Almost-from-scratch cooking can be the best of both worlds. It is less expensive than buying food already prepared, but it is quicker and easier than starting completely from scratch. You can serve good food with basic ingredients, but still have the time for all of the other things you need and want to do. Plus, if you use coupons and sales to get some of the ingredients, you may actually save more money than if you did things totally on your own.
Here are some ways that you can practice almost-from scratch cooking.
Use a Baking Mix
Your standard baking mix can cut down a bit on the preparation of many baked goods and breakfast items. With just a few steps, you could mix up a set of chocolate chip scones, some biscuits, pancakes and more. You can also use it to create yummy coatings for chicken or a crust for a quick pot pie.
Bread Machine
By using a bread machine, you can claim that you are baking bread from scratch, although you won’t have to worry about all of that mixing, kneading, rising or even baking. There are ready made bread machine mixes available, but save those for the really fancy breads. Instead, research a few basic recipes using only a handful of ingredients and enjoy hot, fresh bread daily, if you like.
Pie Crust and Pizza Dough
Frozen and refrigerated versions of pie crust and pizza dough can be utilized for many almost-from-scratch meals and deserts, such as Stromboli, calzones, pie pockets, and more.
Ramen Noodles
If you discard the seasoning packet, you can use the noodles in a salad. Just add some already cooked chicken (or purchase those convenient packages), a package of coleslaw mix, some canned oranges and pre-bottled some sesame ginger dressing, for a great Asian salad.
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