Making Pantry Products

From cleaning supplies and detergents to baked goods and foods, I have been asking myself if I can make that particular item for cheaper and if it can be better than the purchased product. So far, I have saved a considerable amount of money by doing so. I have come to the conclusion that if an item can be purchased, it can be made. However, not every home-made product I have tried is as effective as the store-bought item. So, then I ask myself if I can do without that item. By doing without, I have eliminated various items from our grocery bill and saved money. 

Recently, I have made a few kitchen products that have proved to be good alternatives to their store bought counterparts.


Brown Sugar
Mix 1 T. molasses per 1 cup sugar


Cooking Spray
Mix 1/2 c. water with 1/4 c. olive oil and blend with a stick blender
(note: used distilled or boiled water to kill bacteria and store in the refrigerator)


Oat Flour
Blend whole oats in a blender or coffee maker


Balsamic Vinaigrette
Mix balsamic vinegar with various herbs and olive oil


Buttermilk
1 T. Vinegar to 1 Cup milk


Yogurt
See article:
http://www.thehomeexecutiveoffice.blogspot.com/2012/04/yogurthas-many-health-benefits.html


Stock and Broths
See article:
http://www.thehomeexecutiveoffice.blogspot.com/2012/01/canning-chicken-stock.html


Baby Food
See Article:
http://www.thehomeexecutiveoffice.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-baby-food.html