Things you should have in your pantry and freezer

Going grocery shopping can be a hassle sometimes. Trying to find the right ingredients, buying products that are not only good for one dish but that can be the basis for other dishes.

Flipping through the pages of Better Homes and Gardens magazine , I found an interesting article about the 10 things that you should have in your pantry and freezer to cook healthy and quick meals.

Some of these items you may have already purchased or are part of your shopping list and if you don't buy them you may consider them, because they could be helpful when you are in a hurry and want prepare something quick.

The chef Ellie Krieger from Food Network recommends to have the following:

• canned beans
• frozen shimp
• whole wheat pasta
• dried lentils
• canned tomatoes
• roasted red peppers
• canned salmon
• wheat berries
• frozen edamame
• nuts

For ideas on how to prepare meals with these ingredients , click here.
I am sure, I am going to try the Garlic-Basil Shrimp recipe. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

Seven Layers of Funtastic Dip

Who will win the Super Bowl? That might be a question that you are not asking yourself right now. You may be wondering what to cook to the keep the hungry fans satisfied before, during, and after the game.

As you start getting ready to plan your feast. I though it would be helpful to find a fast and colorful recipe that will help you to begin your bash on a happy note.

The Seven Layer dip combines two of my favorites - guacamole and refried beans. Best of all, it will only take you 20 minutes or less to prepare it. What can be better than that?

Ingredients:

• 3 avocados
• 1lb (450 g) of refried canned beans
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 12 oz (340 g) drained black olives, halved
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon
• 17 fl oz (500 ml) sour cream
• 2 green peppers, deseeded and finely chopped
• 8 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 lb 10 oz (750 g) Cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese, coarsely grated

Directions:

Peel and mash the avocados with the lime juice, using a fork.

To assemble, layer the refried beans over the base of a large glass dish. Add the mashed avocados and then the sour cream and sprinkle the chili powder on top.

For the green pepper layer, sprinkle the chopped pepper around the perimeter of the dish first, to ensure that the pepper is visible, and sprinkle the rest evenly over the center. Layer the halved olives carefully on top ans spoon over the chopped tomatoes and red onions. Finally, add the cheese. Chill until ready to serve.

Serve with tortilla chips or toasted flat breads.

Recipe by iVillageFOOD

To give it a personal touch you can add your favorite ingredients to this recipe. If you have any suggestions or ideas for this blog they will always be welcome.

May the best team win and to get you in the mood for the Super Bowl, enjoy this commercial from last year.

The Sweet Taste of Passion Fruit

Are you looking for an easy and tasty dessert?

One of my favorite desserts is the Brazilian Mousse de Maracuja (Passion Fruit Mousse).

It is really simple and easy to make. It will take you only a couple of minutes to prepare it, but it will sure make a big impression on your family and friends.

Here is what you need:

• 1 can of condensed milk
  
• 2 cans of table cream (This can by found in Latin or Ethnic supermarkets. Please note that this is not the same as half and half or heavy cream.)
  
• 1 can of passion fruit juice (use the condensed milk can to measure the juice)

Mix all the ingredients in a blender, pour the mixture in a glass container or in separate glass containers, and chill until ready to serve.

Enjoy the dessert!!!