I was perusing the Taste section of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune this morning when I came across this interview with Alana Chernila of Eating From The Ground Up.

She has just released her first book, The Homemade Pantry.  This book really struck a chord with me.  I’m a moderately frugal guy, so I know that most of the time, it is cheaper to make things from scratch than to buy them in the store, but that’s not what hooked me.

I also know that most of the time, I can make something at home that tastes better and is healthier than what is on the shelf of the grocery store or on the menu of the local greasy spoon.  This book has recipes (along with stories) for 101 foods to make at home rather than buying at the store.  Some that sound interesting to me are mozzarella cheese, instant oatmeal, “Pop Tarts”, various breads and crackers, ketchup, and mustard.

I can’t wait for my copy to be delivered, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to spread the word about this new book.  I paged through it at the store and there’s not much in there that I wouldn’t consider making.

Some of the recipes in there would be perfect for camping trips like pancake mix and the instant oatmeal.  It also teaches how to make jerky, hummus, peanut butter, and granola, which keep you energized while on a hike or paddling a kayak.

What’s amazing is how many items are readily available at the grocery store that nobody makes at home anymore.  The best example I can think of is crackers.  People eat crackers all the time, but when was the last time you ate one that was home made?  I’m guessing never.

Let’s change that.  Give The Homemade Pantry a try and see if there are even a few things that you can make at home rather than buy to save some cash and be healthier as well.