Admit it: you are a tomato paste waster. You know you are. I know, I know, you have the best of intentions. Here is what happens: you are at the store and buy a small can of tomato paste for a recipe you are making that calls for the use of one tablespoon. You open the can and use the one tablespoon and then throw the rest into the trash. You know you do.Of course, you read those tips in Real Simple or Martha Stewart Living that say, "freeze unused portions of tomato paste in ice cube trays for easy use in soups and stews." You think, "that's clever, I can do that." But you don't. You put the opened can in the refrigerator, planning to divide the unused tomato paste later only to arrive at that later four weeks into the future when your tinfoil covered can of tomato paste has developed a layer of green fuzz. Or, you do actually get the paste into some ice cube trays and said cubes of tomato paste into a labeled freezer-safe bag, but completely forget about them until the next time you are scooping tomato paste into ice cube trays and realize you have enough frozen ice cubes of tomato paste to make spaghetti sauce for Attila's horde.
Admit it.
What is tomato paste anyways? And why do you need those little cans of it? Tomato paste is a a highly concentrated version of tomato sauce. It's adds depth and flavor to sauces, soup, stews and anything that is tomato based. But you only need a little. But you knew that, didn't you?
The solution? Tomato paste in a tube. It's like toothpaste and absolute genius. You squeeze out just the right amount and place the rest in the fridge: no ice cube tray needed. The only problem is that most of the tomato paste available in tubes in imported from Italy and comparatively expensive to a little can of Hunt's brand. But, do the math: you can spend $3.50 on a tube of paste you are going to use every last bit of or you can spend $.49 on a seven cans of it, most of which you are going to put in the trash. Admit it, you know you will.
New solution: tomato paste from Whole Foods. Yes, I've heard the 'whole paycheck' references and know the reputation of Whole Foods as being very expensive. But, they have some great values and prices on many items, especially on their house brand. You just have to be a savvy shopper. Tomato paste from the 365 brand and imported from Italy? $1.49. Seriously, buy several and use them as stocking stuffers. Everyone in your family will appreciate the gesture and thank you as the person who saved them from throwing away half-empty cans of tomato paste.