The additives, preservatives, and coloring in our “food” make us fearful of their side effects. We want to eat healthier, but we also fear the price tag. What if we told you you could make your own foods, plus it won’t cost much?
Tip: Save all the jars you can. Clean them well in the dishwasher in order to destroy any germs or bacteria. Use these to put up your homemade foods. You won’t require a case of Mason jars and lids.
Pantry Basics
What pantry basics cost the most at the grocery store? Answer: the gravies, tomato sauces, jams and jellies, syrups and such. You can make these things at home using heart healthy ingredients, organic ingredients as well as GMO free ingredients from a food ingredients supplier online. These suppliers only do healthy foods, so you know you’re getting the best.
Tomato Sauce
You’ll need:
>Peel and core six large tomatoes
>Peel four garlic cloves
>One half cup extra virgin olive oil
>Two teaspoons sea salt
>Small can of tomato paste
Quarter the tomatoes and pulse in a food processor. Mince garlic into tiny pieces. In a medium sauce pot over medium to low heat, add the olive oil and garlic. Allow garlic to cook a bit. Add the tomatoes. Add a small can of tomato paste. Reduce the heat and simmer four hours. When the sauce is thick enough, pour into jars.
Chicken Stock
This is used as the basis for gravies, sauces, soups and more.
You’ll need:
>One whole chicken or chicken parts of your choice
>Water
>Herbs and seasonings of your choice
>Carrot, onion, celery or other vegetables of your choice
Toss everything into a big sauce pot. Simmer four hours. Strain the solid things to leave only stock. Place in jars and freeze.
Potato Chips
This is a biggie for kids and chip-addicted adults.
You’ll need:
>Two large potatoes
>One cup extra virgin olive oil
>Seasoning of choice
Slice potatoes wafer thin. Drag through bowl of olive oil. Place on baking sheet. Sprinkle seasoning on potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for six to eight minutes or until brown enough for your taste.
Salsa
You’ll need:
>Two to three large tomatoes
>Half one red onion
>Two stalks celery
>Two tablespoons red wine vinegar
>Three tablespoons sugar
>One minced garlic clove
>Bunch of cilantro
Mince veggies and cilantro as finely as you wish. Combine in a jar and serve.
Fruit Syrup
Want strawberry syrup on your waffles? How about blueberry, blackberry or peach-mango syrup?
You’ll need:
>Fruit preserves of your choice
>Two tablespoons butter
In a container, combine ingredients and microwave for two minutes. Stir and serve.
Microwave Jam
You’ll love how simple this is. Bring on the peanut butter and jelly!
You’ll need:
>Fresh or frozen fruit (we’ll use strawberries here)
>One tablespoon water
>One tablespoon lemon juice
>Two cups sugar
>Two tablespoons powdered pectin
Crush the fruit in a shallow bowl. If using frozen fruit, thaw first. Combine ingredients in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for two to four minutes, stirring and scraping sides of bowl every now and then. Scoop foam off, place in clean jars, wiping jar rims. Tighten lids and store for up to three weeks.
Guacamole
Is it Taco Tuesday? You’ve made your own salsa, now you can make your own guacamole.
You’ll need:
>Two large avocados, peeled, pitted and finely minced
>Two tablespoons cilantro
>Two tablespoons lime juice
>Sea salt
Mash avocado in a bowl. Add lime juice, salt and cilantro. Add a little water until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Imagine not buying all these things each week at the grocery store. You can make pancake mix, your own bread (three ingredients), mayonnaise, peanut butter and more. Have some fun with it and be healthy!
