Why buy when you can make?

Enclosed are several great recipes for products we use almost everyday. See how much money you can save by making these for yourself!

SALT SUBSTITUTE
3 broken bay leaves
3 tsp. dry minced onion
2 tsp. crushed dried rosemary
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried marjoram
1 tsp. rubbed sage
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 t. lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 t. pepper

Place ingredients into blender or food processor and process until finely ground. Store in salt shaker and use instead of salt.


TACO SEASONING MIX
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 garlic salt
1/2 t. oregano

Mix together. This will equal one package of the store bought kind.


PANCAKE AND BISQUICK BRAND MIX
8 c. wheat flour
1/3 c. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cream of tarter

Mix together and store in air-tight container. For pancakes add 1 egg to 3/4 c. mix, 1/2 Tbsp. oil, and enough milk to make the consistency you want.


HOMEMADE BAKING POWDER
2 c. arrowroot powder (can be purchased at organic or health food store)
2 c. cream of tartar
1 c. baking soda
Sift together until blended.


EGG SUBSTITUTE
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. milk
Equals 1 egg. Can use in any baking recipe like cakes or cookies.


HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
2 vanilla beans
1 oz. alcohol (vodka, rum, brandy, or cognac)
Slit the beans lengthwise to inner seed. Place whole beans in small glass jar with alcohol. Let stand for 2-3 weeks. Strain.


HOMEMADE VINEGAR
One gallon of fresh apple cider
Place gallon in warm dark place without a lid on the jar. You may want to place a clean cloth over the opening to keep the dirt out. Let it cure for 7-8 weeks. If not cured completely sit to cure another week or so. If film forms on cider, skim or strain your vinegar.

Recipes

In the pursuit of becoming self-reliant I have been on the hunt for healthy recipes and those that I can make from scratch. In the recipe part of my blog you will find many recipes that are easy, wholesome, AND sugar-free.

OATMEAL WAFFLES

2 eggs, beaten
2 c. buttermilk
1 c. quick oats
1 Tbsp. molasses
1 Tbsp. oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder

In a large bowl, mix eggs and buttermilk. Add oats and mix well. Mix in molasses and oil. Combine salt, flour, baking soda, baking powder. Stir into the egg mixture. If batter is too thick, thin with a little milk. This recipe works great for pancakes too!



WHOLE WHEAT PANCAKES

2 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. honey
2 eggs, beaten
1 3/4 c. milk
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. vinegar

Mix together in order listed. Do not beat too much. For waffles or fluffy pancakes, beat egg whites separately and add last.


POTATO PANCAKES

3 c. finely shredded, peeled potatoes
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 Tbsp. whole wheat flour
1/8 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
grated onion to taste

Mix together potatoes and eggs. In separate bowl, gently combine dry ingredients and onion. Stir into potatoes. Drop by tablespoon onto hot greased pan. Brown slightly on both sides. Great with maple syrup.