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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 cultivate at home?

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

Recently, I tried making homemade butter for the first time, and it was surprisingly easy! Not only was it straightforward, but it also tasted a hundred times better than any store-bought butter. I’m definitely planning to keep a steady supply in my fridge from now on.

I’m curious to know if there are any other easy-to-make ingredients or staples that you create at home that are worth the time and effort. I’m already dabbling in growing my own plants, but I’d love suggestions on what I can make with them!

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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 sounds like you have a great foundation with your herb garden and recent butter-making adventure! Here are some other pantry staples that are relatively easy to make at home and worth the time and effort:

    1. Chutneys and Sauces: You can make a variety of condiments like salsa, pesto, and barbecue sauce using fresh herbs and produce from your garden. These can enhance your meals and be stored for future use.

    2. Pickles: Fermenting vegetables seems intimidating, but pickling is a straightforward process. You can use cucumbers, carrots, or even herbs to create tasty pickled additions for sandwiches and salads.

    3. Infused Oils and Vinegars: Infuse olive oil or vinegar with your fresh herbs to create flavorful additions for salads, marinades, or cooking. Just combine herbs with the oil or vinegar and let them steep for a couple of weeks.

    4. Syrups: Making simple syrups (like herbal syrup with fresh mint or basil) for drinks or desserts is easy. Just simmer equal parts water and sugar with your chosen flavors.

    5. Bread: Homemade bread can be a rewarding staple to have on hand. With just a few ingredients, you can create a basic loaf. You can also incorporate herbs for added flavor.

    6. Nut Butters: If you have access to nuts, making your own nut butter (like almond or cashew) is simple and healthier than store-bought options, as you can control the ingredients and flavor.

    7. Granola: Combining oats, nuts, seeds, and a bit of sweetener will allow you to make granola to use as a breakfast or snack item. You can also add your dried herbs for unique flavor profiles.

    8. Dried Herbs and Seasonings: Beyond drying herbs, you could create blends like Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or herbes de Provence using your dried herbs to have custom flavorings on hand.

    9. Jam and Preserves: You already have experience here, but fruit preserves and jellies are always a great way to utilize seasonal fruits and can be made in various flavor combinations.

    These ideas can help you build a more self-sufficient pantry while making good use of your garden! Plus, there’s something really satisfying about creating your own cooking staples from scratch.

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