eric–just a tip about tomato paste
I found this stuff in my local supermarket that is concentrated sundried tomato paste (they also have regular) that comes not in a can, but in a squeeze tube. its a metal, not plastic tube, but its much lighter.
its a product of italy, weighs 2.8 ounces. called Amore concentrated sundried tomato paste
they also make a pesto concentrated paste, and i believe a garlic paste, if i remember right. i will check tommorrow when i go shopping. and the tube is resonably priced, about 5$ for the sundried, less for regular.
some recipe ideas on the tube:
blend amount to taste with olive oil to make an extraordinary pasta sauce
mix 2 tablespoons with 3 cups hot cooked rice or pasta. Sprinkle with chopped fresh or dried basil (optional)
this ones hard on the trail–blend 1 tablespoon with 8 ounces softened cream cheese and shape into a log. roll in chopped fresh parsley. chill. serve with crackers.
top hot veggies such as green beans or corn with a mixture of 1 tablespoon butter and 1.5 tablespoon paste. toss lightly to blend.
and of course my favorite is adding to Chili. you can buy the dried chili mixes that call for just water and tomato paste (i think bear mountain is one type) and granted it does say simmer 25 minutes, but it serves 8. so if you all pool your fuel trust me, its damn good chili like the mix says. and it fills you up.
and did i mention it was ultra tasty
its in a black cardboard box about the size of a toothpaste tube
in case anyone cant find it locally
liberty richter inc
saddle brook nj 07662
packed by gia spa
italy
big boy