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Do love to make things from scratch? Do you frequently run out of something essential and need to find out how to make your own? Or maybe you are starting on a “real food” journey and need some help getting started. If any of those apply to you, DIY Pantry, would have a well used place on your cookbook shelf.
On HLH, I talk a lot about quick and easy. Maybe it’s partially laziness, but I prefer to think of it as being efficient. Either way, I know that I can’t do it all, so I do what I can. Where food is concerned, this is where DIY Pantry comes in, for me.
It has a little bit for all types of people and it can all be done in 30 minutes or less. Kresha Faber has pulled together the easiest and quickest of the things you can make yourself and put them in one handy book. She even includes nutrition & allergy info for each recipe.
I purused DIY Pantry several times, making several different lists. On my someday list is homemade cola, among other things. There two hard to procure ingredients that I haven’t made time to get yet, but it’s at the top of someday. On the next-time-I-make-it list is baked beans. I have always thought their had to be a way to make baked beans that didn’t call for cans of baked beans and I’m really excited about trying it. On my as-soon-as-I-get-a-minute list is homemade black & white sandwich cookies. I even have everything I need! Except time. Though this recipe only takes 30 minutes of ACTIVE hands on, there is still baking time and my “help” to factor in. The next rainy day, ladies, the next rainy day. I’m so drooling just thinking about it. And a side bonus is that I won’t have to eat 1/2 a box by myself so they don’t get stale.
I did get to try both of her frosting recipes. My son’s first birthday is happening soon & I decided to try making my own chocolate frosting this time. I’ve made a white buttercream before, but not chocolate. It’s fabulous! I used Ghiradelli’s 100% cacao bars and frosting is great for people who hate super sweet frosting. It’s sooooo chocolatey and not overpowering at all. The white frosting was good, too, but I think 2 tablespoons of almond extract was too much. It was a little overpowering and the frosting is definitely as sweet as your typical bakery, but without the junk. I liked the texture and it will last for a week in the fridge. Which is great, because I won’t be frosting the cupcakes until Saturday :).
I can’t wait to try the chocolate shell topping, the homemade sugar syrup/corn syrup, the cake mixes, and the hot chocolate mix. I have had all those on one of my lists for years and just haven’t yet (or found a recipe I like). I’m also excited to try making my own extracts (I’ve made vanilla, but no others) and sweetened condensed milk. I never seem to have the latter when I need it. Oh, and the chocolate hazelnut spread. Need I say more?
So if your mouth is watering at the possibilities, you will love DIY Pantry. She includes sweet and savory pantry basics for all palates and eating styles. DIY Pantry includes crackers, breads, boxed/canned staples, dairy, dressings and more. It really is extremely versatile & accessible for all levels of cooks– it’s not all yogurt & kimbucha :). I’d consider myself intermediate at from scratch and these recipes look super simple.
If you make your own pantry staples, is because of health, taste, price or a combination?
