Groceries

Groceries are a hot topic right now. We live in a volatile time and really need to learn how to do better for ourselves.

With the current state of the world, shopping is a difficult thing for some. A really important thing you can do is to watch the sales at your local stores. Where I live, we have 2 small locally owned grocers and a Dollar General. 

Each fall, baking supplies tend to go on sale. I knew this was coming up, so I set aside some cash to be able to stock up a little bit. The little store I shopped at offers digital coupons through their app. The picture below shows part of what I bought.

3 - 5lb bags of unbleached all purpose flour $1.99 each

1 - 4lb bag of sugar $1.99

3 - 2lb bags of brown sugar $.99 each

1 - 2lb bag of powdered sugar $.99

2 bottles of canola oil $2.99 each

5 cans evaporated milk $.99 each

I also got 2 dozen eggs. One was free (if you spent over $20), the other $1.99.

Two 16oz containers of heavy whipping cream for $3.99 each.

So, all of this for less than $33.

This will last months for my household.

Uses:

Flour - breads, pie crust, muffins, pancakes, breading for meats, thickener for soups/sauces

Sugar - any baking needs, frostings, coffee/tea sweetener

Brown/powdered sugar - all the same as regular sugar

Oil - can replace butter in baking, keeps food from sticking while cooking

Evaporated milk - use in place of regular milk ( 1 cup evap milk + 1 cup water), use in pies

Many more uses, as well. Those are pretty basic.

One of the biggest things we can do, is to learn how to cook from scratch. I know that not everybody grew up learning in the kitchen, but it's never too late. Making homemade biscuits or pie crusts is a great feeling. 

Here's a basic recipe for biscuits. You don't need a special biscuit cutter. Just cut them into squares or use a cup.

Next post, I'll try to give more ideas of scratch baking/cooking that is easy and affordable.