Starting to cook from scratch may seem intimidating at first. Trust me, I get it! I tend to have that “analysis paralysis” when it comes to anything new and wanting to do it all at once. Pick one thing, master it, and then move onto the next thing. I have complied 10 simple and easy things to start cooking from scratch and hope that it motivates and encourages you to start!
I constantly think to myself when going to the grocery store, “can I make this at home?”. If I think it would be possible, then I add it to my “list of things to try make”.
It will take some time and energy to master. Just like with anything else new, you must be patient and keep trying. However, with that, I like to think of what I am benefitting in the process?
- I am learning and gaining new skills
- Teaching my children skills.
- Providing healthier food for my family.
- Spending quality time with my children in the kitchen.
- Saving money.
- I think tastier food as well!
How to start cooking from scratch
Start a list
Begin by thinking of the things that you most commonly purchase from the grocery store. If it seems simple enough, then add it to your list.
Don’t let anything hold you back. Will some things maybe not be something that you want to make every week? Sure! But experimenting and finding those things that are simple and quick are key.
Another way to go about this is determining the most costly things that you purchase, or would like to have more of, and see if you can make it at home for cheaper.
I did this with almond butter. I love almond butter, but was not going to spend $10 a week, or more, on a jar of almond butter. Once I realized how easy it truly was to make, I vowed to never purchase it from the grocery store again. And it tastes better:)
Master one thing first
Don’t try to do it all. Remember that “analysis paralysis” I talked about above? Don’t go down the rabbit hole and try to do it all. It won’t work and you will get frustrated as opposed to feeling encouraged.
Pick one thing, master it and then try moving onto something else.
If you fail at the first attempt, don’t let that stop you from trying again! I mean, let’s be real… who has ever perfected something on their first try? Give it some time and tweak your recipe each week until you have found the “secret sauce” for what you are making.
Use the equipment that you already have
I know that there are a lot of “shiny toys” or kitchen equipment out there that you may think you need to start. Trust me, you don’t!
Start with what you have and invest later when you find that this is something you are committed to. Don’t jump the gun and buy from the first ad that comes your way on Instagram.
Be patient and use what you have. Once you have decided that this is something you are committed to, then I would encourage you to invest in some other pieces of equipment that may actually save you time and money in the long run.
Buy in bulk
Again, this is something that I would say, once you are fully committed to cooking from scratch, then start buying in bulk. This truly will save you money!
I love using Azure Standard to purchase all my bulk items.
Check out this post, 5 Ways To Save Money As A SAHM for more on Azure Standard.
You will first want to make sure there is a “drop” zone located near you first (cheaper this way), otherwise you can always pay for shipping to your house.
I can not speak highly enough about them. The quality of food you get for the cost is fantastic. I have not found anything cheaper with better quality.
10 simple & easy things to start cooking from scratch
Below are the 10 items I started cooking from scratch. These things are now a part of my weekly routine and it sets up my week to be so much more successful knowing that I am first feeding my family better quality food and saving money.
Kombucha
If you are an avid drinker of kombucha, then you will know how expensive it is to purchase. One 16oz bottle costs an average of $4 per bottle.
When I researched and found out how easy it really was to make kombucha, I went to Amazon and bought everything I needed for less than $60.
Check out this step by step guide on How To Brew Your Own Kombucha.
As you know, with anything you ferment, it takes some time to get the flavors you want. Again, experiment with different teas, juices, fruits, and herbs, and find what you like.
Almond Milk
I started making almond milk after my husband bought me an Almond Cow. Now, you can definitely make this without an Almond Cow, but using it definitely saves a lot of time and effort.
As I stated above, use what equipment you have first, and then invest in equipment later if you are fully invested in cooking from scratch.
A blender and a nut bag will do the job if you don’t have an Almond Cow.
Almond Creamer
I also use my Almond Cow to make our coffee creamer. Using my Almond Cow has saved us hundreds of dollars a year based on how much milk and creamers are these days.
Since buying our Almond Cow, I have not bought a single carton of almond milk, oat milk, or coffee creamer. Needless to say, the Almond Cow has paid for itself time and time again.
Here’s how to make homemade almond creamer!
Oat Milk
Again, I use our Almond Cow to make our oat milk on a weekly basis. I purchase our Organic Oat Groats from Azure Standard in bulk and I have yet to reorder them yet!
As stated above, you can use a blender and nut bag to make this if you don’t have an Almond Cow.
Hummus
I love making hummus and finding new combinations that my kiddos love. It is super easy and simple to make and is also a very versatile dip.
This easy homemade garlic hummus recipe is a great place to start your hummus journey!
Tortillas
Ok, so tortillas have got to be the easiest thing to make at home! Without all the added and unnecessary ingredients. I finally mastered them for my husband and kiddos and the best part is that they are fresh and you only need 3 ingredients!
I use this recipe!
Continuing with more 10 simple & easy things to start cooking from scratch below.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is definitely a learning curve. However, once you learn how to make freshly baked sourdough bread, you will never buy bread from the store again.
I make a loaf of sourdough each week and it never goes to waste!
Also, the endless possibilities there are with the sourdough discard, really opens up so many doors to start cooking and baking from scratch.
Check out these sourdough recipes for more inspiration!
Sourdough Bagels
Nothing beats a freshly baked sourdough bagel. And again, simple ingredients, no preservatives and ingredients you can’t pronounce.
These bagels took a little trial and error but now I make them weekly and my family loves them too!
Sourdough Pizza Crust
Who doesn’t love homemade pizza?! Making this a family affair is the best part and the crust is delicious!
Sourdough takes fermenting as well. So just like with the kombucha, it takes some time and planning. But the hands on aspect is very little.
Refried Beans
Refried beans are another thing that I stopped buying from the store. Super simple to make in your instant pot or crockpot and just as delicious if not more!
Check out more cooking from scratch recipes here!
There ya have it! 10 simple & easy things to start cooking from scratch.
Good luck, Mamas! Start your list, pick one thing to master, use the equipment you already own, and then start buying in bulk!
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