Shortcuts in the kitchen: Quick ways to homemade flavor

Spaghetti sauce

Pasta can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time. The whole meal can be on the table as quickly as you can boil water. By taking a few extra minutes with pre-made sauce, a simple spaghetti dish can turn into a gourmet affair.

Next time you pull out a jar of red pasta sauce, try this method to amp up the flavor:

• Slice two strips of bacon and fry in a large pan. When crisp, remove and wipe out most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving a small amount to cook onions in.
• Add a small chopped yellow onion and sauté until soft, and then add two minced garlic cloves.
• Add a pinch of oregano. For spice lovers, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add spaghetti sauce and finish as normal.
• Top dish with crisped bacon.

Canned chili

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to soak beans or chop ingredients, canned chili makes a great hearty meal. But if you’re used to your chili packing a flavorful punch, the can may leave you a little disappointed.

For a quick fix, add a dash of these spices, or any combination, to taste:

• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Black pepper
• Oregano

Condensed tomato soup

This iconic pantry staple can actually taste pretty good with a few minor adjustments. And sometimes, nothing tastes better than tomato soup paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

Make these quick additions for a simple but tasty bowl of tomato soup: 

• Sauté a few tablespoons of chopped shallots and a minced garlic clove in a small saucepan.
• Add soup.
• Instead of the usual can of water, stir in half milk, half water and heat through.
• Pour over a scoop of cooked rice.

Mayonnaise

This basic condiment can turn into a spicy or tangy sandwich spread or dipping sauce in no time. The possibilities are endless in making flavor combinations that will wow you. Play around and mix a few ingredients together… you’ll never look at mayonnaise the same.

• For tang: Add white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, lemon or lime juice or dry white wine.
• For spice: Add hot sauce, Sriracha sauce, dried chili powders or chopped jalapenos.
• For flavor: Add cumin, coriander or freshly chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill or basil.

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