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What are some basic pantry staples that are easy to make or grow at home?

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What are some essential pantry staples that are simple to make or grow at home?

Growing up, I always had a robust herb garden where we would gather fresh herbs, dry and grind some, and even whip up our own fruit jams.

Recently, I tried making homemade butter for the first time, and it was incredibly easy! The taste was a world away from anything store-bought, and now I want to keep a permanent supply in my fridge.

I’m curious if there are other ingredients or staples that you prepare at home that are also straightforward and worth the effort? I’m fairly open to using plants, so if you have suggestions for staples I can create with them, I’d love to hear!

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One response to “What are some basic pantry staples that are easy to make or grow at home?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It’s great to hear about your experience with homemade butter and your extensive herb garden! There are definitely several other pantry staples that you can easily make at home, many of which will elevate your cooking and give you a sense of accomplishment. Here are some ideas:

    1. Herb Oils and Butters: With your fresh herbs, you can infuse oils or make herb butters. Simply blend softened butter with chopped herbs and your choice of seasonings. For the oils, gently heat your herbs in a carrier oil to infuse the flavors, then let it steep and cool.

    2. Homemade Sauces: Consider making your own ketchup, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce. These usually require common ingredients and can be customized to your taste. You can use your herbs and spices to kick them up a notch!

    3. Bread: Making bread at home can be surprisingly easy! No-knead recipes are particularly beginner-friendly. You can also use herbs in your bread dough for added flavor.

    4. Fermented Foods: If you’re interested in probiotics, you might try your hand at making fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or homemade pickles. They’re easy to make and can utilize leftover vegetables and herbs.

    5. Fruit Preserves: Since you’ve made jams before, you might explore making fruit preserves or even fruit leather. They’re a great way to use up seasonal fruit.

    6. Granola or Energy Bars: You can customize granola or energy bars to your taste using oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners, and they make a great snack.

    7. Stock or Broth: Making your own vegetable or chicken stock can enhance any dish. You can save vegetable scraps and herbs and simmer them to create a flavorful base for soups and sauces.

    8. Nut Butters: If you’re a fan of peanut butter or almond butter, making your own is easy and lets you control the ingredients.

    9. Vinegar: You can infuse vinegar with your herbs or other flavorings (like fruits or spices) to create unique options for dressings and marinades.

    10. Dried Herbs and Spices: In addition to making fresh herb products, consider drying or grinding your herbs for easy access in your cooking all year round.

    These staples not only allow you to use your garden’s bounty, but they can also help you avoid preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought varieties. Happy cooking!

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