A very busy lady on another forum started a thread like this. I think we all have one or two stashed??

My constant one is probably Dona Maria Mole Sauce. It is so good. I tried it because I love mole and the pros on two other forums highly recommended it.

I must confess I have never made the real thing, haven't at work, although next job am going to try.

It is twenty seven ingredients and many hours of work. So here at home with four or so chicken thighs, my friend is Dona Maria!

Enjoy the good stuff,
Nan

Wow, Mole Sauce isn't on any of my food lists. I do cheat and stash away Ketchup when it on sale and cheaper than the tomatoes I would make it with. Guess I'm farther down on the convenience scale.

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.

I think that I pretty much shy away from pre-packaged DINNERS or complete sides. However, when things are hectic and there isn't much time, I have been known to open a box of Kraft Mac n Cheese..

I try to make things from scratch whenever I can, but seriously, who doesn't have a can of breadcrumbs in their pantry?

I didn't even think about condiments?

Also depending on where you live, tomato products are pretty basic I think. I do have a few cans of beans too.

And, I use both dry and sometimes frozen pasta. At home doesn't make much sense to make pasta although I love my machine. And at work, there is just not the time or space. Do make time for noodle for chicken soup when I can.

I have the can of bread crumbs at home. At work, the is usually a stash of bread odds and ends to toss in the FP.

I didn't think of this thread to make anyone feel guilty--just curious? Actually when I was on crutches last year and cooking with them in my tiny kitchen was difficult. Anything more than grilling a piece of fish or making a salad was tough, so Lean Cuisine was a big part of my diet.

Nan