Now that I know how to make ___ I will never buy it again.
My first answer (sort of) is yogurt, but I do need to occasionally buy a small container to use as a starter.
Second is bread. Again, sort of. On very rare occasions, I buy some sort of bread. But it doesn't happen often.
Last: Salad dressings. I simply refuse to spend that much money on something that is so incredibly inexpensive to make. If I'm too lazy to make a proper dressing, I'm happy with a drizzle of vinegar and olive oil.
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54 Comments:
Whoopie.
izatryt at 5:51PM on 11/30/08
Bread, pizza, tomato sauce are the most immediate things that come to mind. If I'm really beat, I might order a pizza, but I prefer to make it myself. I have a double oven both with pizza stones so I can make plenty to feed a crowd.
dhorst at 5:51PM on 11/30/08
I'm not that virtuous, I know how to make lots of things but there is always going to be a time when its just not in the cards unless i buy it. So again I must agree with izatryt (wink)
huneybumper at 5:53PM on 11/30/08
Tomato sauce is a definite. Other than that.... I'm working on it. Oh, once I have a pasta extruder, I daresay I won't be buying pasta very often (except maybe shell pasta, since that's not a shape easily made at home).
Izzy, cut it out! Seriously! I can't be screaming with laughter while I'm supposed to be doing work!
nightowl at 5:55PM on 11/30/08
she is trouble.
dearrie at 5:58PM on 11/30/08
@izzy ... you were buying whoopie???
LunaPierCook at 5:59PM on 11/30/08
Cream of mushroom/celery/chicken soups (for use in casseroles) , Macaroni Grill Chicken Scaloppini and General Tso Chicken!
hammondcheese at 6:02PM on 11/30/08
@iz, it took half a second for me to realize you didn't leave off the word "pies."
@huney, I don't think I'm compelled by virtue. When it comes to bread, I enjoy making it -- I look forward to making it. It's fun.
As for the yogurt, there's never a time when it's a "must-have-today" item, so it's not a big deal if I don't make more as soon as I run out.
dbcurrie at 6:07PM on 11/30/08
Totally with you on salad dressing/vinaigrettes
Mac and Cheese
Gravy--no contest
Mashed Potatoes
Pizza
Tomato Sauce, actually all pasta sauces
Pies
I'm not totally there with the bread, yet. I only get the bread baking jones about every other month.
wookie at 6:10PM on 11/30/08
Pate...any kind.
Nonny at 6:10PM on 11/30/08
Salad dressing, tomato sauce, pizza, stock/broth (or soup of any kind, for that matter), English muffins and rolls, pickles - these all are for sure. I've never bough things like pesto or chimichurri sauce, so it seems odd to even list them. There are probably more things like this, but my brain is very lazy right now:-). Sort of: mayo (I often make my own, but I also have a couple of jars in my cupboard).
I don't know that it's a big deal at all, it's not like I'm saying "I make my own puff pastry" (I don't...and I doubt I'm ever going to even try:-)) - these are all easy to make, taste much better, and are probably cheaper (even though it's definitely not the reason I make my own). Also - I know what's in them; as I've mentioned many times, OH is lactose intolerant (and a diabetic, too), and you'd be surprised how many things have milk or cheese in them, so it saves me intense label-reading time, too.
brooke29 at 6:13PM on 11/30/08
@wookie - ditto about mashed potatoes, gravy and pies/quiches. Also, stuffed pasta. I knew I was forgetting things:-)
brooke29 at 6:16PM on 11/30/08
chili - i just never like it as much when i get it at a restaurant, but i could eat mine forever
billyburgwife at 6:17PM on 11/30/08
OK. When you guys say tomato sauce. Do you mean the actual tomatoes? or flavored, like for pasta?
Same w/mashed potaoes, gravy, pie, quiche, stock,salad dressing for sure, biscuits...
@nonny~please tell how you make your pate (little begging face)
@Luna~she was MAKING whoopie
carolrsfMISSESTEXAS at 6:40PM on 11/30/08
@carol - you're funny, what do you mean by "the actual tomatoes"? I don't grow my own tomatoes:-) (although I wish I did), I buy whole tinned tomatoes to make tomato sauce that I use for pasta, pizza, meatballs, etc. (not necessarily the same exact sauce for everything, I may change some ingredients here and there).
brooke29 at 6:53PM on 11/30/08
Salsa. There is NOTHING from a jar that comes close to homemade salsa.
Tzatziki. After discovering Fage yogurt, I was spoiled by homemade 'Ziki for life.
Carrot Souffle. I taught myself how to make it because I'm cheap. Also, the recipes I found called for a) boiling the carrots and b) gagworthy amounts of sugar. I roast the carrots and cut way back on the sugar. Mine is much more carrot-y.
Pizza Dough. I like to make 2 - one is whole wheat and the other is the Frugal Gourmet's Chicago style pizza crust.
Salad Dressing - Chalk me up for that too. Whisking freshly smashed garlic with mustard, vinegar of my choice and olive oil (or some other oil like hazelnut) is far and away better than anything from a bottle.
Tomato Sauce in just about any incarnation. Meat Gravy, Marinara, Puttanesca - you name it. Funny, I didn't even think of this off the bat because the idea of buying prepared tomato sauce would never occur to me.
Guacamole. That homogenous, vomitous looking green goo sold as "guacamole" is actually nothing like real guacamole which is chunky, fresh and full of personality. It doesn't taste or feel like joint compound in the mouth.
Sun Dried Tomato Anything. I love using them in summer salads with mozzarella balls and olives - and I use them to make a spread which I serve at parties. I also love to incorporate them into homemade breads.
Hummus. Come on. Chick Peas. Tahini. Garlic. Lemon. Hot Water. S&P. Sprinkling of paprika on top. Why buy?
therealchiffonade at 7:04PM on 11/30/08
Oh sure, hummus and guacamole are on the list as well, I never ever buy either one - thanks for the reminder, chiff!
brooke29 at 7:07PM on 11/30/08
@Carol, apparently she had previously been buying it as per the thread opener!
LunaPierCook at 7:24PM on 11/30/08
Thai iced tea is the major one. At the restaurants we go to, they charge $2.50 - $3.50 per glass (~8 oz), which is ridiculous to spend on any kind of drink at a restaurant, let alone something that can be made in bulk quantities ahead of time. For practically the same price ($4), we can make a gallon at home, and we aren't cutting very many corners.
Pastitsio, jambalaya, gumbo, etouffee, sukiyaki, select makizushi, inarizushi, beef curry rice (Japanese), green/red curries and masamun. There are probably more...
On the flip side, despite being able to make ramen for only $5-6/bowl at home, I am still compelled to buy ramen at a good ramen-ya...just like pad thai, which is ridiculously easy to make.
Cassaendra at 7:25PM on 11/30/08
Almost all of mine have already been mentioned: yogurt, hummus, bread, vegetable stock. Also - jam and jelly! We don't do white sugar or juice concentrates so I make my own with fruit in season and agave nectar and homemade jam (and grape jelly for the bf) is just heavenly!
producestories at 8:16PM on 11/30/08
Ah, tomato sauce! I do (always) make my own spaghetti sauce (that's what we called it when I was growing up). In the fall, I also make tomato sauce from tomatoes, and I freeze the sauce to use in spaghetti sauce, stews, soups, or whatever. Some years, I might have enough to last the winter, other years the tomatoes aren't as good, prolific, or cheap, and I don't make as much. When I run out, I buy canned tomatoes.
I would have never thought of mentioning mashed potatoes or guacamole because both are simple and the alternatives aren't so good.
I'll admit to buying salsa on occasion, though. Mostly in the winter, when I might not have decent tomatoes to start with. I found one that I like well enough. I'd prefer to never make it, but it depends on having the ingredients.
I also make my own stuffed pastas (ravioli and pierogi) and tamales. Both are once or twice a year projects, when I've got the time to spend a couple days making big batches for the freezer.
dbcurrie at 9:05PM on 11/30/08
Definately spaghetti sauce and meatballs. Meatballs made from ground beef/lamb/pork, grated romano, etc, etc. Sauce: crushed tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, etc, etc. I will get in the mood and make a slew of sauce and meatballs and freeze them for impromptu spaghetti/meatball dinners. My Latino DH really hates when I get these "urges", but for him I make carnitas, chile verde, chile colorado, and tamales. (once a year).....exhausting!!!
lamora at 11:03PM on 11/30/08
Jam and jelly. Actually, I would probably stop making it (especially the pomegranate jelly - kind of a pain), except I foolishly gave it to my children, and now they won't eat pb&j without the "real stuff." *sigh*
Also salsa.
@ dbcurrie - the Muir Glen fire roasted diced tomatoes are a good substitute for decent fresh tomatoes.
And...um...crepes. The packages of crepes in the store kind of creep me out. Are they any good, or are they as flabby as they seem?
Kiwords at 1:04AM on 12/01/08
OMG, Thai Iced Coffee! I love the stuff and when I was on a Thai binge, I was making it all the time. Thanks for that reminder :D.
therealchiffonade at 6:50AM on 12/01/08
OK you two I need the recipe for the Thai Iced coffee please!?
huneybumper at 7:54AM on 12/01/08
Cranberry sauce. We used to buy the canned kind until we started making our own a couple years ago. Now, we don't go near the cans!
Hillary
Chew on That
Chew on That at 2:29PM on 12/01/08
Hummus -- roasted red pepper and garlic varieties.
so easy.
so tasty!
-- Ashley
makemethod.vox.com
makemethod at 3:46PM on 12/01/08
@carol I mean both pasta sauce made from tomatoes and pizza sauce.
nightowl at 4:22PM on 12/01/08
pesto, guacamole, queso dip, mac & cheese, pie crust.
drew13000 at 12:12PM on 12/02/08
Cranberry sauce, pie, roast chicken, ice cubes.
shoneyjoe at 1:22PM on 12/02/08
pizza, salad dressing and baby carrots. once i realized regular carrots taste so much better i refuse to buy baby carrots.
cm82 at 1:38PM on 12/02/08
tortillas.
islandchild at 2:45PM on 12/02/08
bread, tortillas, cakes and pies, chicken or beef stock, pastries and cookies...all these things are so much better when they are homemade. And croissants...I don't make them often (once every few months) and I am kind of vain about them (shame on me), I'll make a HUGE batch of them in a few flavors (plain, almond, chocolate) and invite some people over for brunch....they are always gone within minutes and everyone says they can't buy croissants that good in a store or bakery.
elderberry44 at 3:51PM on 12/02/08
Stock.
TruckBoatTruck at 3:58PM on 12/02/08
Tomato Soup - Tastes a million times better than that canned stuff plus it has less sugar and sodium.
Onion rings comes to mind too. Very easy and so much better than their frozen bretheren.
Martini Me at 4:07PM on 12/02/08
Oh yeah. Duh. Stock.
shoneyjoe at 4:21PM on 12/02/08
pasta sauce of any kind. ever.
megannesta at 4:34PM on 12/02/08
Mile High Buttermilk Biscuits
Jim Lahey's No Knead Bread
gb944 at 8:22PM on 12/02/08
Pasta sauce (thank you, yet again, Marcella Hazan)
Salad Dressing
Guacamole
Salsa
Iced tea
Popcorn
What I don't get, honesty, is why one would use processed versions of the above. They're all SO easy to make, take very little time and hardly any effort, so why not make them? I totally get, say, canned beans (yay Goya!) or ice cream, but Guac? It is a mystery.
chisai at 8:40PM on 12/02/08
@elderberry44. Would you care to share your recipe for croissants (or at least a few guidelines). I am looking for a way to make them.
Thank you very much.
velascomike at 8:48PM on 12/02/08
Salad dressings, soups, pasta sauces ... the biggest "whoa why didn't I ever make my own because it makes such a huge difference and is so easy" is homemade enchilada sauce.
Lowter at 12:51AM on 12/03/08
@elderberry44~I don't want your recipe. I want to give you my mailing address. Really.
@dbcurrie~where are you? You make tamales? Come over!
And I don't remember (go figure) if I said it, stock, biscuits, many soups, squash, tomato, asparagus , spinach, broccoli...pies, cakes, salad dressing, frosting, WHIPPED CREAM, holiday cookies.
And anything else that you guys can teach me to make.
carolrsfMISSESTEXAS at 2:40AM on 12/03/08
pita bread, thanks deborah madison
fetacrackwhore at 8:53AM on 12/03/08
Marmalade. I was scared of it at first, but it's so easy, and so much cheaper than the kind I prefer (which does come in a nifty crock, but I've saved all my old ones so that's all right).
Likeswords at 3:19PM on 12/03/08
Quesedillas, Guacamole and, recently, ICE CREAM ^_^
Puffy at 4:23PM on 12/03/08
Gnocchi
After the girlfriend and I made gnocchi that just melted in your mouth and blew away anything I've had store-bought or in a restaurant, I don't think I'll ever purchase it again. It was a little bit of work, but fantastically worth it.
JGordon at 6:13PM on 12/03/08
Im sticking to the "Now I know how to make" part of this, because some of the stuff people have been mentioning I've never bought in the first place, so theres no "buy it again."
Anyways... tomato sauce! We just started making it about a month ago, and we agreed that the jarred stuff is not even close to worth our money anymore :) I love making stuff from scratch, I feel so accomplished!
agk685 at 7:17PM on 12/03/08
I think the no brainers are STOCK, SALAD DRESSINGS and TOMATO SAUCE.
I recently made a homemade chicken pot pie (I would never buy one), and it was so delicious that I wondered how Swanson's or Banquet have the nerve to make that frozen gluey crap and call it pot pie!
Stacey Snacks at 8:37PM on 12/03/08
love
mendicity at 11:24PM on 12/03/08
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark
francie at 12:59AM on 12/04/08
GRANOLA. NEVER. EVER. AGAIN.
Reooo at 3:00AM on 12/04/08
Soup. I never really ate it at home unless it was from a can-- now I know how to make many soup bases and that is what I do! Soup is probably one of my favorite things to make now that I think of it.
smile at 7:20AM on 12/04/08
Hummus, baba ganoush, guacamole, brownies, cookies and cakes in general, vegan/vegetarian ice cream.
hereandthe at 9:08AM on 12/04/08
I've never not made my own/not had my grandmother's own red sauce, so I guess that would be it? If I do run out in the dead of winter I buy canned crushed tomatoes and season myself, but I've never ever bought pre-seasoned red sauce. Same goes for pesto! If I need some in the dead of winter I'll buy basil, but mostly I just make it myself.
BREAD! It's a new addition, but if I ever buy bread, it'll be a nice, fresh-baked, locally made loaf, none of that preservative-filled pre-sliced stuff.
I WISH I could say pasta was on this list, but I haven't learned it yet. Sigh. Maybe when I get a bigger kitchen.
And also, applesauce.
embolini9 at 9:33AM on 12/04/08