BEANS: Canned and tetra pack beans are so convenient, but they’re pretty expensive. I keep several cans in my pantry, but also I pick up different varieties from the bulk section and cook them myself. Small sandwich size bags are great for storing the beans in the freezer. Don’t forget to mark them with the type of bean they are and the date!

SOUP: Make your own vegetable stock, please. Once you get into the habit of doing this, you’ll never spend money on boxed soup stock again.  Here’s what you do: begin saving all vegetable cuttings, ends, peels, etc. (what you might normally compost or throw away). Don’t forget garlic, fresh herbs, etc…you get the picture. Store it all in a large plastic freezer bag, and keep adding to it until the bag is full.  Then, dump it all in a large pot or crockpot, and add 6-8 cups water.  Bring to a boil, then cover and turn down heat and let simmer for at least one hour; longer is better.  When soup cools, strain stock, and pour into ice cube trays to freeze.  Pop out soup stock ice cubes and store in freezer bag for individual uses. You’ll thank me at some point.