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In a world of convenience, it’s easy to find everything you need at the store. There used to be a time where you if you craved a cinnamon bun, you’d pull out your cook book and make them instead of running to the store. I’m ready to go back to that time. Forget relying on the convenient foods that aren’t good for us or the planet, and start going backwards. Here are 76 things to make at home to save money.
My goals for the new year are to live more sustainably and save money on the homestead.
Since starting our homestead four years ago my buying habits have changed. I first noticed how little groceries I needed in the summer when our garden was abundant, the hens were laying and we processed our first batch of chickens.
From then on, I became addicted to changing my buying habits. We’ve never had a large disposable income, and when I went on maternity leave I had to really change my spending habits.
As we become more self-sufficient and substituting homemade and homegrown products more often our grocery bill has rapidly decreased. Along with changing our habits and writing our meal plan we’ve really cut down on our spending.
Before you read on, you’re probably thinking, “I don’t have time to make 76 things at home!” Like anything, it’s a journey! But with a few time management hacks you’ll easily be able to find 1-2 more hours a week to be more productive. Trust me!
More on our self sufficiency bucket list here.
Here’s a list of things we’ve been cutting from our shopping list and the things I absolutely refuse to buy in the new year. The freedom and money that will come from this is going to feel liberating, I can’t wait to start.
76 THINGS TO MAKE AT HOME TO SAVE MONEY
FROM SCRATCH FOODS TO MAKE AT HOME
MAKE SURE TO JUST CLICK ON THE WORD FOR A HOMEMADE RECIPE OPTION!
PANTRY STAPLES
I just started making my own bread and I’m shocked how easy it is. I put my dough in the dehydrator on the rising setting and the dough rises beautifully.
These are my go to homemade cookies, I also like to stick with this collection of old fashioned homemade cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Cookies are a great treat for the sweet tooth.
I’ll never buy take out pizza again, homemade pizza is amazing and it’s way cheaper than take out or frozen pizzas. This is the pizza dough we’ve been making and loving lately. The kids love making their own and the dough stays fresh in the fridge for a week making it a great snack or meal on hand.
Beef, chicken and fish. I love throwing in bones in the InstaPot after a large family meal and making a good soup stock for the freezer.
PIE CRUST OR OTHER PASTRIES- Are you kidding, I never bought crusts from the store before after growing up on my moms tasty pie pastry. Grab the recipe here and say goodbye to crunchy frozen pie crusts.
SPICE MIXES
Taco, pumpin pie spice etc. With the array of spices in the cupboard I should be able to recreate any of the prepackaged spice mixes that are loaded with MSG and salt.
PIE FILLING, apple and pumpkin
SOUP MIX – Try making this simple cream of anything soup mix and mix it with your homemade broth and some crackers for a warm and creamy soup in the middle of winter!
DAIRY & MEAT
I discovered just how easy it is to make your own mayonnaise using an immersion blender when I ran out in the middle of making sandwiches.
PRE GRATED CHEESE
Make your own cheese, or take the time to grate it yourself.
Preserves/Canned Foods/CONDIMENTS
JAM
SALSA
PICKLES
CHUTNEY
RELISH
TARTAR SAUCE
BY MIXING IN SOME FRESH HOMEMADE MAYONAISE WITH ANY OF OUR RELISHES WE HAVE A PERFECTLY EASY TARTAR SAUCE FOR FRESH FRIED FISH
VINEGRETTE
BARBEQUE SAUCE
CRANBERRY SAUCE
MAPLE SYRUP
CHILI SAUCE
APPLE JUICE
CLEANING PRODUCTS
WINDOW CLEANER
LAUNDRY SOAP
GARDEN/HOMESTEAD SUPPLIES
COMPOST
MANURE
MULCH
WOOD CHIPS
TWINE- We have enough baling twine from our hay to wrap around our 10 acres at least once or twice. It’s as valuable as duck tape on the farm!
FIREWOOD
FARM RAISED
GARDEN GROWN
What’s no fresh in season is preserved to use in recipes through our the cold months
VEGETABLES
GARLIC
ONIONS
CUCUMBER
POTATOES
FRUIT
PLUMS
STRAWBERRIES
KIWI
HERBS
ROSEMARY
FORAGED
NETTLE
BLACKBERRIES
DRINKS/BEVERAGES
APPLE JUICE
BEER
BATHROOM
These are just some of the things you can make at home to save money on groceries and your shopping bill. What are some of the things that you make at home already that save you a ton of money on your shopping bill? I can’t wait to hear, go ahead and comment below!
Happy saving- Diana
PIN FOR LATER
Jarid says
Your pizza dough recipe is going to save me loads of money! We have a weekly pizza night tradition, and it’s ridiculous how quickly that can add up. Thanks for sharing!
Diana says
Homemade pizza is sooo much better!!’ Enjoy!!
Ariana Dagan says
Pinning – THIS is the list I’ve been looking for all my life! Thank you! So excited to work my way through it!
Diana says
That’s great! Me too 😉 it feels amazing to make it yourself, saving money is just one of the perks 😉
Donnya says
I’ve always had ideas of growing my own food . Definitely saves more money
Eliza from BookBildr says
What a fantastic and practical list! We make a lot at home, including our own cured meats. So much healthier and more practical!
Vanessa says
This is a great list, definitely will start making some of these for 2020! Thank you
Elle | Mom Life in Pajamas says
With the new year approaching, I’m always looking for ways to save money. One thing I’ve actually started doing (I’ve never really done before) is actually making a budget.
Diana says
Makes a big difference when you write it down! Good luck 🙂