Make Your Own

Today's post is all about making your own convenience items.  I'll share recipes for marinades and seasoning packets, cleaners, even homemade baby wipes.  Why spend a ton of money on these products when you can make them yourself with things you may already have on hand?  A little time and effort can save you a lot of money!


TACO SEASONING


1 TBS chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Mix everything together.  Store in an airtight container.  This replaces one packet of taco seasoning.  Mix with cooked meat and 3/4 cup water and simmer for 5-10 minutes.


TERIYAKI MARINADE


1/3 cup soy sauce
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 TBS brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp season salt

Mix everything together.  Great for marinating pork, chicken or beef.


HOMEMADE SHAKE & BAKE


4 cups flour
4 cups ground saltine crackers (crumbs)
4 TBS salt
2 TBS sugar
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
3 TBS paprika
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Combine everything.  Mix well.  Store in a ziploc bag.  Will keep for 6 months.  Can freeze for longer storage.


BEER BATTER FOR FISH


1 (12oz) bottle beer
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp cajun seasoning

Mix together.  Dredge fish in batter then fry.


CONDENSED MILK - this is equivalent to one can.  You can use this in recipes!  Works great!

1/2 cup very hot tap water
1 cup sugar
1 cup instant dry milk powder
3 TBS melted margarine

Put water in blender.  Add remaining ingredients.  Blend for a full minute.  It will be thin, but let it stand for about an hour and it will thicken up.  Will keep in the fridge for 1 week.




GRANITE CLEANER


Pour 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle.  Add 3 drops dish soap and swirl gently to mix.  Fill bottle very slowly with water.  Try to avoid making suds.  Spray on granite and wipe with a soft cloth.


PRE-TREATING STAIN REMOVER (SHOUT)


1/2 cup ammonia (you can find this on the cleaner aisle)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
2 TBS liquid dish soap
2 quarts water

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.  Spray on stain and let sit for a few minutes.  Launder as usual.


My Aunt Sue gave me this next recipe with all of the ingredients in a basket when I was pregnant with my first child.  One of the best gifts I ever got!  I made these homemade baby wipes for years.  It's all I used when my kids were babies.  They work great and smell a lot better than some of the wipes on the market!  Plus they can save you a lot of cash, which helps when you've got money pits, I mean kids.


HOMEMADE BABY WIPES


1 1/2 cups Hot water
1 TBS baby wash
1 TBS baby oil
Roll of Bounty Plain White Paper towels (regular - not Big size)
a #5 Rubbermaid container *

*Here's a picture of the Rubbermaid container.  This is almost 17 years old so it's a good investment - they last!

First thing you do is cut the roll of paper towels in half horizontally, so you have 2 shorter rolls.  (You get 2 containers of wipes from one roll of paper towels).
Then put the hot water, baby wash and baby oil into the container.  Place one of the 1/2 rolls of paper towels into the container.  It will fit snugly.  Put the lid on.  Let the liquid soak halfway up the roll.
Then, make sure the lid is on tight and turn the container over and let it soak until totally saturated.
Turn right side up, remove lid and pull the cardboard tube out.  Start pulling wipes out from the center.


I hope you found something you can use today.  Maybe it'll save you a trip to the store or a few bucks.  Either way, it's a win!  Have a nice day!