As I’m sure you all know by now, I am really into making things from scratch. Sure, it takes some time to do, but in the long run I feel so much better knowing exactly what my family is eating. The other benefit is that it saves us money. I don’t have to tell you what grocery prices are like right now. We’ve all felt the pain at the register in the last few years. By making as much as possible from scratch, I’ve managed to keep our grocery bill almost where it was before the prices started going up. Today I’d like to show you some of the things that I make and break down how much it costs me as well as give a comparison price. My hope is that it will encourage you to take a step in your own journey and begin making something from scratch. I’m pretty sure that as soon as you step foot into that realm, you will be hooked!
The Ingredients
Before I get into things too much, let’s talk about what ingredients I use. I keep things as organic as possible and use only unbleached organic flour, and organic sugar. Our eggs are our own eggs from our chickens, so I didn’t price those in, butter is local grass-fed butter (Happy Cow), and for milk we use organic soymilk for the time being. Please keep in mind that if you used regular all-purpose flour, regular white sugar, and butter from the grocery store that the cost of these foods would be even less. I’m not pricing in things like baking soda, baking powder and salt because it’s pretty difficult to figure out a cost for the small amounts needed. Take that for what it’s worth.
The Food
Here is a look at some of the items that I make from scratch.
Sourdough Discard Crackers
Flour: $0.59
Butter: $1.52
Total: $2.11 for 8 oz of organic crackers
Compared to: $3.99 for Simple Truth Organic Snack Crackers (8 oz)
Sandwich Bread
Flour: $2.15
Yeast: $0.90
Sugar: $0.21
Milk: $0.47
Butter: $1.52
Total: $5.25 for two loaves
Compared to: $6.99 for one loaf of Dave’s Killer White Bread
Pancakes
Flour: $0.98
Sugar: $0.31
Butter: $0.76
Total: $2.05 for 20 pancakes
Compared to: $7.48 for Annie’s Organic Pancake Mix (makes 18)
Waffles
Flour: $0.39
Sugar: $0.21
Milk: $0.18
Butter: $1.14
Total: $1.92 for 10 waffles
Compared to: I think the one I used to get is discontinued, but Kroger had organic waffles for $3.99 for 8 waffles
English Muffins
Flour: $1.07
Sugar: $0.08
Butter: $0.76
Total: $1.91 for 10 English Muffins
Compared to: $4.99 for Daves Killer Bread Classic Organic English Muffins (6 ct.)
Bagels
Flour $2.34
Yeast: $0.70
Sugar: $0.21
Total: $3.25 for 2 dozen bagels
Compared to: $3.99 for Simple Truth Organic Plain Bagels (6 ct.)
Jelly
This is the most recent thing I’ve made from scratch. We harvested muscadine grapes for free for this.
Pectin: $3.69
Sugar: $2.79
Total: $6.48 for 4 pints of jelly or $1.62 per pint
Compared to: $3.99 for Simple Truth Organic Fruit Spread (16.5 oz)
These are some of the things that I make on a regular basis that I took the time to price out. Sometimes, when buying organic ingredients, it still feels like a lot of money up front. After comparing to the items that I’d be buying otherwise, it makes me realize the extent of our savings. I haven’t priced out everything that I make, and some of the things I’d still make even if it cost me more because of trying to avoid certain ingredients.
Other things that I make include, muffins, mayonnaise, granola bars, tortillas, salad dressings, dinner rolls, pizza dough and chocolate syrup.
Back to our Roots
There’s something really satisfying about making things from scratch. In one sense it makes me feel much more connected to the food we are eating. In another sense it makes me feel fulfilled and proud of myself for doing it, especially when one of my kids compliments whatever I’ve made. When I think back to our grandparents and great grandparents who made everything from scratch, it reminds me of the hard-working generations before us who did whatever they had to do to provide for their families. There really wasn’t any other choice for them, it was the life they were used to. I’m doing what I can for my family, both financially and in order to give them the healthiest foods I can.
Tools Needed
To make things from scratch, you don’t NEED that much, but some things definitely make the process quicker. Here are some of the items I use on a regular basis to help me manage time and get things done.
Sheet Pans
Silicone Mats
Mixing Bowls
Bench Scraper
Kitchen Towels
Kitchen Aid Mixer
Food Scale
Where to Start
I didn’t start making these things all at once. That would be extremely overwhelming. Instead, I looked at what we ate on a regular basis that I could try making myself. One of the first things I made pretty consistently was pancakes and waffles for the kids. From there, I started trying new things as I felt ready. It’s taken me a little over a year to get to where I am now, and many of the things I’ve made I’ve only begun recently. If you want to start cooking from scratch, look for one thing that you can make for your family. Once you are comfortable making that on a semi regular basis, look for something else to add. You might find that some things you simply do not like making or aren’t worth the time it takes to make them. If that’s the case, then don’t make those things! Just move on and look for something else to try your hand at. Over time, you will start to get more comfortable with making a variety of items and it won’t feel all that difficult at all. You’ll probably be surprised at the amount of money you start saving at the grocery store as well! What is something you have made from scratch, or something you’ve been wanting to try making? Let me know in the comments!