How Crunchy Can She Get? Part Three

If you are just now joining us, this post is a continuation of "How Crunchy Can She Get!" My co-worker has to change he daughter's diet to a Gluten Free and Dairy Free one and she was wondering how we did it. Check out Topic One and Topic Two. Stay tuned because we have more changes to go!

Make your Own Mixes

Not only does changing what you eat changes your health, it also changes your expenses and your way of thinking. Today let's focus on saving some money on typical things that people will buy this summer, over and over again.

Barbecue Sauce

1 1/4 cups   Water

1 6-oz can   Tomato paste

1/2 cup       Honey

1/2 cup      Molasses

1/4 cup      Apple Cider Vinegar

2 tbsp        Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp          Paprika

1 tsp          Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp       Chili Powder

1/4 tsp       Onion Powder

1/4 tsp       Cayenne Pepper (optional)

1 tsp          Hot sauce (optional)

1 tsp         Liquid Smoke (optional)

2 tbsp       Bourbon (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 30 minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula every 10 minutes or so to prevent burning. Test it's thickness. Let it reduce 15 more minutes if the sauce is too thin. Pour sauce in a resealable container, store in fridge. It makes 2 cups and can easily be doubled.

Tomato-less and Pepper-less BBQ Sauce

1/4 cup      Water

1/4 cup      Honey

1/4 cup      Brown Sugar

2 tbsp       Apple Cider Vinegar

1 cup        Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp          Paprika

1 tsp          Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp       Onion Powder

1 tsp          Liquid Smoke (optional)

2 tbsp        Bourbon (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 45 minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula every 10 minutes or so to prevent burning. Pour sauce in a resealable container, store in fridge. It makes 2 cups and can easily be doubled.

Love to Camp? The following items will need to go with you!

Hot Cocoa

4 cups    Powdered Milk*

3 cups    Powdered Sugar (save money and blend your own sugar until soft and fine)

1 1/2 cup Powder Dutch cocoa powder

1 cup      Nondairy powder creamer (Try mint for a nice kick)

1/2 cup   Chocolate Chips (semi sweet, white, or both)

* Can omit if hot cocoa is usually made with milk or milk substitute. If using water and powder milk is omitted, taste may change.
1. Place all ingredients in a resealable can/jar, shake or stir to mix. Enjoy one to two scoops per mug of hot water or milk.

Chili Seasoning

4 tbsp      Chili Powder

2 1/2tsp   Ground Coriander

3 tsp        Ground Cumin 

1 1/2 tsp   Garlic Powder

1 tsp         Dried Oregano

1/2 tsp     Cayenne Pepper

1 tbsp       Crushed Red Pepper

1/2 tbsp    Sugar

1 tbsp       Dried Parsley

3 tsp         Salt

2 tsp         Dried basil

3/4 tsp      Ground Black Pepper

2 tsp         Cornstarch (optional for thick chili)

This mixture can be adjusted to fit your family's taste. I omit Cayenne pepper and Crushed Red pepper as we can not eat peppers any more.
1. Mix together in a resealable container/jar. Use as receipt calls.