I keep hearing so many people talk about shortages at the store. I have seen shelves low of some items - but most times, there is a pallet sitting there waiting to be unloaded. Some have talked about certain things that they can't find week after week.
So I figured I would tackle a couple of those items today. Both are easy to make at home, with no preservatives and added chemicals!!!!!
COFFEE CREAMER
1 C powdered milk
2/3 C sugar (or substitute)
1/3 C boiling water
1 Tbsp. vanilla (or almond or your favorite)
2/3 C milk (or coconut milk or almond - whatever you like)
Combine first 4 ingredients in the bender and blended until mixed. Add milk. Refrigerate in an airtight bottle.
I guess it isn't the same as creamer - but never understood why people just didn't use milk, almond milk, coconut milk, half n half, dry milk, cream, whatever - if you can't find creamer!!!!!
It doesn't seem that difficult to me - but I am not a coffee drinker.
HOMEMADE SALTINES
This is really so easy, and they are good. Total process actually only takes about 30 minutes!
4 C all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/4 C unsalted butter (I use what I have)
1 1/3 C milk (or non-dairy)
Coarse salt
1 egg white and 1 Tbsp. water - whisked together
Mix flour and baking powder - cut in butter until you have coarse crumbs. Add milk - knead into a ball. Cut into 4 sections. Roll each section on a floured surface. The thinner the crisper. Cut in squares or any shape you wish. Poke each cracker with a fork a couple times.
Brush with egg white & water whisked together. Sprinkle with salt. (you can add whatever salt you have or other toppers if desired). Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 325* for 15-20 minutes. Check after 10 minutes - they change quickly. Want a nice golden color.
**Don't re-roll any scraps you have - as it really toughens up texture. Just bake the scraps as is!!
Store in an airtight container.
You can always reheat if you need to crisp. !!!You can do this with store bought crackers as well - heat for few minutes and it is like they are fresh and new!!! I have done this many times.
So do not fret if you can't find something at the store. Everything can be made at home!
I love that we can make so many things without all the added garbage that store bought has in it. Simple and yummy.
We all know about how to make cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. from scratch. Soups are easy. I have made lots of seasonings and seasoning mixes. Dry 'cream of' soups. There are so many things we can make.
Is there anything that you can't find that you need to know how to make at home? Let's help each other out. It is always nice to have an easy alternative.
CAN'T FIND IT? MAKE IT!!!!!
Just cross-posted this to Patrice Lewis's Rural Revolution blog. Just today she was asking for a saltine cracker recipe for one of her readers.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Hope it helps someone.
DeleteThank you, Cheryl. We're seeing some (fresh) meat shortages here and it's also good to remember you can switch up your menus. Get creative!
ReplyDelete--Elise
We sure can. Creativity is so important during times of shortages or times of no money!
DeleteSo crazy. This entire pandemic I have found everything on my shopping list, every single time with exception of one treat-my Hills Brother Sugar Free Mocha mix. This is not exactly a hardship ;-)
ReplyDeleteThen again, I rarely buy a box or bag. I make everything from scratch ingredients with the exception of Rice/Roni mixes which I know I could but I get the store brand for $0.78 so I don't bother.
Our preferred "cracker"? Pita Chips and I buy the big bags at Costco. I know could make those too if needed.
It's good to live a simple life especially in the kitchen right now.
A simple life is wonderful. So many ways to make choices and use different things. There is no need to not indulge when you can substitute.
DeleteI bet we can come up with a homemade mix for that mocha mix!!!!!
Rice a Roni mix is easy and I make up big batches - then measure what I need for a dinner.
I am becoming increasingly concerned with global issues and how they may impact the availability of goods -- beyond the shortages we're already seeing in the stores (though I do wonder how much of that is manufactured to increase profits -- are shelves empty because of staffing, and stores are reducing payroll? Are they only filling shelves with the higher priced brands? Are stores culling lower priced brands from their line and giving more space to other brands who are paying for shelf visibility? I could go on ...). For me, I have always kept a back-up stash of flour and sugar, and I've stocked up on yeast, just in case. And I was gifted a like-new breadmaker, which I've yet to use. I've never in my life made yeast bread and I'd like to try, in part so that I could split a batch of dough to make a small loaf of bread, and use the rest to make hamburger or hot dog/sub buns. Pre-pandemic, our stores were carrying the Lewis's brand of 1/2 loaf breads and 4-packs of HB and HD buns, but the buns are gone, and 1/2 loaf breads are often in short supply. As a 1-person household, I'd like to be able to make that myself. And I know that I SHOULD try this sooner rather than waiting until there's a real emergency. Disclaimer -- I "allow" myself the pleasure of half-and-half in my coffee; I will use milk, if I'm out of half-and-half. The flavored coffee cream will do, in a pinch, but is not something I gravitate toward. AND, I'm not someone who keeps their bread/buns in the freezer. I think it goes back to my childhood with either soggy or frost-bitten bread/buns, especially in the winter. And, freezer space is minimal side by side refrig, no space for a deep freezer.
ReplyDeletebreadmakers are super easy. The most basic:
Delete1.5c water in the pan
2c white flour
2c whole wheat flour
1.5t salt
Mix together (so salt doesn't come into direct contact w/yeast). Pour onto water.
3t yeast over the top. Turn it on and go! This is a 2 pound loaf.
Bread freezes terrific! I'll cut a loaf in half and immediately freeze half. Then I have I cut my slices with cut side down so I have smallish pieces. I can always have a 2nd right?
Lori - I am the same way. There is NOT just one reason - and like you I am very hesitant to believe most of what I see. I think regardless of where the shortage is coming from - much of it is about control! That is just me.
DeleteBread machines are easy. It has been a long while since I have made bread in mine - it is tasty. There are other bread recipes available as well - no machine needed.
Elle - than you!
DeleteLori, I agree with you. Supply and prices just don't make sense. On the shelf next to each other are Hellman's mayo for $7.58 and Dukes right next to it which is the most popular brand here and it is 2.84. Same size. It doesn't make sense.
DeleteLeaning to bake bread in a bread machine takes a little patience. Every brand has it's quirks and it may take a few loaves to make it how you really like it. We find that using milk in our bread keeps it better and softer than using water.
It seems there is no real reason behind it. Every store varies and even the products. Not all stores in one state are the same. Sure does make you wonder!
DeleteThank you! I want to try the cracker recipe with almond flour!
ReplyDeleteYUM - there you go. Another substitute and they will be wonderful.
DeleteSo far the only thing I see a shortage of in the grocery store is cat food. But if I go to the pet store, no shortage their shelves are full. Go figure. Thanks for the recipe for the crackers! Have a great day! We are headed to Wally's Butch needs a new watch.
ReplyDeleteCat food is my biggest pet peeve as well. I usually find it pretty good - but sometimes the shelves are empty. Yep funny, how some stores have plenty and others not. Have fun shopping!
DeleteHave a good day.
I talked to the staff at my local petstore back in November. The manufacturers are having trouble getting the cans needed! They are not having trouble getting the food itself. (Kylie eats Blue Mountain).
DeleteThat is kind of what I heard as well.
DeleteOur Aldi is out of frozen fish for weeks now. It is an important part of our diet so I am hoping they get it back in soon. Also the Molina sugar that we use is nowhere to be found. I really don't want to use the processed white sugar and it doesn't even taste good to us. Okay whining over. Over all though I think our stores are better stocked than they have been for a long time.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the fish - any other stores locally you can check? I wonder if you could order your sugar online and have it delivered.
DeletePet food is the main thing I find low.
Anytime I have seen fairly empty shelves, they are getting ready to restock. I guess it depends on area. Funny how it is different items in different areas.
Oh, big fail in my memory. I haven't been able to find my cat's wet food in months here.....I went to an automatic 1 case every 21 day delivery. She's very picky and only likes one of the 12 flavors I tried (years ago). She has a hyperthyroid issue that drains her periodically so she is spoiled and eats daily because I won't make her get beyond hungry just to get her to eat something else.
DeleteWe do spoil our babies. Mine like certain flavors as well. I try to keep a bunch on hand. I buy a lot WHEN I find it - not even close to being out, I just buy. I have found that now and then I throw a new one in and it is a treat - but I can't fool them none to often!!! LOL
DeleteI love making things from scratch. Mainly because I know exactly what is in it. Right now I have two pumpkin pies in the oven made with pumpkin puree from our garden. Smells heavenly.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Exactly. None of those hidden ingredients or chemicals. I bet your house DOES smell wonderful! Enjoy those pies!
DeleteHave to try the saltines! Sounds simple and they look delicious. I have been making dog food. I couldn't get the kind they like and they like Mommy's food just fine.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Mommy's cooking is always best!!!! LOL
DeleteAnother thing that we can make if necessary.
We went to Fresh Thyme this morning and they had a big display for making chili and other Super Bowl foods, along with boxes and boxes of saltines. I went the easy way and bought a box.
DeleteYou go girl. Get them when you can find them. I bought some this week at Kroger too.
DeleteGreat post as usual, Cheryl! A friend asked me if I wanted anything from Costco a couple of weeks ago, so I asked her to get me a box of saltines. I hadn't received them in my online orders. She reported back there was none! A niece in AZ said she hadn't been able to find any, neither did another friend here. Finally, the first friend's daughter grabbed the last two boxes at a Kroger's! I shared your recipe for making saltines on my FB page today. Eight friends (real not just FB friends) responded with gratitude! Thank you, Cheryl! Shirley Kelly Pacific NW
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Shirley. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI went to the store this week (Kroger) and they did have their brand of saltines. I was kind of surprised as everyone keeps talking about there not being any. That seems to be a nationwide problem.
Sure hope the recipe helps some folks out!
crackers are a must here! Having a good cracker recipe is essential so I'll keep this one and try it out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love crackers with soup and especially chili! I understand wanting them on hand. Hope this helps you out!
DeleteI just love how you live your life. Please, please post a recipe book. It always sounds marvelous.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I have thought about it - hmmmm - maybe one day!
DeleteI love these ideas! I used to make homemade cheese crackers using Rice Krispy cereal - delish. Our favorite are Cheese Straws - Time for me to get creative again.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Mmmm both of those sounds good. Love cheese straws.
DeleteTis the season!!!!