What this thread is highlighting is that "convenience" is a very baggy term; you can put anything into it you like.
Whenever I run into snotty foodies who claim "I never use convenience foods" the first thing I ask about is the Dijon mustard in their fridge. Somehow or other, a frozen entre' is a convenience food, but a pre-made condiment isn't. Go figure.
So, we exclude condiments. And then what? Do you cure your own bacon? I ask. Did you churn the butter that is so lovingly cradling those over-easies? Do you bake all your own bread and pastries?
"Convenience" is a continuum, it seems, with ketchup and mustard defining one end, and Crock Pot Classics the other.
All that aside, I shy away from most convenience products. But the fact is, a couple of cans of tomato product tucked away in the pantry can be a life-saver. And I have a few cans of various beans, as well, as back-ups. Usually I reconstitute dry beans. But sometimes..... And there almost always are a few foam cups of ramen noodles with shrimp standing ready for a quick snack or lunch. About 85% of the salad dressings I use come out of jars.
I'm sure if I took the time to look there would be a few more as well.
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