11 Things I Always Make From Scratch
11 Things I Always Make From Scratch
Building a from scratch kitchen and making these items from scratch, you can improve your family’s health, reduce your reliance on processed foods, and save money in the long run.
I get it. Life with four kids is chaos. Dinnertime can feel like a battleground, with hungry, impatient little ones clamoring for food. The temptation to reach for pre-made, packaged foods is strong. After all, it’s convenient.
But let’s talk about the hidden costs of convenience. Those seemingly harmless processed foods are often packed with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can harm our health. Over time, these hidden nasties can contribute to a host of health issues, from digestive problems to chronic diseases.
I’m not suggesting we all become culinary experts overnight. Small steps can make a big difference. Start by making one thing from scratch each week. Maybe it’s a batch of homemade bread, a jar of jam, or a simple vinaigrette. You can look at categories you can start to overhaul. Perhaps you no longer want to grab breakfast from starbucks on the way into work each morning so you decide to meal prep. As you gain confidence, you can gradually expand your repertoire. Before you know it, your kitchen and your diet will look very very different.
Remember, your kids are watching you. By teaching them the value of real food and the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
So, let’s break free from the convenience trap and reclaim our kitchens. It’s time to nourish our families with real, wholesome food. To help you with your starting point, here are 10 things I choose to always make from scratch.
Bone Broth
This nutrient-dense elixir is packed with collagen, minerals, and amino acids. It’s a great way to support gut health, joint health, and overall well-being. Plus, homemade bone broth is often more affordable than store-bought options. I usually roast a whole chicken once a month, and when we are done I always take the leftover bones and make a delicious broth that I can use for a Chicken & Veggie Soup. Two meals from one chicken!
Mayo
I always get an eye raise from guests when they see I have homemade mayo, as if it was such a mystery to them. Making your own mayo is surprisingly easy and takes just a few minutes. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought mayo, as you can control the ingredients and avoid additives. I especially do not like the common additive “Disodium EDTA” found in many store bought jars of mayo.
Bread
https://sunshineharvestblog.com/recipe/simple-farmhouse-sandwhich-bread/Fresh, homemade bread is simply irresistible. Be careful though, once you start baking your own bread you will never want to go back. While fresh bread doesn’t last as long as store bought, there are many ways to reduce food waste. One awesome way to use up your older, more stale bread is to use it for bread crumbs or croutons. Which is another thing I never buy from the store.
Apple Sauce
Making your own applesauce is a great way to use up excess apples and avoid unnecessary sugar and preservatives. It’s also a healthier and more affordable option than store-bought applesauce. Plus, the smell of cinnamon and apple wafting through the entire house just brings a cozy vibe on a cold day.
Spice Mixes
Creating your own spice mixes allows you to customize flavors and avoid artificial additives. This is a perfect example of where homemade meets convenience. You can premake taco seasoning or pumpkin pie spice and have it waiting in a jar for any time you have a need.
Bagels
Homemade bagels are a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack. Just like homemade bread, once you start you may never want to go back. Bagels are not difficult, however they do have an extra step than making sandwich bread. But I promise once you have the process down, it is a breeze to prep!
Jams & Jellies
Making your own jams and jellies is so easy I am shocked I haven’t been doing this longer! As an added plus, it is WAY more cost effective to make your own than to buy from the store. A couple times a year I will make a large batch of freezer jam with fruits that are discounted or perhaps my neighbor shared with me and we have jam all year around!
Sauerkraut
Making sauerkraut is incredibly easy and only takes a couple steps. Most of the process is just waiting for it to ferment. Fermented foods should be a daily staple in everyone’s diet. With Sauerkraut it’s super easy to just include it in a sandwich or a salad or if you’re like one of my kids just eat a spoonful of it.
Pancakes
Stop buying that nasty box of pancake mix from the store and create your own mix at home. Homemade pancakes are a delicious and satisfying breakfast. They’re also a great way to use up leftover buttermilk or sourdough starter. My favorite sourdough pancakes are from Farmhouse on Boone.
Whipped Cream
If only you knew how easy it was to make whipped cream! I always have heavy cream on hand for my coffee. I prefer cream because it doesn’t spike my blood sugar the way milk and other creamers do, especially that early in the morning. Having cream on hand means I can pour ½ cup plus a dash of vanilla and a small spoonful of powdered sugar into my stand mixer and whip it up. Thats it! Sometimes we make fresh whipped cream topped with berries our dessert.
Pastries & Treats
Baking your own pastries and treats is a fun and rewarding way to indulge your sweet tooth. It’s also a great way to control the ingredients and avoid unhealthy additives. Most of the time I reduce the sugar that a recipe calls by 25-50% and my family never notices. I love making muffins, scones, cookies, and so much more!
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