Make Your Own And Save Money!

You can make your own and save money like Grandma does. I know it’s so easy to go to the grocery store and pick up all of those prepared items. But let’s look at what you are paying for.

If you buy it at a store you get fancy packaging, 50 to 85% higher cost, convenience and oh yes, can’t forget those preservatives.

With all of the preservatives the average person consumes nowadays it’s a wonder they still have to embalm someone prior to burial.

Maybe you prefer the convenience over making your own but I like to cook and these tips help me save money.

SHAKE AND BAKE

I used to buy that product, so easy just open the package and follow the directions, right? Well, yes, but so easy and cheap to make your own.

I use everything, crackers of all kinds, bread crumbs (crust included) potato chips, you name it, to make mine. I even had some stale Cheetos and made crumbs and added it to the mixture.

Add your spices, seasoning salt, dried onion flakes, parsley, etc. Just keep adding to the mix whenever you have the ingredients.

Keep it in a zip lock bag or other container in your refrigerator, it is there and ready to use when you need it.

You don’t have to check your pantry to find out you forgot to buy it the last time you went to the grocery. Remember, you are pinching those pennies.

REFRIED BEANS

Love Mexican food and would like to serve refried beans with your tacos, tamale or whatever?

It’s so cheap and easy to make your own. If you cook your own pinto beans as I do then simply drain the liquid off, place the beans in your blender or food processor with a small chopped onion, a little salt and blend.

Heat and serve with grated cheese.

If you don’t have any precooked beans, you can buy canned pinto beans, follow the directions above, but be careful with the salt. Taste first.

FRENCH FRIES

Like to serve French fries with that steak or sandwich, but buying frozen is far too expensive?

Make your own ahead of time. Pinch those pennies!!

Cut up the potatoes, the whole bag, into the size of fries you like. Rinse and dry the potatoes. Heat your deep fryer or oil in a deep frying pan. Fry the potatoes for about one minute, remove and drain well.

If you are using part of them for the evening meal, cool in the refrigerator until ready to use. Fry again until golden brown, salt to taste and serve. Chilling and frying the second time is the secret.

If you want to store them for later, spread onto a cookie sheet and put in the freezer.

After freezing, put into one big zip lock bag or smaller serving size zip lock bags. They are ready for you to remove and fry until golden brown, salt to taste and serve.

CRANBERRY ORANGE RELISH

Like cranberry sauce, but tired of the same old taste? Make your own.

Try this recipe.

• 1 bag of raw cranberries
• 1 orange
• ½ cup of sugar.

Grind or blender chop your berries. Do the same with the orange, peel and all. Add sugar and stir well. Refrigerate for minimum 30 min. before serving. Better if a couple of hours. Cheaper and better than buying the canned stuff.

GUACAMOLE

Making your own is quick and easy, cheaper and better tasting than store bought.

• Scoop out your avocado and mash it fairly fine, leave a few small chunks.
• Add lemon juice, finely chopped onion, salsa and garlic powder. Do this to your taste.

Some people like it spicier, so add extra salsa or Tabasco.

If you don’t use it all at one time, this can be frozen for later use. It keeps in the freezer indefinitely. You can thaw it out and refreeze as long as you want. It will retain its color unless you leave it sit out for too long.

Make your own, I know I like it better.