5 Store Bought Foods You Can Make From Scratch To Save Money On Groceries

In a world where convenience often takes center stage, it’s easy to overlook the simple joys and financial benefits that come with crafting everyday essentials from scratch. As grocery store aisles brim with pre-packaged goods, there’s a certain empowerment that accompanies the decision to create your own culinary staples right in the comfort of your kitchen. Not only does this endeavor offer a genuine understanding of the ingredients that comprise our favorite foods, but it also has the potential to save a significant amount on the monthly grocery bill.

Learn how to make these 5 foods from scratch to save money on groceries:

Homemade Butter
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Cream of Soup Mix
Nutella
Vanilla Extract

In this exploration of culinary DIY, we delve into a treasure trove of store-bought foods that can be effortlessly recreated at home, elevating your gastronomic experience while putting you in control of the ingredients that make their way onto your plate.

Check out these other articles and videos to help you save money:

From the rich creaminess of homemade butter to the irresistibly smooth allure of your very own Nutella blend, we’ll guide you through the transformation of five common items that often find their way into shopping carts, unveiling the ease and satisfaction of crafting them from scratch. Embark on a journey that promises not only delectable outcomes but also a deeper connection to the culinary craft. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s rediscover the joy of homemade goodness.

In this article, we present five recipes that will inspire you to channel your inner culinary artist: crafting velvety homemade butter, blending the iconic Nutella spread to perfection, preparing a versatile cream of soup mix, aromatic homemade vanilla extract, and whipping up a zesty ranch seasoning that’ll redefine flavor in your dishes. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates creativity, economy, and the sheer pleasure of savoring your own creations.

>> Watch 5 Store Bought Foods You Can Make From Scratch To Save Money On Groceries

The Challenge of Family Meals on a Budget

In a world where time and money are precious commodities, crafting meal plans that are both cost-effective and wholesome can be a daunting task. Family meals on a budget require careful consideration of ingredients, portion sizes, and nutritional value.

Balancing these factors often involves scouring recipes, comparing prices, and meticulously compiling grocery lists – a time-consuming endeavor. Yet, the advent of AI technology has opened up a world of possibilities, helping families discover budget-friendly, healthy meal options without the stress and hassle.

How to save money on groceries!

🙋🏼‍♀️ Have you found yourself throwing away vegetable after vegetable, month after month?

🙋🏼‍♀️ Do you think about your food habits and get discouraged?

🙋🏼‍♀️ Are you tired of never having a plan and watching your food budget balloon out of control?

🙋🏼‍♀️ Does the thought of grocery shopping stress you out?

🙋🏼‍♀️ Have you tried meal planning before and failed?

I know those frustrations well. I have felt the pure, unadulterated annoyance that food can bring. It’s never fun knowing that you went over budget and had to throw out all the produce you thought for sure you were going to eat… and now you’ve wasted money and didn’t eat healthy.

That’s why I created this course. How To Save Money on Groceries has been 2 years in the making. 2 years of crafting a step-by-step guide on how to…save money on groceries.

This course will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, stop food waste and give you tips and tricks to harness your best grocery life. You’ll save money, learn how to spend wisely, and most importantly, you’ll learn how to lower your food cost so you can spend on the things that bring you joy!

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Supplies you will need from Amazon:

Homemade Butter

Ever wondered about the secret behind making your very own butter? With only two ingredients and a mere two minutes in the food processor you can experience the joy of transforming cream into homemade whipped cream then after 12-15 minutes you will have rich, golden butter.

You have the option to add salt for that classic taste or get creative by infusing herbs or garlic. Just knead in the salt for flavor-packed results.

Don’t forget this crucial step: seal your butter tightly to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted fridge odors. If you’re looking for a storage solution, mason jars with plastic lids work wonders.

From 16 ounces of cream, you’ll end up with approximately 8.7 ounces of delectable homemade butter. And there’s a bonus – the leftover buttermilk. Try it in recipes like pancakes for an unmatched fluffiness that rivals restaurant-quality.

In just a few simple steps, you’ll unlock a world of homemade deliciousness that’s sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

2 c. heavy cream
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Pour heavy cream into a food processor or blender. Process on high for 13-15 minutes until butter separates from the buttermilk.

Step 2: Over a small bowl gently press the butter into a cheesecloth or strainer to strain off liquid (be sure to save buttermilk liquid – great for pancakes).

Step 3: Season with salt, herbs, or garlic of your liking.

I asked AI to meal plan for me… Here’s how it went (with ChatGPT Prompts)

The age-old question of “What’s for dinner?” often triggers a sense of dread, especially when trying to balance both health and budget considerations. However, with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), meal planning has received a modern makeover. Gone are the days of staring blankly into the pantry, hoping for inspiration to strike. Instead, AI-powered tools like ChatGPT have emerged as invaluable assistants, offering creative solutions to create family meals that are not only delicious and nutritious but also easy on the wallet. I’m sharing how to create a meal plan on a budget using ChatGPT with all the prompts I use.

>> Watch the video: I asked AI to meal plan for me… Here’s how it went

>> Read the article: I asked AI to meal plan for me… Here’s how it went (with ChatGPT Prompts)

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

Elevate your culinary creations with the unmatched taste of homemade ranch seasoning mix. This kitchen essential doesn’t just stop at traditional usage – it’s here to revolutionize your dishes.

Did you know you can seamlessly blend this flavorful mix with cottage cheese? If the texture of cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, fear not – blending it creates a thick and creamy delight that’s perfect for incorporating about a tablespoon of the homemade ranch seasoning mix.

For those looking to take your seasoning on the go or keep it neatly stored, the lids of Parmesan cheese containers fit snugly onto mason jars, making them an ideal solution, complete with a shaker top for convenient use.

Discover the flexibility and creativity that comes with crafting your own ranch seasoning mix. Whether it’s your signature salad dressing, a dip with a twist, or a seasoning to elevate various dishes, this homemade blend is your secret to culinary success.

Ingredients:

1/2 c. Dry Buttermilk Powder
1 tbsp. Dried Parsley
2 tsp. Dried Dill Weed
1 tsp. Freeze Dried Chives
1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
1 tbsp. Onion Powder
1 tsp. Sea Salt
1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

In a mixing bowl whisk all of the ingredients together and store in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Cream of Soup Mix

Say goodbye to store-bought cream of soup cans and hello to a homemade alternative that’s as easy as it is versatile. With just four simple ingredients, this cream of soup mix is a game-changer you’ll wish you had discovered years ago.

Gone are the days of searching through the pantry for that elusive can of soup. Simply mix this homemade blend with either milk or water, and you’ll have a velvety base ready to elevate your favorite recipes.

The best part? It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. If the craving strikes for a cream of mushroom soup, just add in some mushrooms and watch your dish transform.

Experience the convenience of a pantry staple that adapts to your preferences while delivering a homemade touch that’s truly satisfying. Don’t wait any longer – whip up this cream of soup mix and unlock a world of possibilities in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

2 c. dry Milk Powder
2 1/2 c. All-Purpose Flour
1/4 c. Chicken Broth Powder
2 tbsp. dried Onion Flakes

To use:

1 1/4 cup milk or water

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together and store in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

When ready to make liquid batch for a recipe, mix 1/2 cup of the mix with 1 1/4 cup water or milk.

To use this recipe in place of cream of mushroom soup, add a few diced mushrooms to the recipe.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Butter (Nutella)

Unlock the luscious allure of homemade Nutella, a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and creamy hazelnuts. Embark on a journey that starts with the finest hazelnuts, sourced conveniently from Amazon (link included for your ease).

As any culinary explorer knows, sometimes the path to perfection has its hiccups. Discovering the secret to the ideal Nutella consistency involves blending the hazelnuts separately before integrating them into the mix. An initial mishap of combining all the ingredients in the food processor led to a learning experience – a crumbled texture that didn’t quite capture the velvety spread we all adore.

Persistence pays off, and the second batch emerged triumphant, even in the face of a shortage of powdered sugar. This homemade Nutella boasts the purity of your ingredients, foregoing preservatives often found in store-bought versions. The reward? A spread to be savored, best kept snugly in the fridge to preserve its delectable integrity.

But the Nutella journey doesn’t end there. Venture into the realm of frozen delights, where homemade ice cream sandwiches take on a new dimension. The Nutella, with its delightful crunch when frozen, elevates your treats to a new level of indulgence.

Crafting your own Nutella isn’t just a culinary escapade – it’s a testament to your dedication to flavor, quality, and the joy of transforming simple ingredients into something truly exceptional.

Ingredients:

2 c. hazelnuts, toasted
1-1/4 c confectioners’ sugar
3 to 4 tbsp. baking cocoa
Dash salt

Directions:

Step 1: Place hazelnuts in a food processor, cover, and process for 3-5 minutes until mixture becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the processor.

Step 2: Gradually add in confectioner’s sugar, cocoa, and salt to reach the desired consistency. Store in and airtight container in the refrigerator.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Step into the world of exquisite flavors with your very own homemade vanilla extract. Crafting this culinary gem is a journey that starts with patience and ends with unparalleled taste.

Storing your concoction in a cool, dark corner for a minimum of 8 weeks is the gateway to unlocking its potential. But for the ultimate sensory symphony, allow it to mature gracefully over 6 to 12 months. As time works its magic, the vanilla beans infuse their essence into the liquid, resulting in a depth of flavor that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

While the wait might test your patience, the rewards are manifold.

This homemade vanilla extract becomes a thoughtful and impressive gift.

Share the joy of authentic flavors with friends and loved ones, giving them the opportunity to experience the magic of crafting their own delectable masterpieces.

So, embrace the art of patience, harness the power of time, and let your homemade vanilla extract weave its flavorful charm into every dish it touches. The wait will prove to be more than worth it, and your culinary creations will forever be transformed.

Ingredients:

3 Vanilla bean pods per bottle
1 c. 80 proof vodka
8 oz bottle with tight seal

Directions:

Step 1: Using a sharp knife cut the vanilla bean pods down the center until the beans are exposed.

Step 2: Open up the bean pods to full expose the beans and place 3-4 in each bottle.

Step 3: Using a funnel pour vodka into bottles until the vanilla bean pods are fully emerged (they will bold if any is left exposed).

Step 4: Shake a couple of times and place in a cool dark room out of direct sunlight.

Step 4: Shake about once a week.

Vanilla is ready to be used within 8 weeks but I recommend at least 6-12 months for optimal flavor.

The above photo is after 3 weeks.

🎁Homemade Vanilla Extract would make a great gift!🎁

Better Ingredients & Saving Money on Groceries

As we conclude our exploration of turning store-bought essentials into homemade wonders, a world of culinary possibilities unfolds before you. The journey of crafting these staples from scratch offers more than just savings; it’s about understanding what goes into your favorite foods and infusing them with your personal touch.

From the indulgent creaminess of homemade butter to the nostalgic Nutella, the adaptability of cream of soup mix, the aromatic richness of homemade vanilla extract, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, each creation carries a unique story of flavor and simplicity.

By venturing into your kitchen, you’ve discovered the art of culinary creation, learning from minor setbacks and relishing moments of triumph. Your pantry is now stocked with the results of your efforts, waiting to enhance your meals and surprise your taste buds.

So, before you head to the store, remember the possibilities within your grasp. With a touch of determination and a pinch of innovation, your kitchen can become a hub of homemade goodness. The world of flavors and the satisfaction of creating from scratch await – happy cooking!

Check out these money saving videos and articles:

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Learn how to make these 5 foods from scratch to save money on groceries:

Check out these other articles and videos to help you save money:

The Challenge of Family Meals on a Budget

How to save money on groceries!

More ways to save!

Supplies you will need from Amazon:

Homemade Butter

Ingredients

Directions

I asked AI to meal plan for me… Here’s how it went (with ChatGPT Prompts)

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

Ingredients:

Directions:

Cream of Soup Mix

Ingredients:

Directions:

Chocolate-Hazelnut Butter (Nutella)

Ingredients:

Directions:

Homemade Vanilla Extract

This homemade vanilla extract becomes a thoughtful and impressive gift.

Ingredients:

Directions:

Better Ingredients & Saving Money on Groceries

Check out these money saving videos and articles:

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