The Money is in the Mixes
1 Jan
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
Shrimp Tacos with Jalapeno
Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Chickens and Eggs
Sassy! I love it
I've just started making my own fajita seasoning, and I was surprised at just how cheap it worked out. I even made my Dad some for his Christmas to go with the Sizzler Plate I bought him!
very savory. Super…
Hi, congrats on the Foodbuzz top 9 (#4) today
I love your post! I also make my own mixes because of as you said they are healthier and cheaper. This is great advice for everyone 
)
Congrats on top 9! I love your labels
I'm looking forward to reading more! Have a great day!
Great idea– they'd make fun gifts, too!
I also make my own mixes. I do opt to make "cream of" soups from scratch, but as for spices, I'll make mixes and save them. That way, I know they're healthier, fresher, and I can customize!
Great idea and I love the labels! My partner has to put up with my scoffing when he puts "cream of something" soup in food (http://sheskis.blogspot.com/2009/12/egg-nog-french-toast.html), but I am grateful that he will, at least, cook:)
Oh, I love to make my creamed soups from scratch, but the mix is a great idea! Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you so much for posting these recipes…this is so great. I love your blog too. I will definitely be using this idea. Love it. My question is with the dried milk…Where do you find it for a reasonable price? Seems so expensive…even at Aldi's the cheap store.
When milk was $4 a gallon just over a year ago, dry milk was a steal. But now that milk is down around $2 a gallon dry milk seems less like a good buy. I can normally get the small boxes that make a gallon of milk at Kroger for $1.89, but I have bought them on the $.88 sale before. I'm sure bulk prices are even better and Aldi may be even cheaper. I would also check the warehouse stores like Sam's or Costco. Since our kids are still pretty small,we don't drink dry milk in our house so I don't buy a whole lot of it. I only use it for cooking and pre-made mixes such as this. In that sense, the soup mix or a from scratch sauce kicks the "cream of" can's butt.
Thanks for the great question! Hope to see you back again soon!
thanks for the great recipes
What brand of bullion powder do you use that does not have any salt?
(What is in bullion powder – I assumed MSG & other "stuff.")
Thank you for catching that, Calico Cat. The chicken powder I used does contain salt, but there is a product by Hormel called Herb-ox that is a sodium and MSG free product. It can be found on Amazon for $2.99 per bottle. http://www.amazon.com/Herb-Ox-Chicken-Granulated-Boullion-3-3-Ounce/dp/B001E5DQJM/ref=pd_sim_dbs_gro_4
This obviously makes the price a little higher per batch, but certainly healthier. – Jodie