Copycat Grocery Store

There are many reasons to make as many groceries at home as possible. The lack of chemicals and preservatives, financial savings and health benefits. Unless you are 100% self-sufficient, you can't make everything from scratch you purchase from the grocery store. I will give you tips to make those purchased items more economical and ways to store them.

I live in a small town and since the pandemic started, many items have been hard to find. I cooked from scratch frequently, but just like everyone else, I started using more and more convenience foods to save time. The pandemic made me take a hard look at our eating habits and the need to have resources more readily available. I plan several hours a week into my schedule to make homemade groceries. These few hours invested ended up saving more time and money.

There are a few kitchen items you will need. They are basic items that every kitchen should have. A good sharp knife, hand grater, box grater, freezer bags, food processor, blender, glass and/or plastic storage freezer containers. I like the Pyrex glass storage containers since I can freeze and microwave in them. I prefer glass to plastic but use what you have.

Baking sheets, baking pans, cookie scoops, measuring cups and spoons are a must. I have a large freezer so I freeze most of my groceries. Even if you do not have a freezer, make as much as you can from scratch. Freeze what you can or refrigerate until used. Even a few items will add up in savings. A dollar or two saved here and there really adds up over time.

We all love the convenience foods available at the grocery store. They are already cooked and ready to eat. Included are recipes for the most popular convenience items. They can be made at a fraction of the cost and the recipes contain no preservatives or chemicals. Your wallet, health and waistline will thank you. Homemade items do not taste exactly like store bought items. We have become addicted to chemically produced flavors. Homemade products do not have chemicals or unnatural preservatives and usually use much less sugar too.