The very first steamy bowl of black beans soup drenched in plenty of fresh lime topped with a dollop of sour cream started a love affair with black beans that has never stopped. There is something about a hearty bowl filled with satisfying creamy beans.

That's why it's a good idea to keep your pantry stocked with beans for fast and health salad toppings, dips, soup, side dish and Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas. Beans also happen to be inexpensive ingredient and are easy to enjoy right from the can after you rinse them well under cold water to clear away any starch clinging to the beans or that unwanted, metalic flavor. Some dinner-ready favorites include garbanzo, also called "chick peas", black beans, navy, kidney and pinto. They are a health smart and very high in fiber, which means loads of benefits including lowering cholesterol and keeping blood sugar stable -- helping to keep cravings at bay and even improve your mood. A half cup is about 100 calories and a pretty filling snack when enjoyed with a few whole grain tortilla chips, stirred into tomato salsa or drizzled with a low-cal salad dressing.

Black bean quesadillas can be a healthful meal too when you follow this Skinny Chef recipe.

If you're hiding inside when the weather really gets chilly, you will probably find yourself spending a lot more time in the warmth of your comforting kitchen. It's the prefect time to think ahead and go through those dusty kitchen cabinets to freshen up and use up leftovers.

Fridge
Do jars take up more space than fresh produce, dairy and meats? Wasting food is never a good idea, but remove that ancient jar of pickles or find a great use for half-used condiments. Have half a bottle of BBQ sauce floating around your fridge? Make a BBQ meatloaf for dinner tonight. I keep all my jars and bottles together, so I can see what I have at a quick glance, to avoid over-spending on items I'll only use once.