Add bean chili to your culinary '06 resolutions

When making New Year's resolutions, don't slight the kitchen. Here are our favorites for the cook in 2006:

• Keep those knives sharp! If cooking seems harder than it has to be, your knives are probably dull.

• Maintain a "freezer inventory." Post a list on the freezer door of everything inside so you'll remember to use it. No more frostbite.

• Clean out your spice cabinet every six months. That's the recommended shelf life for most dried herbs and spices. To get more flavor in your food, buy smaller quantities and replace regularly.

• Place a new box of baking soda or other deodorizer in the refrigerator and freezer. Mark on your calendar when you need to buy new boxes.

• Promise you'll buy an extra set of measuring spoons and take off the ring that connects them. Why wash four spoons when you're using only one?

While you're at it, resolve to make today's very healthy recipe for black bean chili. With less than 4 grams of fat per serving, it'll speed you on your way to keeping all kinds of other New Year's resolutions.

The original version of this chili comes from our friend Frances Wilder of Raleigh, N.C., who got it from "Carolina Blessings, Recipes from Friends of The Children's Home Society of North Carolina." This fund-raiser cookbook ($17.95, plus tax and shipping) can be ordered by calling 1-800-632-1400. We've adapted the recipe to fit our Desperation style.

Suggested menu: "Blessings" Black Bean Chili

spinach salad

corn muffins

"BLESSINGS" BLACK BEAN CHILI

Start to finish: 20 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

1 large onion (for about 1 cup chopped)

1 medium zucchini or yellow squash (for about 1 1/2 cups chopped)

1 medium green bell pepper (for about 1 cup chopped)

1 medium red bell pepper (for about 1 cup chopped)

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

3 cans (16 ounces each) black beans

2/3 cup Mexican picante sauce or salsa, mild or hot

1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes