I am so excited that the holiday baking season is here. I may not be as good at baking as I wish I was, but I still love to try! I have my stand-by recipes that I do make every year because I have spent years perfecting them.
One thing about baking, especially if you make a lot of mistakes like I do, is the expense. Some supplies are not too bad, but some specialty ones can mean you spend a lot. Here are some tips for saving on your holiday baking:
1. Buy staples in bulk when it makes sense. Flour is one thing that is often cheaper to purchase by the pound rather than in a standard package. This is especially true when it comes to specialty flours you may not need much of, such as cake flour or rice flour. In some stores, you can even grind your own for even cheaper.
2. Look for sales and stock up. Since stores know this is the season for baking, they will offer amazing deals on baking staples like baking soda, baking powder, butter and flour. Proper storage of these products such as taking them out of the original container and placing in plastic or glass storage will mean you can keep most of them for a year or more. Stock up for the entire year now and you can bake throughout the year never having to go re-buy. Some things like butter can be frozen and kept for up to 3 months. Use the Favado App to help you find the best deals on baking supplies in your local grocery stores.
3. Coupon! Big name brands that make baking supplies will release coupons for the busy holiday baking season and if you match them with sales that are going on currently, you can double your savings. You can find baking coupons here.
4. Plan what you will be baking. You will find it easier to stick within a budget if you have an exact idea of what you are looking to purchase. This way, you can keep your eyes peeled (or use the Favado App) to find the best sales on those special ingredients.
5. Skip one item shopping trips. If you forgot something, don’t automatically run to the store for it. You can often create a substitute for the item you need at home. For instance, you can make your own powdered (confectioner’s) sugar by simply adding plain white sugar to a food processor or blender and pulsing it until it turns to a powder. If you want it to last this way, try adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to keep it from caking up. Here are some things you can make at home
- How to Make Powdered Sugar
- How to Make Super Fine (Caster) Sugar
- How to Make Simple syrup
- Corn Syrup Substitutes
- How to Make Baking Powder
- How to Make Self Rising Flour
- Substitute for Whipping Cream
- How to Use Flaxseed Meal to Replace Eggs or Oil
6. If you live in a warm area that has a year-round farmer’s market, you are lucky. Buy things like eggs, honey and milk from the farmer for a lower price than the store. If you buy regularly, you may be able to score a good deal from a farmer that you build a relationship with as well. Also, consider a co-op for local goods.
7. Some of the more expensive items such as nuts, chocolate and fruit for baking use can be bought cheaper online or in your favorite health food store cheaper than in small packages on the grocer’s shelves. Don’t be afraid to look outside your normal stores for the best deals.
8. Stop buying spices in those cute little bottles, buy them from the bulk food section. Also, don’t buy spice mixes like Apple Pie Spice. You can make your own spice mixes with spices bought in bulk for mere pennies. Here are some spice mixes you can make at home:
How are you saving money on baking supplies?
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