We Tip Heroes know that having a well-stocked pantry can save you a bundle. Want to know how you can save even more money in the pantry department? Trying your hand at making your own pantry items could be even more of a money saver, and the best part is that you can use basic homemade pantry items in other more complicated recipes. Take a look at some of the recipes I've compiled for you from around the web:
Pantry Basics
Vinegar: since vinegar has so many money-saving uses around the home, why not go the extra frugal mile and make your own?
Chicken Stock: here you'll find two methods for making this pantry staple. One uses leftover bones and the other uses chicken backs, wings and legs.
Beef Stock: this easy recipe calls for meaty beef bones, vegetable oil, a large onion and water.
Peanut Butter: use 2 tbsp of oil for every cup of peanuts in this recipe. Put the 2 ingredients in a blender and simply whip them up.
Vanilla Extract: one method involves simply putting one vanilla bean into a pint of vodka and shaking daily for 2 weeks.
Evaporated Milk: add 1 cup of instant dry milk powder to 1 1/3 cups of water and stir or shake to combine
Condiments
Ketchup: try some of these homemade ketchup recipes, from one that tastes "just like Heinz" to chipotle style ketchup.
Mustard: try this easy recipe for mustard from Emeril Lagasse himself.
Mayonnaise: homemade mayonnaise will give you more freshness and flavor. Just be sure to read about the precautions for preparing mayonnaise successfully.
Hot Sauce: this easy recipe only calls for hot peppers, onion, tomato sauce, salt, vinegar and garlic.
Sour Cream: you can make sour cream with heavy cream and buttermilk or more sour cream. Your mixture will thicken over the course of 24 hours and then you can chill it and keep it refrigerated.
Salad Dressings: dressings are easy to make and customize to your own needs and tastes.
Salsa: check out these 16 salsa recipes gathered by Tip Nut.
Seasonings
Garlic Powder: all you have to do is peel cloves and cut them into thin pieces. Bake them in the oven at 150 degrees and grind dried pieces in a blender.
Onion Powder: works very much in the same way as homemade garlic powder.
Chili Powder: all you'll need are dried chilis, cumin seeds (whole) and garlic powder to make a chili powder that is a hundred times better than the store-bought stuff.
Taco Seasoning: try using some of your other homemade seasonings in this easy recipe.
Seasoned Salt: cheap way to add extra flavor to your dishes.
Sauces
Sweet and Sour Sauce: you can use your homemade ketchup, soy sauce and vinegar to make this quick and easy recipe.
Soy Sauce: here's a simple recipe that makes a great gift for others as well!
Tomato Sauce: try this fresh and delicious recipe from All Recipes.
Barbecue Sauce: check out this recipe, which is basically where all barbecue sauce recipes begin.
Worcestershire Sauce: use many of the above items to make one of my favorite sauces!
What are some of your favorite recipes for basic homemade pantry items? Let us know in the comments below and thanks for being a Tip Hero!
Condiments