Using Your Bulk Products.

Congratulations on making the change from pre-packaged to bulk.

Buying in bulk can be an overwhelming idea at first but over time it will save you money, make dinner time a breeze and allow you to choose what ingredients go in your families foods.

First thing we should discuss is storing your bulk items. When you first bring home your rice, pastas, flours and beans it is important to freeze them for up to one week as this will help eliminate any weevils that may be laying dormant inside the grains. After you have froze your goods it is important to let your goods dry out completely before you place them in a long term storage option. Some long term storage options are mylar bags or food grade buckets with oxygen absorbers.

In this post I will be sharing recipes and links to help make utilizing your bulk ingredients easier. Most of the recipe links below will open up to the Betty Crocker website. I chose to share these recipes as the name is well trusted and you probably already have a Betty Crocker cookbook in your collection.

Rice Dishes:

Cheesy chicken, broccoli and rice casserole

Fried Rice

Gumbo

Jambalaya

Spanish Rice Bake

Mexican Red Rice: OMG I made this one and loved it!!

• Rice (Serving depends on your needs)

• 1 can of diced tomatoes or fresh chopped tomatoes.

• 1 small can of green chilies (optional)

• Chicken broth or bouillon cube mix for water replacement.

Directions: brown rice in oil (Optional), add tomatoes, chilies, and chicken broth and cook as directed on package. (Recipe provided by viewers on my Facebook page).

Bean Dishes:

Black Beans and Ham

Chilli

Red Beans and Rice

While most of the bean recipes above called for canned beans this can easily be replaced with dried beans that have been rehydrated. Dried beans can be rehydrated using either a refrigerated overnight soak in cold water (8-12hrs) or by simmering in hot water for (3-4hrs). Please note 1 cup of dried beans is equal to 3 cups of rehydrated beans. *Full directions can be found on the product packaging.

Pasta Dishes:

Chicken Noodle Soup

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Butter Noodles

• Elbow noodles (1 box)

• Melted Butter

• Salt

• Pepper

Directions: Prepare the noodles as directed, drain, add butter, salt and pepper to taste. (I don't know if my mom really liked this dish or the fact that is was an easy, low cost side dish to help feed our bellies but it has become one of my favorites I still serve today).

While the possibilities are endless I hope you enjoyed some of the ideas above and if you have a favorite recipe to share please leave it in the comment section below!

Elizabeth Blue