TIPS

• How to cook dried beans

• If following a recipe that calls for canned beans, you can substitute with 1 ½ cups of prepared dried beans. Learn more here.

  RECIPES

• Pinto Bean Soup

• TIPS

  • Add them to ground meat in recipes for more volume, or use them in place of ground meat. Learn more here.

  • Lentils are much smaller than beans, so they don’t require pre-soaking and cook quickly. Soaking them overnight can reduce the cooking time by half. Learn more here.

• RECIPES

  • Lentil Tacos

  • Lentil Spaghetti Sauce

Rice is a pantry staple because it is low-cost, filling, and easy to cook. It can be used in a variety of meals like soups, stir-fries, casseroles, or served with beans and vegetables. A great way to help stretch meals for your family

• How to cook rice using stovetop, microwave, or oven

• Enchilada Rice Recipe

• Common Rice Combinations

  • Rice and Beans

    • Cooked rice + canned beans + onion & garlic (optional)

    • Sauté onion & garlic, add beans and rice, heat through. Season to taste.

  • Fried Rice

    • Leftover rice + veggies + egg (optional) + soy sauce

    • Sauté veggies, add rice, scramble egg if using, stir in soy sauce.

  • Rice & Vegetables

    • Rice + water or broth + mixed vegetables

    • Combine in pot, cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Season to taste.

TIPS

• Bread can be frozen to help it last longer.

  • Keep bread in its original bag or wrap in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer bag.

  • To thaw individual slices, place them on the counter for about 10–15 minutes or pop them directly into the toaster or oven.

  • Avoid using the microwave; it can make bread tough or chewy.

RECIPES

• French Toast

• Breakfast Casserole

• Microwave Baked Potatoes

• Mashed Potatoes

Old-fashioned oats are a cost-effective pantry staple. Oats are easy to cook and provide fiber, protein, and other nutrients for families.

Using old-fashioned oats instead of prepackaged oatmeal packets gives you more meals for less money. They are easy to use and can be flavored any way you like.

• How to cook old-fashioned oats using the stove or microwave.

• Flavoring Suggestions:

  • Brown sugar & cinnamon – classic, sweet flavor.

  • Bananas – mash a ripe banana into the oats while cooking or slice on top. Adds natural sweetness.

  • Raisins (or other dried fruit) – add before cooking to plump and sweeten the oatmeal.

  • Peanut butter – stir in a tablespoon after cooking for flavor, richness, and a protein boost.

  • Applesauce – stir in for moisture, flavor, and sweetness.

  • Powdered milk – mix a tablespoon into dry oats before cooking with water for a creamy texture.