Are there things that you DON'T cook from scratch as its cheaper not to?

Gigervamp

I made pasta once. It turned out like boiled pastry!

We use pretty much what everyone else has mentioned. Since hubby has taken over cooking duties, we're now eating a lot of convenience food. Don't like it, but needs must.

BAGGY

Jams, pickles and chutney. Ketchup, mayo and mustards. Baked beans, tinned toms, value tinned soup (to use as a base for stew). Stock cubes, dried pasta, pesto. Fish fingers (aldi), skinny oven chips, sausages and hot dogs. Cheese squares (evil but obligatory in burgers), rolls buns and bread goods. I have made bread in the oven with a mix with my kids but they wont eat crusty bread that has been frozen, so to heat the oven up for only one loaf seems excessive. I buy cake mix from Aldi that comes in a 'flour bag'. They do chocolate, ginger, toffee and Madeira. They are scrummy and make a huge tray bake. I buy puff pastry and pizzas on offer. I also buy ice cream, tinned fruit and yoghurt although sometime I make yoghurt in a flask (does anyone know if you can use a yakoult thing as a starter?).
Last night we had beef stew with dumplings and the base was tinned value soup. The rest was 'real' food.

dronid

Gosh, there's quite a lot. All condiments. I often use gravy granules though I can and do make gravy if I have time. Cakes, puddings, biscuits and sweets - again I can but they're already bad for you and I should steer clear as a matter of course.
I will boil up kidney beans and chick peas but if they're on offer I will have canned. Garlic and tomato purees. Bread, Ice cream.
For me it's a matter of time. We both work and I will cook generally from scratch but the above embellishments save a load of time.
Most of my cooking tends to be minimum effort for maximum effect.

janb5

NewShadow wrote: »

Life's to short to make pasta or puff pastry unless it's someones birthday

Diced onions about 50p for 3 onions worth - freeze them and it saves so much time and irritated eyes - fresh tend to be cheaper and better on offer than bags of pre-frozen

Instant coffee... easier than grinding but not as nice I admit, and saves some freezer space

Powdered hot chocolate rather than making it from scratch

Powdered custard if its not for something special - vanilla pods are too expensive day to day

Most of my jams, pickles and chutneys - but they are made by a lady at works mother.

I buy cheese and yogurt when I've not the inclination to make my own or if I want a harder/older cheese

I've been known to buy diced ginger and garlic for the freezer

Sausages and mince

Dehydrated veg for in couscous - though I really want a dehumidifier (when i have a house...)

hmmm... sure there's more stuff.

I`m with you on the frozen onion- I buy both red and white. And frozen peppers.

Farway

janb5 wrote: »

I`m with you on the frozen onion- I buy both red and white. And frozen peppers.

With you on frozen sliced mixed peppers, and add frozen sliced mushrooms [for stews etc]

I never thought of onions, but may now investigate

dronid

I've a mandolin to chop onions so it's really quick and they are cheaper but I still keep some occasionally. Frozen peppers, definately.

maman

janb5 wrote: »

I`m with you on the frozen onion- I buy both red and white. And frozen peppers.

My eyes stream when I chop onions, so my DH volunteered to do it for me.:D really kind of him but not always convenient. I must investigate price or get him chopping and freeze my own.


Peppers I tend to buy only when fresh are expensive.


My favourite is frozen leeks. I get mine in Farmfoods. They're something like £1 for 750g IIRC. Definitely good value and no prepping or waste. Brilliant for adding a handful to casseroles.


Otherwise, like others it's mainly things like stock cubes, tinned tomatoes etc. and I tend to buy pulses in tins when on offer rather than use up freezer space.


Lately have used microwave bags of pilau rice to jazz up a HM curry.

GwylimT

I think the only premade item we use is pasatta as it is much cheaper than making our own.

sillyinthepast

I do buy condiments. I also buy puff pastry. I also buy crossiants when they are reduced because the amount of butter you have to use to make them from scratch.

I do try to make most things from scratch but I always have a jar of pasta bake in the cupboard for those nights when I just run out of time.

janb5

By the way you can always freeze ginger for the times you cant get it and grate it without peeling.