Photo Courtesy of: Rachael's Recipes and More
I was wandering through my Budget Homemaking 101 yahoo group the other day, looking for recipes and information to share with my readers. I found a list I posted almost 6 years ago, and think it’s even more timely in these times. It’s called the Ungrocery List, and consists of items we should never buy in the grocery store, but should make at home.
I thought I would start with the list, and I will also share recipes for each item. I’d love to hear your comments and your additions to the Ungrocery List.
The Ungrocery List
Cracker Crumbs - just put a sleeve of saltines in the food processor and process until finely ground
Graham Cracker crumbs - just put a sleeve of honey graham crackers in the food processor and process until finely ground - I use these to make Graham Cracker Crust
Cookie Crumbs - I use vanilla wafers (generic brand). I process the entire box and store in labeled dated zip locking bag in the cupboard. Keeps a long time, up to 12 months. I use as needed for Cookie Crust
Shake-n-Bake type Coat Mix
Shake-n-Bake type Coat Mix
Beef-Flavor Rice Mix
Chicken-Flavor Rice Mix
Refrigerator Pie Crusts
Refrigerator biscuits
Refrigerator biscuits
Refrigerator crescent rolls
Microwave popcorn - we don't even buy this. We buy bulk popcorn seeds and pop our own corn on the stove top. Much better tasting, and I control the butter and salt.
Microwave popcorn - we don't even buy this. We buy bulk popcorn seeds and pop our own corn on the stove top. Much better tasting, and I control the butter and salt.
Fudgesicles
Popsicles - these aren't complicated to make. I found a video on YouTube that's actually very helpful - How to make your own popsicles.
Popsicles - these aren't complicated to make. I found a video on YouTube that's actually very helpful - How to make your own popsicles.
Another great How-to Video with recipes for a more interesting popsicle can be found here: How to Make your own popsicle treats
Pancake syrup
Pancake syrup
Spaghetti Sauce - I make this in the Crockpot, but you can make it right on the stove top, if you prefer. You can halve the recipe if you don't want a lot hanging around, but this freezes (or cans) very nicely.
Pizza Sauce - I make this in the Crockpot, but you can make it right on the stove top, if you prefer. You can halve the recipe if you don't want a lot hanging around, but this freezes very nicely.
Liquid fabric softener - I no longer use liquid fabric softener. Over the years I have developed allergies to the dies and perfumes in laundry products. I now use 1/4 cup white vinegar in the final rinse cycle of the washing machine. Clothes come out soft every time. The vinegar also removes the build up of detergent and other fabric softeners you've used over the years. My towels have never been softer. No, the vinegar does not leave an odor. Just plain white vinegar that you can buy for about $2 per gallon. Don't use cider vinegar, as it may stain your clothes. Just plain old white vinegar.
Fabric softener sheets - if you find you still need a fabric softener sheet, buy the least expensive liquid fabric softener you can found (I prefer Bounce FREE & Clear due to my allergies). Take a clean rag or wash cloth and put it in a large container or bowl (something that will hold 2 or 3 cups). Pour fabric softener over cloth, and allow to soak for a few minutes. Wring out cloth till it is almost bone dry, toss in the dryer. Pour fabric softener into container. This cloth should last about 10 loads. Repeat as needed. The bottle of fabric softener should last you at least a year this way. I do NOT use fabric softener with towels. The reason I do not do this is because fabric softener actually lessens the absorbency of the cotton towels.
Carpet freshener
Shower door cleaner
Laundry stain remover
Carpet freshener
Shower door cleaner
Laundry stain remover
Laundry Detergent - I found a great website for this "recipe". The writer goes step by step telling you what you need, and offers a breakdown of the cost comparison: Make Your Own Laundry Soap
There is also a great video on YouTube to help you even more: Make Your Own Laundry Soap Video
I like this recipe because over the years I've developed allergies to the perfumes and dyes in laundry products. Perfume and dye-free products tend to be more expensive, even with coupons.
Baby Wipes: this website has 2 recipes for making your own baby wipes. Both use Bounty paper towels, and do not substitute. The reason? Other paper towels dissolve to almost nothing. With this MYO it's best to stick with the name brand. Buy them on sale with coupons, stock up, then make your baby wipes: Make Your Own Baby Wipes
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Comments
Love finding recipes like this. Thanks!
This is an amazing article with so much information.. I am going to try the Vinegar trick with the laundry.. I do that in my dishwasher so it makes sense. Watching my gramma make homemade egg noodles is one of my favorite childhood memories.. She'd never let me do anything though so I always figured it was just too hard.. I've subscribed, you have great stuff.. thanks!
I've always made my own pancakes and pie crust, but I didn't think syrup would be that easy. I'll have to try that one and the laundry vinegar. Not so sure about pudding mix--that's pretty cheap here. I might make the baby wipes today just to avoid going to the store!
Rachael, I would love to see cost breakdowns for some of your recipes. For example, your brownie mix sounds reeeally tasty -- but I can buy two boxes of Betty Crocker brownie mix for a combined total of 79 cents at Target after coupons. Maybe we should collaborate on some pricing! :D
Super great list of ideas, thank you so much for sharing!
This is a great list. I think I'm going to customize one for myself!
And one that I heartily agree with: Spaghetti sauce. I have a family sauce recipe that I make in a 6-gallon cauldron, and I freeze it in about a million tupperwares. I'm such a sauce snob, but this means I never have to buy jars of sauce when I want to make pizza or any kind of pasta.
Wow, I buy so much of this stuff at the supermarket. I bookmarked your page and will keep it as reference so I can save more money and waste less.
This list is fantastic! My family has *the* best pancake and syrup recipe.
I still haven't braved up enough to try making the egg noodles yet.
I'm going to have to try the vinegar for fabric softener! thanks
I love your articles like this! You always share such exciting recipes...if that makes any sense :)
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