Microwave popcorn, chips, candy bars... these are all snacks that we know have lots of processed elements in them. But what about the everyday foods that we take for granted as being if not healthy, at least better for you than say... a Big Mac?
There are just some staples that we purchase without even thinking. For me, some of the big ones are sour cream and chicken broth. I am a firm believer in purchasing store brand. I have shopped at Kroger as long as I've lived near one, and 9 out of 10 of their products are just as good, if not better, than their name brand counterparts. Often times, store brands are even better for you, having less additives and chemicals. But processed foods are just that, processed.
I don't know about you but I just don't have the time for lengthy preparations, or the room to stock pile. I do however have the time to make some easy and simple staples that will cut out a lot of the unwanted additives and only takes a few hands on moments to prepare.
The next few weeks will be filled with guides, tips and detailed pictures of how to a live a little cleaner without breaking the bank or spending hours on something that will yield little output (I hope!).
I'm excited to start this journey with you and find out what really works for me and my family. Don't expect to come and find all the answers, because I expect that it will actually be more akin to the bloopers reel from a comedy...
So off we go!
The first thing I did was compile a list of things I wanted to try making from scratch, then I found common elements in some of those things, and I picked the ones I thought I could do with the most efficiency.
This wasn't a total bust... although I wound up biting off more than I could chew, no pun intended, and didn't get everything done. But that was okay because it helped me realize what is a realistic expectation for a day off. I really wanted to try to fit in a whole day and see what my limitations were.
Here's what I attempted:
- Make chicken broth
- Home made chicken filled pizza rolls
- Make home made chicken nuggets
- Make chicken pot pie
- Make 2-4 kinds of Larabars
- Make REAL yogurt dipped pretzels
- Make almond milk
- Make almond flour
- Make dehydrated fruit
Here's what I actually got done:
- Made chicken broth
- Made pizza rolls
- Made chicken pot pie
- Made 2 kinds of Larabars
- Made almond milk
- Made almond flour
- Made dehydrated fruit
I also made the filling for the chicken nuggets but then I cut my finger with the stick blender and everything else went out the window. I would never have gotten the pretzels done though... even if I hadn't cut my finger. So I think I did pretty well considering, but to be honest by about 4pm I was so tired I just wanted to go to sleep, and it kind of ruined the rest of my day. My little girl was also a little upset because she got bored with helping and wanted me to come play with her but I was in the middle of so many things that I didn't feel safe walking away from. Now to be fair, she did sit right outside the kitchen door and chat with me the whole time. Which was great because she felt paid attention too but I was still free to move around the kitchen without worrying about her.
I started with the Almond Milk the night before. That will start the series in the next post.
I look forward to seeing your comments and input in the comments! And good luck with all your happy home making endeavours!
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