Chili Beans substitute for cooking

1 can pink beans or pinto beans
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon shortening

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Add small amounts of water while cooking if needed.

Savory Rice

2 cups COLD chicken stock
4 teaspoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1 1/2 cups instant rice

Stir chicken stock and flour together vigorously with a fork until smooth. Heat flour mixture and all remaining ingredients except rice in a saucepan to boiling. Stir in rice and cover. Remove from heat and let sit for five minutes. Uncover and stir. Rice may need to be cooked, stirring constantly, for a couple more minutes if there is any standing water. Do not cook too long as this will make the rice too dry. Remove from heat and let the rice soak up any remaining liquid. Serve and enjoy.

Easier version: Stir chicken stock and flour together as directed above, then combine all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 7 minutes. Let stand for two minutes, then serve.