When you hear the term “bulk,” do you envision cases and 5 gallon containers, and say to yourself, “I just don’t need that much of anything?” You probably don’t. But “bulk” means something completely different in food stores — it refers to how the store offers the product, not how much you have to buy. Actually, one of the advantages of buying in bulk is that you can get as little or as much of a product as you want – literally a pinch or a pound.

The idea that you have to buy large quantities is one of … read more

Serves 6

6 oz. Vermicelli, broken into 1-inch pieces
2 14-1/2 oz. cans chicken broth
1 14-1/2 oz. can roasted garlic seasoned chicken broth
2 cups water
1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, minced
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 pound smoked sausage
1 14-1/2 oz. can Mexi-corn, drained
1 14-1/2 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp. lime juice

Combine broths, water, tomatoes, cilantro, chili powder and cumin in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.

Cut the sausage in half lengthwise then … read more

Serves 6

1 pound spinach Fettuccine, uncooked
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp. minced garlic
2 tbsp. minced jalapeno pepper
3 tbsp. unsalted butter or margarine
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp. gold tequila
2 tbsp. lime juice
3 tbsp. soy sauce
1 1/4 pounds chicken breast, diced 3/4-inch
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain.

Saute cilantro, garlic and jalapeno in 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat for … read more

In the diet craze that has captured our attention over the last four decades, the one plan that stands out from the rest is the Mediterranean Diet. Since the Mediterranean embraces more than 20 countries, each with its own cuisine, the diet is really a fusion of the many foods consumed by the nations bordering the sea.

Olive oil is the anchor of the Mediterranean diet. No other natural oil has as much monounsaturated fat. When drizzled on salads and vegetables or grilled fish, it adds a pleasing aroma and texture. But olive oil by itself is somewhat … read more

Everyone has favorite childhood memories that stay with us forever, and some of the best memories are made during family meals. From barbecuing in the backyard to preparing holiday feasts, to picking vegetables from your garden, mealtimes are ripe with opportunities to create meaningful memories.

“Whether you cook up traditions in the kitchen or grow them in the backyard, it’s important to create precious memories for your children and family,” says Josie Bissett, actress, mom, and author of the book “Making Memories.” “My family has made many great memories by just doing simple things together at home, things that other … read more

In Spanish the world salsa means sauce. In the United States salsa is very popular and many people are salsa aficionados. Even if you don’t like Mexican food you probably have enjoyed salsa and chips.

In Mexico there is a wide variety of salsas that are as varied as the country itself. Some of the salsa of Mexico are described below.

Salsa de Arequipa hails from the city in the Andes mountains that gave the sauce its name. Sometimes served with potatoes, it may also be made with eggs. Ajo chiles provide the nice ‘bitey’ spice of … read more