How-To: Use What You Have

You want to make a plan, but aren’t sure where to start

Look for something you already have or something on sale as the centerpiece of your plan. For example, if you have a bag of dried black beans, enter “black beans” in the search box.

You’ll see ideas for a variety of foods, from chili to burgers and more. Pick any one to see the average cost, ingredients and print a shopping list. Let’s try the Black Bean Burgers.

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You want to use everything up

Great call! Wasting food is throwing money away. Before you shop, see if you can come up with another way to use some of the ingredients.

The black bean burgers use a small amount of cooked brown rice. But if you make more, you can use the planned-overs (leftovers you planned for) to make a delicious Bean and Rice Botana.

Got extra? Add me anywhere:

Dinners:

• Frozen peas
• Shredded carrots
• Spinach
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Sweet potatoes

Salads and snacks:

• Cut grapes
• Watermelon
• Peaches
• Nuts
• Leftover lunchmeats

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You’re short on time

Click “Quick to Make” on the main recipe page or select “Quick (30 minutes or less)” from the menu bar to see everything that can be made in a flash. You can combine it with a keyword like “breakfast” or “falafel” to get to great options faster.

These Applesauce Brownies, for example, are quick and easy—and they use one of our favorite tricks—using applesauce instead of oil in baked goods to cut fat and boost fiber and nutrients.

There are also “No Cook” and “Microwave” options if you’re really short on time or space.

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You have special dietary needs

Filter recipes by “Gluten Free,” “Vegetarian,” “Vegan” or a combination of these to zero in on foods that fit you. Or select “Kid Friendly” if it suits your family.

You’ll find everything from snacks to filling mains like this Southwest Tofu Scramble.

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You’re cooking for one or two

Select “Two or Less” from the drop-down menu for dishes that can be scaled down to one or two servings without buying a lot of extra food.

We love this option-filled Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts!

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