She Strengthens

The Secret to Saving Money on Pantry Staples

Break Free from Overpriced Store-Bought Options

As a self-proclaimed pasta lover, I’ve always had a weakness for a good ol’ fashioned baked ziti. But what I love even more is the homemade marinara sauce that comes with it. It’s a game-changer, and it’s surprisingly affordable to make.

The Power of DIY

I used to rely on store-bought sauces, but once I started making my own, I realized how much money I was wasting. With just a few simple ingredients like canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil, I can whip up a delicious sauce that lasts for days. And the best part? It’s incredibly cheap.

9 Pantry Staples You Should Be Making at Home

From mayonnaise to veggie burgers, there are plenty of pantry staples that are easy to make and will save you a pretty penny. Here are some of my favorites:

Mayonnaise: The Easiest Condiment to Make

With just three ingredients – egg yolks, oil, and lemon juice – you can whip up a batch of homemade mayonnaise in no time. And the best part? It’s ridiculously cheap.

Granola: A Budget-Friendly Snack

My roommate used to make homemade granola in college, and I was always impressed by how easy and affordable it was. With recipes like this pumpkin spice granola from Budget Bytes, you can make a delicious batch for under $5.

Vanilla Extract: A Cost-Effective Alternative

If you bake a lot, making your own vanilla extract can be a huge money-saver. With a cost-effective recipe from Taryn Goodge, you can make 25 ounces of vanilla extract for just $70 – that’s a 64% discount from store-bought prices.

Cookie Dough: A Sweet Treat That Won’t Break the Bank

Mary is a huge fan of making big batches of cookie dough at home, and for good reason – it’s cheaper and yields way more cookies than store-bought options.

Salad Dressing: A Simple Solution to a Common Problem

I used to buy pre-made salad dressing all the time, but once I started making my own, I realized how easy and affordable it was. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious vinaigrette that’s tailored to your taste.

Buttermilk: No More Wasted Money

Every time I made pancakes or biscuits, I’d end up throwing away half of the buttermilk because it would expire before I could use it. But with this simple recipe, you can make the exact amount you need – no more waste.

Chicken Broth: A Recipe Worth Trying

This NY Times Cooking recipe is super simple and takes just two hours to make – most of which is just simmering on the stove. And the best part? You can use scraps from roast chicken to make it.

Guacamole: A Delicious Dip That Won’t Break the Bank

I don’t understand why anyone would buy pre-made guacamole when it’s so easy to make at home. With just a few avocados, lime juice, salt, and spices, you can whip up a delicious batch that’s tailored to your taste.

Veggie Burgers: A Healthy Alternative That’s Easy on the Wallet

I used to love buying frozen veggie burgers, but once I started making my own, I realized how much money I was saving. With recipes like these cumin, carrot, and kidney bean burgers, you can make a delicious batch for under $3.

These are just a few of the many recipes that are easy to make and will save you money in the long run. So next time you’re at the store, consider skipping the pre-made options and giving DIY a try. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.