Pantry Tips for the New Year, EASY Black Bean Soup!

A well stocked pantry brings good fortune and fosters a feeling of wealth!  Tips : Check your pantry weekly for expiration dates, and plan meals accordingly - Mark the cartons with a bigger expiration date - so they get used before their "best by" date.
Right after the holidays, I like to clean out the pantry and stock up on 365 (Whole Foods store brand) Organic Stuffing. It's a quick and yummy side dish and makes any meal feel like a holiday.
Also must haves : Organic Black beans, rice dishes, couscous, pasta, baking chocolate, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, organic crushed tomatoes with basil, cartons of free range chicken broth, veggie broth.
EASIEST Black bean soup recipe EVER :
One can of black beans drained
Equal amount of free range chicken broth
8 oz of fresh salsa
Heat over low heat, simmer for 10 minutes
Top with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream and/or avocado
I'm grateful that I live within walking distance of Whole Foods. I walk up and down the street several times a day and it's a great way to get some exercise with my dog Lucy. Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!
  - Mari

p.s. : Whole Foods is having a pantry stock up contest!

Coffee Toffee Pie, Gingerbread Brownstone

I don't really have any recipes to share this week, but I do have a line on a locally made pie for the holidays, an award winning, Coffee Toffee Pie, courtesy of my neighbor, architect Kim Jessup : Click here for more info and how to order.




Speaking of baking and architecture, for an awesome tutorial on how to design and bake a "Gingerbread Brownstone," Click HERE