ok, how about a cooking tip? dried beans. [View all]

i buy bulk dried beans for about 50¢/lb.
when i make something w them the 1st time, i toss the whole bag in the pot, bring to a boil, let go for about 10 minutes, turn it off, and let cool.
then i take whatever i dont need for that recipe, bag them up, and put the rest in the freezer.
one bag is fine. you can give them a smack, and they separate out.

they come out ready to simmer for a bit and be edible, or to make something like chili or soup, that takes a long cook.
i like to make black beans and eggs. i brown them up in some butter, cover w tomato juice, some salsa. simmer for 15 min or so, then crack a couple eggs in the middle. put a slice of cheese on top, cook for another couple minutes, and voila. cheap, easy dinner.
bigger beans need a little longer.

as fast as canned, but still have a better texture after long cooking.
also, i love my dehydrator. i slice up tomatoes and dry. intensifies the flavor. when you use them, they are like using paste.
a sweet onion comes out like candy. and cherry tomatoes? i kid you not, i put them in my xmas cookies.
great for mushrooms, too. perfect for mushroom gravy.