The Money is in the Mixes

When I go shopping, I shop mostly for items that are versatile and can be used in a variety of different recipes for a variety of different dishes ( except for the training pants I still buy, which are only good for one thing). I also try to spend as little as possible while still being reasonably healthy. But like most people in the world I am also busy ( or lazy on occasion) and I really don't want to put forth a whole lot of effort to get dinner on the table. It's then that I reach for some kind of convienance. Something quick, something easy, you know?

The problem is that I have really started to hate paying more than I feel like I should for a convienance. Let's take the very popular "cream of" soups. You use them in soups, casseroles, and one pot wonders but those suckers are at least $.80 each ( that's store brand on sale). Campbells' can be as much as a $1.50 each. That starts to add up when you buy several cans at a time. And have you looked at the ingredients? MSG, salt, artifical coloring, blah blah blah. Not really healthy.

So, here is the answer. Mixes! Easy to put together, stores well, and a fraction of the cost of store-bought convenience. Perfect for people who like to know what they are eating, save money and frequently run out of ingredients for their casserole. I priced out everything down to the serving except for the Taco Seasoning because I didn't have those prices at hand to figure.

I also made some cute little labels that my husband snickered at, but he can kiss my butt... so there.



By the way, there isn't any salt in these recipes. Feel free to add some or just add it to your dish when you cook.



Cream Soup Mix - $2.87 per batch, $.31 per use

2 c. dry milk

1 1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup chicken boullion powder

2 T dried onion flakes

1/2 t. pepper

1 t. thyme

1 t. basil



Mix and store in airtight container. To use: add 1/2 cup mix to 1 1/4 cup water for casserole consistency. Double the water for soup.



Onion Soup Mix - $2.67 per batch, $.45 per use



3/4 cup instant minced onion

4 t. onon powder

1/3 cup beef boullion powder

1/4 t. celery seed

1/4 t. sugar



Mix and store in airtight container. To use: add 2 T mix to one cup boiling water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.



Seasoned Rice Mix - $2.28 per batch, $.78 per use.



3 cups uncooked rice

1/4 cup dried parsley flakes

6 T chicken bouliion powder

2 t. onion powder

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. thyme



Mix and store in airtight container. To use: mix one cup mix, 2 T butter and 2 cups water in saucepan. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.



Taco Seasoning

6 t. chili powder

5 t. cumin

5t. paprika

3 t. onion powder

3 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. cayenne pepper



Mix and store in airtight container. Use to taste



Note: I should have said that there is no ADDED salt in these recipes. The chicken bouillon powder I used contains salt. Sorry about that. :) 



Check out the new post: Money in the Mixes - Part II