Make Your Own Money-Saving Pantry Mixes

One of the easiest ways to save money on your grocery budget is to replace all of those expensive convenience food mixes with homemade alternatives. Although spending $1.20 for a box of Rice-a-Roni may not sound like it will break your grocery budget, if you can make it yourself for 25 cents, your savings will start to add up quickly. Here are some easy convenience food mixes that you can make quickly and inexpensively. Store them in sealed jars or storage containers along with instructions on how to make. Each of these mixes will last up to one year in your pantry.

1. Rice-a-Roni

4 cups white rice
2 cups angel hair pasta, broken into 1 inch pieces (can use scissors to cut if you prefer)
1/2 cup chicken bouillon powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 cup dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon thyme

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl until well-mixed. Portion out the mix into 1 or 2 cup containers and seal tightly. If you normally use 2 boxes of Rice-a-Roni for your family meals, divide into 2 cup portions. When ready to use, add 3 tablespoons of butter to a hot deep skillet. Add the mix and stir until rice begins to toast. Add 2 1/4 cups of water (4 1/2 cups for the 2 cup mix size) and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes. Add cooked meat to make a complete meal.

2. Instant Stovetop Stuffing

12 cups bread, cubed into 1/2 inch cubes
6 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
8 tablespoons dried onion flakes
1 cup dried celery flakes
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried sage

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread cubed bread on a dry baking sheet into a single layer. Toast in oven until thoroughly dried and lightly browned. Mix all other ingredients together and portion into 2 ounce food service containers. Portion 3 cups of dried bread into 4-cup storage containers and nestle a container of seasoning mix in each. Seal tightly. To use: bring 3/4 cup of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of butter and the contents of the seasoning packet. Lower the heat and simmer for five minutes. Mix in the bread cubes and mix until moistened. Remove from heat. Cover the stuffing mix and let stand for five minutes. Fluff with a fork just before serving.

3. Ranch Dressing

2 cups dried parsley
2 cups powdered milk
1/2 cup garlic powder
1/2 cup onion flakes
1/4 cup dried chives
1/4 cup dried dill weed
1/4 cup sea salt
2 tablespoons ground black pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in a sealed jar. To use: Add 1-2 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix to 1 cup mayonnaise and 3/4 cups milk. Blend in food processor or blender. Refrigerate for at least one hour before using.

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