Do you feel like you don’t ever have time to make things from scratch at home? You probably have a lot of jars and cans in your kitchen, which are so convenient to open and use. But do you know what’s in them? Even supposedly healthy foods can be not so healthy when you buy them from the store. They can contain preservatives, added sugar or other ingredients you might not expect. It’s not that they’re going to kill you, but they aren’t as healthy as they could be. Making these products at home could save you money and make them healthier. You’ll need a bit of spare time, but they can still be quick and simple.
Nut Butter and Nut Milk
Alternatives to dairy products have grown in popularity in recent years. Some people use them because of a food intolerance and some because of a dietary preference. Some people just like them and enjoy experimenting. One of the things you can find on the market is nut milks, such as almond or hazelnut milk. You can easily make these at home, as well as nut butter, including peanut butter. To make nut milk you need to soak nuts overnight and strain them through a muslin cloth. Nut butters are as easy as putting roasted nuts and a little oil through a food processor. You can add salt, sugar, honey or even cocoa too.
Dips
Dips are great to have with fruit, crackers, chips, and other snacks. Dishes like hummus, guacamole, and salsa are so easy to make at home. To make hummus super simple, you can get hummus recipe kits. The chickpea-based dip is so tasty if you make it at home. Both guacamole and salsa are cheaper to make at home instead of buying. Plus, you have the bonus of being about to make it how you like it. If it you like it spicier, salty or even sweet, you can control the flavor. And everything will be as fresh as you can get it.
Cheese
You might think that making cheese isn’t something that’s possible to do on a small scale at home. But soft cheeses are actually simple to achieve. Two of the types you can try are ricotta and mozzarella. You could also have a go at making paneer, which is used a lot in Indian and other South Asian cuisines. If you’re not sure how to get started with these cheeses, buy a cheese making kit. Once you’ve done your first bath, it will be easy to do it on your own.
Condiments and Preserves
A lot of the things in our pantries are condiments and preserves that are so easy to make ourselves. For example, mayonnaise can take a matter of seconds to whip up. Things like mustard, jam and pickles take longer, but they can be so easy. The great thing about a lot of preserves is you can make big batches. Once you’ve sealed your food in sterilized jars or bottles, they can keep for months.
Making your own food at home can save you plenty of money, even if it doesn’t save you time. Try these foods to stock your kitchen with healthier dishes.
