She Strengthens

Embracing the Art of Homemade: Why Making it from Scratch Saves Time and Money

Growing up, my mom instilled in me the value of creating things from scratch. Her motto was simple: why buy it when you can make it cheaper and healthier? I’ve adopted this mindset, and it’s become a game-changer for my wallet and my health.

The Benefits of Homemade

Making things from scratch not only saves me money but also allows me to control the ingredients that go into my food. I can reduce the amount of salt, sugar, and unhealthy additives that often come with store-bought products. Plus, once I’ve mastered a recipe, I can adjust it to my taste preferences.

My Favorite Homemade Essentials

Here are some of my go-to homemade essentials that are easy to make and will save you money in the long run:

Taco Seasoning

Tacos are a staple in my diet, and buying individual packets of taco seasoning can add up quickly. Making my own is a breeze, requiring only a few spices and some measuring spoons. The best part? I can multiply the recipe to make a bulk amount that lasts for months.

Teriyaki Sauce

I love a good stir-fry, but store-bought marinades often contain unknown ingredients. Making my own teriyaki sauce is easy and allows me to control the amount of sugar and salt that goes into it. Plus, it’s a great way to add flavor to my meals without breaking the bank.

Vegetable Broth

Don’t throw away those veggie scraps! Save them in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag and use them to make a delicious, sodium-free broth. This is a great way to reduce food waste and have a healthy broth on hand for soups and stews.

Enchilada Sauce

This recipe is a staple in my kitchen, and I use it for enchiladas, tacos, and even as a dipping sauce. With just a few ingredients, including veggie broth and taco seasoning, I can make a bulk amount that lasts for months.

Buffalo Sauce

I recently discovered how easy it is to make buffalo sauce from scratch. With just a few ingredients, including hot sauce and butter, I can whip up a delicious sauce that’s perfect for wings, chicken, or veggies.

Marinara Sauce

Growing up, I thought my mom’s marinara sauce was a complicated recipe, but it’s actually quite simple. With just four ingredients, including olive oil, garlic, and canned tomatoes, I can make a delicious sauce that freezes well and is perfect for pasta dishes.

Tips and Tricks

• Label your frozen containers with free address labels and a sharpie to avoid mystery meals.
• Cooking in bulk and freezing some of it is a great way to save time and money.
• Experiment with new recipes and adjust them to your taste preferences.

By embracing the art of homemade, I’ve saved money, reduced food waste, and taken control of what I put into my body. Give it a try, and you might be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is!