are you from?

When I lived near Austin, Texas, there was a place called Central Markets that had a HUGE fresh seafood section (not to mention bins of fresh, wild mushrooms, and many, many other things) - boy do I miss that! And I lived in an apartment and didn't have a good place to grow herbs - but another place in Austin - Whole Foods Market - used to sell a large BAG of basil - so I could still make pesto. Sigh.

I'm originally from the East Coast and miss all the things I'm used to getting there too!

[BethH]

lindrusso--

I do have a pretty good selection, but it is still Indiana so, to get good, fresh seafood you have to go to a fish market and its usually pretty expensive! Honestly though, I believe that all the shrimp I've seen is either frozen or already cooked in a cocktail ring type deal. So, good seafood is out there in Indianapolis, its just a matter of finding it!

I know exactly where Angola is! I was there last weekend as a matter of fact! My friend had a bridal shower at her lake house on Lake James. Another of my best friends lives in Auburn--very close to Angola! I did know some girls from Angola in college. I'll try to remember their names, but if you recently moved there, they moved elsewhere post-college.

You'll be driving through Indy on your way to Greenwood in October! You should spend a little time in Indy--we do have a Wild Oats (like Whole Foods from Austin) and some good restaraunts downtown! Feel free to e-mail me if you want names of places or a tour guide on your visit!

[Grace]

KateH and Shelly...

The "green bags" (as I call them!) are called Peakfresh Preserving Bags. You get 5 bags to a package, and they last several months each (you just rinse them out and reuse them). I get them at my grocery store, but you can order them from

Frieda's Inc. (same company that makes all the specialty gourmet produce items)
P.O. Box 58488
Los Angeles, CA 90058
Phone: 800-241-1771
e-mail: friedas@aol.com

I don't know the exact price, but I know they're relatively inexpensive - $2 or $3 per package???? Hope that helps!

By the way, for those of you that wonder how they work, the inside of the bags is treated with natural absorbing ingredients that absorb Ethylene gas that is emitted by ripening fruit and keeps it from ripening too fast - kind of the opposite idea of putting peaches, etc. in a closed brown paper bag for ripening.

[Ohioan]

I too have become dependent on sliced mushrooms, and I'm so glad to see I'm not the only one. I'd been thinking of it as a secret vice, a disgrace to all "from scratch" cookery!

I also love tomato paste in a tube, so I can squirt just a "spoonful" at a time into something without wasting the rest of a can. Oh, and frozen peas and corn that I can grab a handful of and throw into a stew or a pot of rice and/or beans, more as a garnish than as a side dish.

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Ohioan:
I also love tomato paste in a tube, so I can squirt just a "spoonful" at a time into something without wasting the rest of a can. Oh, and frozen peas and corn that I can grab a handful of and throw into a stew or a pot of rice and/or beans, more as a garnish than as a side dish.

Ohioan-

Where do you find tomato paste in a tube? What brand? I'm always wasting tomato paste because I don't even use up one of those tiny cans. I've never seen it, but sounds great!

[Grace]

Linda...

In our area you can get the tomato paste in a tube in the European markets (Italian, Polish and German). We don't have them in our regular grocery store. I go to Germany almost every year, and usually pick a few up when I'm there (they're so cheap, and the quality is so good!). But when they run out, and I have trouble finding them here, I do the "next best thing"....I use the little cans, and then I drop by tablespoonful whats leftover onto a plate or cookie sheet and freeze them. After they're frozen, I put them in a ziploc bag, and when I have a recipe that calls for a tablespoon or two of tomato paste, I pull out one or two frozen "blobs" and usually just throw them in without even thawing. Just an idea!

Grace

[Ohioan]

Originally posted by lindrusso:
Ohioan-

Where do you find tomato paste in a tube? What brand? I'm always wasting tomato paste because I don't even use up one of those tiny cans. I've never seen it, but sounds great!


I get the Amore brand at a local Italian specialty grocery, but I've also seen a couple of other brands in large supermarkets (I think I spotted one recently in Kroger, but I'm not sure). You might also try some of the on-line Italian or Mediterranean food shopping sites.
Good luck!

[Angela]

Tomato paste in a tube can also be found at www.KingArthur.com. (http://www.KingArthur.com.) They sell it in a 4.5 oz. tube and costs $2.50. They also sell garlic paste in a tube.

[lindrusso]

Thanks to all of you for the information on tubes of tomato paste! I will definitely look into it.

[JennyLiz]

Beth H- would you post your Asian Broccoli Slaw recipe. I'm always looking for new ways to use Broccoli Slaw.

As far as convenience foods, I'd ditto everything except I use the Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts- so much better than frozen. The fresh tortelli is a staple in my house too. BTW, Grace, I love the idea of frozen blobs of tomato paste. As someone who grew up with using the freezer only for ice cubes and ice cream, I'm slowly learning how useful it can be! Now I love frozen veggies of all kinds- I've read they may have more nutritional value than fresh because they aren't transported, etc.

[laden]

Canned diced tomatoes! I use the Italian flavored Delmonte version for a pasta sauce that is wonderful.

Just saute a Tbls. of minced garlic (jarred type) in one tsp. of olive oil. Add one large can of tomatoes (undrained), 2 T tomato paste and 2 T balsamic vinegar. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Serve over angel hair pasta. Top with about 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, parsley or oregano. Yummy and fast!

[This message has been edited by laden (edited 07-15-2000).]

[Cory]

Minced garlic and ginger in a jar are my favorite convenience items. I don't know how I managed without them.

[BethH]

JennyLiz--I'm at work right now but will post my recipe for my asian salad when I get home! I love it--hmmm, maybe I'll have to make it this week too!

Here's a list of ingredients (but I can't remember the exact proportions):
1 pkg broccoli slaw
3 pkgs ramen noodles (I get low fat)
1/2 red cabbage head
Dk Sesame Oil (yum!)
Safflower oil
Rice Vinegar
Salt, pepper, sugar
Slivered Almonds

I think that's it for ingredients....I'll post the recipe tonight or tomorrow!

[BethH]

OK...here goes my asian slaw recipe...its not light--but play around with the amount of oil. It does make a large amount of salad but I think there's always a little extra dressing at the bottom of the bowl. I think next time I make it, I will cut out some of the safflower oil (although it is heart healthy!)

1 Bag broccoslaw
1 head red cabbage (shredded)
3 pkgs Ramen noodles (uncooked and crumbled)
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted or sauteed in a little bit of toasted sesame oil (yum!)
(mix these dry ingredients together in a large bowl)

3/4 cup safflower oil (see why I said it could be cut down?)
1 1/2 Tbs Toasted Sesame Oil
6 Tbs Rice Vinegar
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
Mix these together with the 3 pkgs ramen seasoning that came with the noodles and pour over slaw mix!

Serve and enjoy! We love this recipe!

**Note: Its best served the day you make it, the noodles start to soften if they sit overnight! Also, I've found its easier to crumble the noodles before opening the package and then just break up the chunks after dumping it in the bowl!

[CathyPA]

I've seen the tubes of tomato paste, but for whatever reason, was afraid to try them- who knows why, but thought they might taste funny. Ohioan or Grace (?)- Do you know how long they last once opened?

Also, love the idea of powdered buttermilk. Like the tomato paste, rarely use the whole thing and wind up pitching. I'm going to check this weekend when going shopping. Any recommended brands?

[Gail]

Originally posted by CathyPA:
I've seen the tubes of tomato paste, but for whatever reason, was afraid to try them- who knows why, but thought they might taste funny. Ohioan or Grace (?)- Do you know how long they last once opened?



Since I happened to be in the neighborhood, I figured I'd answer this one... My 'fridge hasn't been without a tube of tomato paste in it for years! I can't give you specifics on how long they last, but it'll be long enough so that you'll never have to throw one out. The worst experience I had was discovering one which had gotten buried-- the paste had separated slightly and had a little watery run-off, but was otherwise fine. Don't worry about it going bad... it's great stuff! (Oh, and Williams Sonoma is yet another source for it.)

...can't believe I said "sauce" instead of "paste" when I first typed this! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif



[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 07-20-2000).]

[Ohioan]

Originally posted by CathyPA:
I've seen the tubes of tomato paste, but for whatever reason, was afraid to try them- who knows why, but thought they might taste funny. Ohioan or Grace (?)- Do you know how long they last once opened?

The Amore brand is very good; it's made from sun-dried tomatoes. But I've had another brand, too (can't remember the name), and it was almost as good. As for refrigerator shelf-life, I've sometimes kept a tube going in the refrigerator for months without any deterioration of flavor or texture.

I've been checking around for online sources, and it's surprising what a wide range of prices I've found for the same item! But you can try D'Italia Foods at http://www.ditalia.com or Galluci's at http://www.gusgalluci.com

[This message has been edited by Ohioan (edited 07-20-2000).]

[christinew]

Originally posted by Anne:
This talk about quick foods is making me hungry. Canned tomatoes and tomatoe sauce, bottled salad dressings, and powdered buttermilk are favorite convience items in our house.

Anne, Where do I find powdered buttermilk!!! That is ideal.



[This message has been edited by christinew (edited 07-20-2000).]

[christinew]

Originally posted by lindrusso:
I just wondered what everyone's favorite convenience items are?

I love to cook, but the preparation sometimes makes me crazy, so I love the bagged salads and lettuces or anything that comes pre-chopped (sliced olives, etc.). Plus, I don't have to waste an entire head of lettuce when I'm just making a salad for two. It's more expensive, but sometimes it's worth it just to keep my sanity!!

And last night I found a bag of shelled, deveined shrimp (frozen, but I can't get fresh here anyway) - worth every penny!!!

For a really easy, quick dinner using convenience items, I love Mrs. T's Pierogies - just sautée them with some garlic and onion and yummy!

Anyone else??

GREAT POST!!!!!! I loved reading everyone's replies and I feel much smarter now and want to go out and find all these great items! ckw

[Gail]

Re: Powdered buttermilk

If all else fails, King Arthur Flour company also sells it. See Angela's post further up on the thread. Search "buttermilk."

[CathyPA]

Just want to give a heads up about the website name in Angela's post. When I entered that I got into a really funky website- there was a quote from Tennyson (SP?) referencing Camelot. Then asking for a response to a question before it would let you move on, something about making a donation of talent or money or choosing to do nothing. Just as I started wondering if they'd found a new purpose/product line, realized it's an alternative music site. Wow, had me going there for a moment!

Anyway, after searching found the site actually is http://kingarthurflour.com.

[This message has been edited by CathyPA (edited 07-21-2000).]

[This message has been edited by CathyPA (edited 07-21-2000).]

[Anne]

Hi christinew. I get the powdered buttermild from Mountain Peoples Warehouse. I think they have warehouses in Seattle and in California and sell to both health food stores and food buying clubs. You might check out a health food store in your neighborhood.

[andreajackson]

I must say that I love to bake but pie crusts are a little beyond my skill level right now, so I would have to say pre-made pie crusts. I also use Tyson chicken strips alot too.

[christinew]

Originally posted by Anne:
Hi christinew. I get the powdered buttermild from Mountain Peoples Warehouse. I think they have warehouses in Seattle and in California and sell to both health food stores and food buying clubs. You might check out a health food store in your neighborhood.

I live in Atlanta.....thanks Anne. I will try a healthfood store. I am tired of wasting buttermilk.

ckw

[debj]

Boca Burgers - just be sure and get the Chef Max's Favorite; wasn't as crazy about the other varieties. Consumer reports rated this one way above the rest for "soy based" burgers. I slap them on the grill, throw some crinkle cut Ore Ida french fries in the oven and steam some broccoli. The whole family loves them. Also wonderful with guacamole on top (remember - it's a "good fat")!

[Natasha]

Though I normally make muffins from scratch, I do like one brand of mix: Krusteaz. The wild blueberry one is especially good, with the can of fresh berries. I substitute milk for some of the water and it turns out moist and sweet, but not too sweet (as many low-fat things tend to be). A couple of grams of fiber to boot, which you wouldn t necessarily expect.

[Ohioan]

I just thought of another one, but it's kind of embarrassing.... I sometimes use (gulp) canned new potatoes.

[Susann]

ChristineW-I live in Atlanta too and I believe I have seen the powdered buttermilk at Whole Foods Market.

[andrea]

favorite items...
1. chicken broth
2. turkey tenderloins
3. boneless, skinless chicken breast/ tenders

favorite items that make a meal...
1. zatarain's jambalaya with healthy choice smoked sausage, chopped onion and green pepper... (mrs. reber--the veggies cut the spice and salt)
2. vigo yellow rice mix with goya black beans and mrs. renfro's salsa and lite sour cream

[MrsReber]

Andrea, I will have to try the veggies, thanks for the hint! My husband does like the mix just fine. I normally don't add salt to anything so it probably tastes stronger to me. Boy, I should change my user name. It feels so formal!