Pantry Staple Alternatives You Already Have

It's funny. I never really understood why pantry staples were considered staples. I mean, I try to stock up when I can. I've even checked off lists I found online. But, I don't really use them! 

Well, I finally get it, now!

Staples aren't necessarily cans or jars of stuff to have on hand "in case" you need a quick fix meal, as I demised.  No, no. Staple ingredients are a base for other staples!

I suppose a staple would be different for every person.  Key ingredients vary with diet restrictions and preference.  This gal prefers stuff to create her own flour, milk, and baking additions.  

My Choice of Staple Ingredients:

These ingredients get way more bang for your buck because of their many methods of use.  Personally, I plan to buy oats and rice in bulk to use as flour bases while using them as ordinary meals. 

Here a few simple ways I plan to maximize my purchasing power:

The Methods:

1. oats, almonds, or rice + grinder = flour
2. almonds or rice + boiling water + time =  milk
3. cocoa + agave + oil + heat = chocolate sauce
4. chocolate sauce + freeze & chop = chocolate chips
5. vinegar + milk = buttermilk
6. peanuts + blender = peanut butter

Yes, creating these concoctions is way less convenient than purchasing from a grocery store.  But, the health benefits are exponential.  

Fresh flour made at home contains far more nutritional value than flour packed, shipped, and sedentary on shelves.  Also, home made means no unnecessary additives! It's pretty fantastic to be able to pronounce every word in your food :)

It will take adjusting, but the fulfillment of being able to supply my own pantry is an added benefit to learning patience up the wazoo.  

Cheers to no more frantic Big Y runs for a single bag of chocolate chips only to walk out with an entire cart of unplanned groceries!

Everything from Scratch: My Goals to Eat Healthy and Save Money

http://www.ucsf.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_files/sugar-infographic1.jpg

I know it's sad, but Yahoo! is my primary source for news.

It is unfortunate, but the perk is Yahoo features headlines and articles like this on the same page.  

Now is a good time to admit my fanaticism for organic and local foods; I firmly believe everyone should be given a plot of land and learn self-sufficiency. Food is our medicine, and unfortunately, greed is precedent over consumer health. I digress.

There. Now you know why the article on Yahoo! (featured within a myriad of celebrity gossip) caught my attention. 

Supposedly, a family omitted (unnatural and added) sugar intake for an entire year.  The results?  

More energy, stronger immune systems, a distaste for sweets, and a cleaner diet.  

The entire time I read the article I was thinking of the massive jar of sugar I have on hand for baking and adding - in enormous amounts - to coffee.  

Well, after hearing about their experience, there are only two words to describe how I am feeling . . . 

...Challenge Accepted.

Maybe it won't last for a year, but I solemnly swear to READ the labels of every food purchase.  I don't buy processed foods too much , but I will dedicate even more time to creating home made snacks and meals and leaving the sugar out!

My progress so far?  

-Home made pizza dough and granola (in place of cereal)

YEA! I am on my way!             <---that is sarcasm

My goal is to expand to bread, milk (almond or rice), snacks, peanut butter, and well, everything. I am most excited for the summer to can fresh veggies! 

It won't be easy, and it won't be cheap upfront, but learning to use ingredients in a variety of ways saves big bucks.  Give it a try and see how much your creativity can save you!