menu search
brightness_auto
more_vert
What instant mixes are worth keeping in a budget kitchen? Find out which ready-to-cook products can save you time and money.
thumb_up_off_alt 0 like thumb_down_off_alt 0 dislike

1 Answer

more_vert

In budget kitchens, instant mixes worth keeping are those that save significant time and money compared to making from scratch, such as pancake mix, cornbread mix, and quick bread mixes. These offer convenience and consistent results.

Detailed Explanation:

When budgeting, it's crucial to balance cost and convenience. Instant mixes can be a lifesaver for busy individuals or families. Here's a breakdown of why certain mixes are valuable in a budget kitchen:

  1. Pancake Mix: Making pancakes from scratch requires multiple ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, etc.) and precise measurements. Pancake mix simplifies this process, often requiring only water or milk. The cost per serving is often comparable to or even cheaper than buying all the individual ingredients, especially if you only make pancakes occasionally.

  2. Cornbread Mix: Similar to pancakes, cornbread requires a blend of dry ingredients. A mix ensures consistent texture and flavor, and it's usually more economical than buying cornmeal, flour, and other components separately, especially if you don't use these ingredients frequently.

  3. Quick Bread Mixes (Muffins, Brownies, Cakes): While these can be more expensive than making from scratch, they are valuable for occasional treats or when time is limited. Look for mixes on sale or use coupons to maximize savings. They are particularly useful for baking with children, as they simplify the process and reduce the risk of errors.

  4. Gravy Mixes: Making gravy from scratch can be tricky, requiring careful attention to avoid lumps. Gravy mixes provide a quick and reliable way to add flavor to meals, especially during holidays or special occasions. They are also relatively inexpensive.

Consider the frequency of use and the cost of individual ingredients when deciding which mixes to keep on hand.

Pro Tip:

Enhance store-bought mixes by adding fresh ingredients like blueberries to pancake mix, shredded cheese and jalapenos to cornbread mix, or chocolate chips to brownie mix. This elevates the flavor and makes the mix feel more homemade without significantly increasing the cost.

thumb_up_off_alt 0 like thumb_down_off_alt 0 dislike

Related questions

...