Unfortunately, eating well isn't always cheap. Cooking "from scratch" isn't always cheaper than buying processed, prepared foods - especially when you utilize sales and coupons. I am always frustrated to find that locally produced, fresh veggies cost more than salted veggies in a bpa-lined aluminum can do. Demand seems to compensate for transportation and productions costs in our current economy. Many of us are concerned about what implications that will have for our future and have turned to farmers markets and the likes to ease our conscience.
This is, however, a blog about how to cook with what you have on hand in your pantry. And even on the tightest budget, with only bare minimum ingredients, there's a lot we can do at home to save money and take back some of the responsibility of our own food production and consumption. Below are some ideas for cheap food items you may normally buy pre-made that you can actually make yourself.
I'll start off with
yogurt because I've made this recently. I was AMAZED at how easy this is using a crock pot. Thank you
Crock Pot Lady! It comes out a little thinner than the yogurt you buy in plastic containers at the store, but it's perfect for eating with granola or using in smoothies. The
Crock Pot Lady has some tips for thickening it also.
I got a gigantic crock-pot full of yogurty-goodness that cost me only some time and a gallon of milk!
And of course, you can save money
making your own granola, too! My husband hand I have never found a store-bought granola that we like as well as our own.
Yesterday I used some leftover pumpkin seeds in place of pine nuts (way cheaper) to make pesto, which usually costs a pretty penny pre-made. Try
this recipe and substitute dry ingredients if you don't have the fresh ones needed.
Here are a few more links, let me know how it goes!
Bread Dry BeansPizza DoughConvenience Foods - pudding, sloppy joe mix, etc.
Sauce and GravySeasonings and Dips - taco seasoning, pumpkin pie spice, etc.
Save Money Using Your Crockpot
