Real Food Deals – The Make it from Scratch Edition!

I debated whether or not to pop back in from my blogging break to do a Real Food Deals post. The deciding factor was my grocery bill this week! I bought some convenience items, packaged versions of things I would normally make from scratch. I didn’t buy a lot, just enough to cover 2 dinners and a few lunches. The result? My grocery bill was double what it normally is. Seriously, DOUBLE!

Often when I come home with groceries, my oldest son asks what I bought and my daughter replies, “Mom just bought ingredients again”. However, focusing on buying ingredients rather than precooked foods allows me to keep my grocery bill low while buying high quality, organic items.

Each one of the recipes below, which were graciously shared in guest posts,  is an example of an item that is often bought premade or packaged but can be made much more frugally from scratch. They can also be made healthier since you have complete control over the ingredients.

The Best Pancakes Ever

Shredded Hashbrowns with Sausage and Peppers

Hamburger, Help Her

Homemade Chocolate and Banana Snack Cake & Homemade Carrot, Walnut and Ginger Snack Cake

Another way I save on groceries is by shopping at a variety of stores, including ethnic markets. Mangos are usually around a $1.00 each at the local stores, but at the Latin Market I can buy 3 or 4 mangos for $1.00. Laura shared how she saves money and buys interesting food by shopping at ethnic markets: Fascinating Foods, Fantastic Prices.

To Participate in Real Food Deals:

Share a tip on how to save money on wholesome food on your blog. You can read more about what makes a Real Food Deal here.