No canned beans

Do you buy canned beans for recipes? Don't. Instead, buy dry beans, cook them in your slow cooker or on the stove, then package them in two cup portions or whatever your recipes call for, then freeze them. Thaw them in the refrigerator or microwave when you need them.

Barley, rice and other flours

Ever wish you had barley flour? Or rice flour? Those things are expensive to buy, but if you have a good blender or a grain mill, you can make your own easily. They're grains, just like wheat. Get it? You can even make bean flour from dry beans (uncooked!).

Leftover Beans

Got leftover cooked beans? Rinse, drain, mash and add them to meatloaf. No one will ever know they're in there. It extends the meat and adds fiber, too.