20 Foods That You Can Make Yourself

20 Foods That You Can Make Yourself



by MMARQUIT ·

One of the cornerstones of a frugal lifestyle is “do it yourself.” The truth is that we spend a great of money buying foods that we can actually make ourselves. These store-bought items often cost more than it would if you took the time to make it yourself. Indeed, one of the reasons our grandparents (and even some of our parents) were able to get by on one income was do to the practice of having someone prepare a lot of the food, rather than buy so much processed stuff from the grocery store. You know you can make bread on your own, but you might be surprised at what else you can make yourself.

If you have a little time, and if you are feeling adventurous, you can make a number of tasty foods in your own home. Some items can even be canned or bottled as food storage for use later. Here are 20 foods that you can make yourself, with links to the recipes online:

Pasta Sauce: A staple at my house, it’s something I enjoy, and you can make as many varieties as you like, including Alfredo.
Pesto: I love a good pesto sauce, which can add variety to your meals.
Gravy: I was surprised when I found out that many people buy gravy in cans or powder packets. I’ve always made my own.
Applesauce: Bonus points if you grow your own apples. You can bottle it for use in the winter.
Salsa: No need to buy in a jar. Make your own and bottle it! For a fun twist, make mango salsa or peach salsa. You can make salsa with ingredient from your own garden.
Mayonnaise: Make your own sandwich spread, rather than relying on store bought methods. You might even end up with a healthier mayonnaise.
Jelly: My mom made all sorts of jellies and jams while we were growing up — including crab apple jelly. Another popular alternative is freezer jam.
Peanut Butter: I was totally floored to learn that you could make your own peanut butter. Make your own bread and jam, and you are truly making everything for your kids’ sandwiches.
Pancake Mix: Create a delicious breakfast using homemade pancake mix.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is going to be sugary, no matter where you get it. But you can spend less and make it yourself.
Potato Chips: Snack right with chips you’ve made yourself. I like to add pepper, or cheese powder, or other flavors on occasions to mix it up.
Bagels: Create an array of great bagels using different recipes.
English Muffins: I love English muffins, but good ones can be expensive at the store. I love that I can make my own now.
Ice Cream: We love making homemade ice cream. It’s a great family activity if you use coffee cans, and there are numerous add-ins that make it fun and tasty.
Vanilla Extract: I use vanilla a lot, so being able to make my own extract is a definite plus.
Guacamole: My husband likes my guacamole better than what we get at the store, and I like that it costs less! A healthy dip or sandwich spread.
Pickles: I don’t like pickles, but my husband does. And we can use our own cucumbers.
Root Beer: This is a little more complex than some of the other recipes, but if you have the time, and the adventurous spirit, you can make a delicious beverage for everyone to enjoy.
Hummus: This Middle Eastern dip is a fun way to add variety to your meals and parties.
Dog Treats: If one of the members of your family is a canine, you can make dog treats without buying them. Your furry friend will love them, and you can save money.