Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings Here's how to make classic chicken and dumplings! Start with a hearty chicken and vegetable stew, then adding delicious homemade dumplings. Learn the trick to light and fluffy homemade dumplings that still hold together. https://ift.tt/2GPKzby

Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf

Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Here's a new riff on classic meatloaf with bourbon BBQ glaze! The secret to tender meatloaf? Mince your veggies and give them a quick sauté before mixing them into the meatloaf. You'll love it! https://ift.tt/2GOpdvm

How to Choose the Best Food Storage Containers

How to Choose the Best Food Storage Containers Considering some new food storage containers? Wondering about glass verses plastic? Round or rectangular? Here's everything you need to choose the best containers for your needs. https://ift.tt/2ThYzk1

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions Chicken fajitas are made even simpler and easier with this sheet pan recipe! A quick marinade makes the chicken tasty and tender. Serve it right from the pan for an easy Tex-Mex family favorite. https://ift.tt/2VlVCg2

Menu Plan Monday, February 25th

Menu Plan Monday, February 25th

It’s Monday again and time to plan our meals for the week. Planning your meals can help you save money by eating at home instead of eating out. Need a few meal ideas? Check out what’s cooking at our house this week…

My son will be so excited about one of our dinner’s this week.

He loves and I mean loves hamburgers. This week we will be making them at home for dinner. I think the homemade burgers are better than just about any you can get while eating out.

I’ll be making baked fries to go with the burgers.

The rest of the week will be easy dinners. The easy sesame chicken is a recipe was a big hit, so it’s back on the menu for this week too. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

You should really give it a try, I’m sure your family will like it too.

We are continuing to use up the leftover Christmas ham from the freezer again this week. Surprisingly we aren’t tired of it yet. 

Our lunches look a little boring this week. Well, all except the pizza cups. Some weeks it’s hard to decide what to have for lunch.

Breakfast will be the usual during the week, but on the weekends we’ll be having sticky buns. They are so quick and easy to make, but oh so good. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Here’s what’s cooking at our house this week

Dinners

Hamburgers and Baked Fries

Teriyaki Chicken, Rice, and Stir Fry Vegetables

Chili potatoes, Salad, and Fruit

Ham Slices, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Pizza and Salad

Easy Sesame Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli

Grandma’s Pork Chops, Roasted Potatoes, and Salad

Lunches

Leftover most days

Sandwiches, Chips, and Fruit

Pizza Cups and Salad

Breakfast

Toast, Eggs and Oatmeal

Cinnamon Twist Scones, Sausage, and Eggs

Caramel Sticky Buns, Eggs, and Sausage

What’s on your menu for this week? If you have any great lunch ideas I would love to have you leave them in the comments below. 

Do you need help planning your menu? Find my menu planning tips here with a free printable menu planner page and here for frugal menu planning tips.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

Find more menu plan ideas at Org Junkie too.

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Host a Pretzel Play Date: 10 Pretzel Activities for Children During Lent

Host a Pretzel Play Date: 10 Pretzel Activities for Children During Lent

Host a Pretzel Play Date – 10 Pretzel Activities for Children During Lent is a post by contributing writer Martianne of Training Happy Hearts. Pray. Fast. Give. Party! This may not seem like the most conventional motto for making a meaningful Lenten journey, but it is a reality in our home. While I appreciate the

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Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn

Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn Need something quick and delicious for dinner? This Southwest Skillet Chicken is easy, freezer-friendly, and ready in 35 minutes. Make it with beans, corn, and bell peppers! https://ift.tt/2GFWbOh

Vegan Chickpea Minestrone

Vegan Chickpea Minestrone A couple of easy ingredient swaps turns classic minestrone into a vegan meal. Veggie stock and almond creamer are the secret weapons that turn this into a comforting weeknight soup. https://ift.tt/2GZ9KI3

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: February Week 4

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: February Week 4 Looking for some recipes to make this week? In this week's meal plan, we've got Roasted Red Pepper Soup, Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Pasta Bolognese, and MORE! https://ift.tt/2tztFFq

Homemade Shamrock Pretzel Pops – Fun St. Patrick’s Day Snack

Homemade Shamrock Pretzel Pops – Fun St. Patrick’s Day Snack

Saint Patrick’s Day is coming up and I have a fun and easy snack idea! These homemade shamrock pretzel pops are perfect for at home or as a Saint Patrick’s Day snack for a party or gathering. (Maybe even for a Saint Patrick’s Day playdate!) Beyond being cute and easy, I also love that these shamrock

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Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie Here's a from-scratch Chicken Pot Pie adapted from Marshall Field's classic recipe. With a slow-cooked chicken, a creamy vegetable filling, and a handmade pie crust, this pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. https://ift.tt/2XhSJhN

Goldfish Chicken Tenders

Goldfish Chicken Tenders Goldfish Chicken Tenders are the ultimate kid-friendly snack that meets the ultimate kid-friendly dinner! These tenders are baked in the oven to crispy perfection. But guess what? Adults love them, too. https://ift.tt/2ElFx49

Coconut Golden Milk

Coconut Golden Milk Are you ready for your new favorite winter beverage? Try Golden Milk! This warming Indian drink is made with coconut milk, ginger, and turmeric. It also happens to be vegan! http://bit.ly/2BKc8ie

Lasagna

Lasagna This classic lasagna is made with an easy meat sauce as the base. Layer the sauce with noodles and cheese, then bake until bubbly! This is great for feeding a big family, and freezes well, too. http://bit.ly/2Ioz5gS

Winter Lunchbox Notes for Kids (Free Printable)

Winter Lunchbox Notes for Kids (Free Printable)

Post Preview: These cute and funny winter-themed cards for kids are sure to add a giggle to lunch when used as winter lunchbox notes. They are also fabulous to use with a piece of candy attached for winter class parties! They are available as a free download in this post. There are also additional winter

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Puerto Rican Rice Stew with Shrimp and Pigeon Peas (Asopao de Camarones y Gandules)

Puerto Rican Rice Stew with Shrimp and Pigeon Peas (Asopao de Camarones y Gandules) This hearty, filing Puerto Rican stew is full of pigeon peas, shrimp, and rice. It's satisfying soul food for cold days—or any day you need some TLC. Soaking the rice ahead of time speeds up the cooking. http://bit.ly/2NcCmi5

Menu Plan Monday, February 18th

Menu Plan Monday, February 18th

It’s the start of a new week and time to make our meal plans. This week we are having one of our family’s favorites. See the full meal plan below…

This week we are having our favorite meal, pizza. My family just loves pizza and it’s really inexpensive to make at home.

We will also be having a ham dinner again this week to try to use up the ham that’s been hanging out in the freezer since Christmas. Got to use it up. 

We’ll be enjoying a couple of chicken dinners this week too. Chicken is always a good choice for a frugal meal when you can find it on sale. We’ll be having barbecued chicken from the freezer.

And an easy sheet pan dinner of sweet chili chicken. I love that I only have to prep the vegetable and chicken, put it in the oven and then let it bake. It gives me time to do other things while it cooks. 

My son was asking about having egg noodles. I’ll be making beef and noodles this week for lunch since we love it so much and it’s easy to make too.

For breakfasts on the weekend, I’ll bake a batch of baked maple bars. If you haven’t ever made them at home they are so good. You’ll have to give them a try.

Here’s what’s cooking at our house this week

Dinners

Honey Spiced Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Pan Fried Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Beef and Celery, Egg Noodles, Fruit, and Vegetables

Ham, Eggs, Hash Browns, and Toast

BBQ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

Pizza and Salad

Sweet Chili Chicken, with Rice

Lunches

Leftover most days

 Beef Noodles, Fruit, and Vegetable Sticks

Burritos, Chips and Salsa

Breakfast

Toast, Eggs and Oatmeal

Pancakes, Sausage, and Eggs

Baked Maple Bars, Eggs, and Sausage

What’s cooking at your house for this week?

Do you need help planning your menu? Find my menu planning tips here with a free printable menu planner page and here for my frugal menu planning tips.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

Find more menu plan ideas at Org Junkie too.

The post Menu Plan Monday, February 18th appeared first on Frugal Family Home.

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Herbes de Provence Skillet Chicken with Potatoes and Greens

Herbes de Provence Skillet Chicken with Potatoes and Greens One pan? Yes, please! This French Herbes de Provence skillet chicken uses chicken tenders, potatoes, olives, and spinach make quick work for this weeknight, freezer friendly meal. http://bit.ly/2tpUOKU

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: February Week 3

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: February Week 3 What's on the menu plan this week? Well, we've got pan-seared pork chops, cheesy bruschetta chicken, broccoli cheddar soup, and MORE! http://bit.ly/2Nb6zxV

BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Pizza

BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Pizza What about BBQ chicken for your next pizza?! This recipe uses leftover cooked chicken and balances sweetness with heat with a hickory BBQ sauce. Press the dough into the pan, add the toppings, and you're good to go! http://bit.ly/2SR6a9e

George Washington Word Search (Free Printable)

George Washington Word Search (Free Printable)

George Washington Word Search Post Preview: Perfect for Presidents’ Day, Washington’s Birthday, or any time of year that you’re studying George Washington, this post contains a set of George Washington word search printables for kids as well as other George Washington resources. With Presidents’ Day coming up next week, it is a great time to

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Abraham Lincoln Word Search (Free Printable)

Abraham Lincoln Word Search (Free Printable)

Perfect for Presidents’ Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, or any time of year when studying Abraham Lincoln, this post contains a set of Abraham Lincoln word search printables for kids as well as other Abraham Lincoln resources. With Presidents’ Day coming up next week, it seemed like the perfect time to switch gears from celebrating Valentine’s Day

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Quick & Easy Hamburger Soup

Quick & Easy Hamburger Soup This Hamburger Soup is so QUICK and EASY! It's ready in 30 minutes and makes a great last-minute weeknight meal. You only need ground beef, diced tomatoes, broth, and a few veggies. http://bit.ly/2DNtxHk

Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Tetrazzini

Pressure Cooker Pesto Chicken Tetrazzini A creamy pressure cooker pasta with tender chicken, fragrant pesto and sweet carrots to add to your weekly repertoire! http://bit.ly/2N4lgD0

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Slow Cooker Jambalaya This Slow Cooker Jambalaya is a great way to make this New Orleans favorite with less effort! It's loaded with shrimp, chicken, sausage, rice, and Creole seasonings. http://bit.ly/2thbcxo

Frugal vs Cheap, Does it Really Matter?

Frugal vs Cheap, Does it Really Matter?

Frugal vs cheap, does it really matter which you are?

Are you frugal or are you cheap? It’s sometimes hard to know and maybe you’re a little of both. You want to save money but is it costing you more? Let’s talk about it and see when is the right time to be frugal and when it might be good to be cheap.

Frugal vs Cheap

Being careful with money is a good trait to have. But can it be taken too far and end up costing you more in the long run? That’s what I’m chatting about in this podcast. Have a listen and see when it’s best to be frugal and when to be cheap.

Show Notes and body of podcast…

These are the cliff notes version of the podcast If you want to hear of a few examples where cheapness bit me and when being frugal paid off be sure to listen to the podcast. If you want the basic concept of the podcast keep on reading…

Let’s start out by defining what frugal, thrifty and cheap really are…

What’s Frugal or Thrifty?

When you are thrifty or frugal, you try to use your money and other resources carefully. You are careful not to waste them.

Most people would say using the word thrifty or frugal to describe themselves is a good thing.

Frugal can also mean simple or plain, nothing fancy just the basics to make it function.

What’s Cheap?

We often associate cheap with negative emotions. I envision someone is stingy with their money. Always wanting to get something for less than it’s actually worth.

Or cheap can be an inexpensive product because it’s not as good of quality.

Are you Cheap or Frugal? Does it Really Matter?

I think many people use cheap or frugal interchangeably. But I see them differently.

You can be a frugal person and buy an expensive appliance because you know it will last 3 times as long and in the long run it will cost you less money.

You can be a cheap person and buy items at their cheapest lowest price to save money and most of the time this will work out great. But if it’s an item you need to last, being cheap could be problems.

The Problem with Being Cheap All the Time

There is nothing wrong with being cheap on items that need not last. I buy cheap paper plates. Why, because we will use them once and throw them out. They might bend a little or leak a little but they get the job done.

The same goes for many paper products or other one time use products. If they will be used and thrown out, then saving money on these items usually works out well.

But when you cheap out on products you need to last it could cost you more.

When Being Frugal but Not Cheap Can Pay Off

You can be frugal when buying expensive or big-ticket items. Taking a little time to ask around, read reviews can help you get a high-quality product and get the best price too.

First, you need to do research.

Ask others about the product you’ll be buying and see why they use or brand they like. How well it’s preformed and any problems they’ve had. Most people will share if you ask.

Look Over Reviews

Read reviews and see what others are saying about the product you are buying. People are always more apt to leave a bad review than a good one but it will give you an idea of how well the product is built and the quality too.

Read an Unbiased Review Publication

On big-ticket items like appliances I almost always pay for a month’s access to consumer reports and check the review.

But you might access Consumer Reports through your library for free be sure to check for the issue you need first.

Have the Best of Both Worlds

You can be a cheap and a frugal person, in fact I recommend it.

I say cheap out on one time use items when you need them. Get less expensive or thrift store clothes when you can. And use your cheapness on items you don’t need to last all that long.

Use your frugal side when you are looking to buy items you really need to last. Or items you want to last to avoid the cost of replacing them.

So in the debate for frugal vs cheap, I say why not be both? It can save you the most money.

What do you buy cheap and what kind of purchases are you frugal about? Leave me a comment below.

Find More Money Saving Ideas…

Old Fashioned Frugal Living Tips

10 Foods the Freeze Well, Stop Food Waste and Save Money

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How to Swap Morton Kosher Salt for Diamond Crystal, and Vice Versa

How to Swap Morton Kosher Salt for Diamond Crystal, and Vice Versa The brand of kosher salt — and how you measure it — can make a real difference in your recipe. http://bit.ly/2IbaTP3

The Simply Recipes Guide to Salt

The Simply Recipes Guide to Salt Salt is essential to cooking. It dials up the flavor of any dish, sweet or savory, but there are so many kinds! Consider this your guide to the salty side! http://bit.ly/2E8yM5B

Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup

Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup This easy Chinese egg drop soup is ready in less than 15 minutes and tastes just like the soup at your favorite Chinese restaurant! It's made with eggs, ginger, green onions, and mushrooms. http://bit.ly/2tjrw0I

Free Printable Valentine Memory Game for Kids

Free Printable Valentine Memory Game for Kids

Free Printable Valentine Memory Game for Kids Post Preview: This post has a 16 card memory game printable with Valentine-themed pictures. In addition to the printable, there are ideas for how to use memory cards with a variety of ages. One of the games I remember really enjoying when I was a kid was Memory.

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Cauliflower Gnocchi with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Kick your cauliflower gnocchi up a notch with this creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with fresh herbs makes for a rustic, delicious dish! Regular gnocchi works great, too. http://bit.ly/2Gm3dYy

Cauliflower Gnocchi (Trader Joe’s Copycat!)

Cauliflower Gnocchi (Trader Joe’s Copycat!) Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi has become a popular frozen food kitchen staple. This copycat version uses five ingredients—so easy! Add it to soup, toss with your favorite sauce, or sauté with a little olive oil for a simple Italian dinner. http://bit.ly/2I8hR7a

Menu Plan Monday, February 11th

Menu Plan Monday, February 11th

Happy Monday! Are you ready for a new week? If you need to plan your meals for this week maybe what’s cooking at my house can help. Scroll down for a few dinner ideas…

We have quite a bit of ham slices leftover from Christmas, in the freezer. This month we will be having ham about once a week to use it up. This week will have ham slice with mashed potatoes on the side. 

I’m also making a few slow cooker dishes this week too. If you are looking for an easy pork dinner to make in the slow cooker, give the cranberry pork roast a try.

It’s simple to put together but so good. Even fancy enough for a holiday dinner, maybe for Easter?

My kids picked spaghetti for dinner and we will be having that for one dinner.

My son really wanted chicken tenders this week, so we will be having some for lunch. I’ll also be making a favorite for breakfast this week, sausage breakfast sandwiches. They are easy to make and freeze really well for a quick breakfast.

If you need a super simple dinner try the chili baked potatoes. You can make your own chili from scratch or use a can of chili if you are short on time. Our whole family really loves this dinner and I love how easy it is to make. 

Here’s what’s cooking at our house this week

Dinners

Cranberry Pork Roast, Roasted Potatoes, and Vegetables

Ham Slices, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Island Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli

Spaghetti with Homemade Pasta Sauce, Salad, and Garlic Bread

Salmon Patties, Rice, Vegetables, and Homemade Tartar Sauce

Chili Potatoes, Salad, and Fruit

Lunches

Leftover most days

Grilled Sandwiches, Fruit, and Soup

Chicken Tenders, Baked Fries, and Fruit

Breakfast

Toast, Eggs and Oatmeal

Pancakes, Sausage, and Eggs

Breakfast Sandwiches and Fruit

What’s on your menu for this week?

Do you need help planning your menu? Find my menu planning tips here with a free printable menu planner page and here for my frugal menu planning tips.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

Find more menu plan ideas at Org Junkie too.

The post Menu Plan Monday, February 11th appeared first on Frugal Family Home.

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Saint Valentine Printables and Worksheet Packet

Saint Valentine Printables and Worksheet Packet

Four years ago, I created the original Saint Valentine Printables and Worksheets Packet. I have been working on a new update to the packet. I’m excited that the Saint Valentine Printables and Worksheets Packet has gone from 14-pages to 35-pages with updated graphics! Saint Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching on February 14th. While it includes

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Italian Skillet Chicken with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Onions

Italian Skillet Chicken with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Onions Break out your skillet tonight for this Italian-inspired chicken dish! Spinach, tomatoes, red onion, and capers combine to make this super simple meal a flavor superstar. Freezes well, too! http://bit.ly/2RV00QI

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: February Week 2

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: February Week 2 Here's your Valentine's Week menu! Show your love with rosemary lamb chops, cozy black bean soup, hawaiian chicken, and more! http://bit.ly/2RNJmT3

Indian Chicken Biryani

Indian Chicken Biryani Have you ever tried making Indian biryani at home? There's something magical that happens when you combine chicken, rice, a number of spices and you infuse it with cardamom pods, saffron, and top the whole thing with fried onions. http://bit.ly/2SCRbja

Day Trading Options

via IFTTT

Our Top 6 Recipes Made with Real Milk

Our Top 6 Recipes Made with Real Milk We’ve teamed up with Milk Life to bring you our top recipes made with real milk. From chicken fried steak to bread pudding we’ve got simple goodness covered. http://bit.ly/2Bobjvi

Valentine’s Day Menu for a Date-Night In

Valentine’s Day Menu for a Date-Night In Who's staying in for Valentine's Day?! We've got your whole menu ready to go. Choose from these great recipes and http://bit.ly/2GuhpOj

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup The BEST chicken tortilla soup! It's made with crispy fried strips of corn tortillas in a tomato-based Mexican soup with chicken stock, chiles, avocado, Jack cheese, cilantro and lime. Comfort food at its best. http://bit.ly/2DWIR5J

New U Financial - "Pay It Forward" Credit Repair Program

New U Financial - "Pay It Forward" Credit Repair Program
New U Financial is the Only Company Offering True Pay It Forward Credit Repair Services! http://bit.ly/2SiiaQV We are "Paying it Forward" Sign Up Free Today & I'll Pay Your $200mo Brokers Fee! https://boost.link/newu Make $1,000's Giving Away MONEY 100% FREE Opportunity (limited time) All Software, Training, & Tools Provided Get access to the FREE webinar #NewUFinancial #PayItForward #FinancialServices Getting Started Is Easy It takes just a few minutes to request an assessment. The first step is to create a free profile! This will give you access to our private credit portal and you will fill out just three short forms. Once you request an assessment, one of our credit coaches will contact you within 48 hours. Each One Helps One The Pay it Forward program is the genesis of our core philosophy. “If you help people get what they want, you will get what you want” and ALL of us want more income and time freedom. Paying it forward is a way to help yourself while helping others. Here’s how it works There are 68 million people in America with slow to bad credit. VIP Funding Solutions has the platform that can enhance or restore their credit enabling them to become credit partners and create passive monthly income. Our Pay It Forward program uses money that has been pooled from prior credit partners to finance the credit enhancement service for future credit partners. In other words…Each One Helps One. A portion of funds acquired from each funded partner goes to helping new candidates enhance their credit scores so they too can become credit partners and this cycle of reciprocity continues funder to funder. Helping You Live The American Dream For too long Americans have been taught to use credit to create liabilities. We then are forced to work today to pay down debt tomorrow. It’s no wonder why two thirds of the population struggle with poor credit. VIP Funding Solutions teaches to use your credit as a cash producing asset instead of creating liabilities that enslave you. Our credit partners not only enjoy passive monthly income but also receive a world class education on how to create wealth utilizing their good credit. Moreover those that don’t qualify for funding today may take advantage of our “Pay It Forward” program to get the credit enhancement they need to catapult their credit score enabling them to create wealth utilizing their newly bolstered credit score. NewU Financial New U Financial NewUFinancial New U Financial (844) 325-4688 http://bit.ly/2SiiaQV support@newufinancial.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klbUbHxZ_Og

Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Peas

Creamy Pasta with Salmon and Peas Check out this creamy, saucy pasta with tender salmon and vibrant peas! It's easy to throw together on a weeknight, packed with protein, and sure to become a new family favorite. http://bit.ly/2GbePNP

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Slow cooker, meet mac and cheese! If you're looking for a hands-off recipe for delicious mac and cheese, you've found it. We have a few tricks to avoid mushy pasta and watery sauce, too! http://bit.ly/2WKj2wV

Chicken Milanese

Chicken Milanese This classic Italian Chicken Milanese is surprisingly EASY and FAST to make at home. Serve it with a side salad for an easy weeknight meal. Also works as a make-ahead dish! http://bit.ly/2TANFD1

How to Make Peanut Butter, Quick and Easy Recipe

How to Make Peanut Butter, Quick and Easy Recipe

Maybe you’re trying to cut back on refined sugar, maybe you’re trying to save money here and there. But what if you could do both in about 5 minutes? When you make your own homemade peanut butter, you can. Here’s how to make peanut butter from scratch in only a few minutes!

Homemade peanut butter can be healthier than store bought, but it can also be less expensive too.

How often does that happen? Something good for you is also less expensive.

Well, probably more often than I thinking of right now. But it’s not the way we think of healthy stuff.

We often think if it’s healthier it will cost more. And while sometimes that’s true but not with homemade peanut butter from scratch.

How to Make Peanut Butter From Scratch

It’s easy to buy peanut butter. It’s at every store, even the convince stores. It’s yummy and so versatile.

But there’re ingredients you might not want in the store-bought peanut butter. Things like palm oil or hydrogenated vegetable oil and sugar.

Shouldn’t peanut butter be made from just peanuts? Or couldn’t you make it from peanuts?

Well, let’s start with what ingredients you need to make homemade peanut butter with.

Ingredients of Peanut Butter from Scratch

All you really need is peanuts to make peanut butter. And maybe something to add a touch of sweetness too. But did you know when you add vanilla it tastes sweeter without having to add sugar?

I use vanilla instead of sugar in our homemade sunflower butter to make it seem a little sweeter and it works great in the homemade peanut butter too.

Just two ingredients are needed…

Peanuts
Vanilla

Peanuts to Use…

You can use salted and roasted peanuts that’s our favorite. But you can use unsalted peanuts too if you are watching your salt intake.

Or you can buy raw peanuts, roast them yourself and use those instead but that seems like an extra step you need not do unless you want to.

Add vanilla instead of sugar…

I like to add a little vanilla to add a touch of sweetness without having to add sugar, like the store-bought brands of peanut butter. It won’t taste as sweet but you also won’t be adding sugar.

Some of the links below are my referral links. Which means when you purchase through them I can make a little money at no extra cost to you. Thanks! See my disclosure policy for more information.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Peanut Butter

You’ll need a processor to make homemade peanut butter. I like to use my food processor. This model I have works great with two speeds. I make sunflower butter every week and a half in with it.

But you can use a blender to make peanut butter too. But it really needs to be a powerful blender. A blender like a Vitamix or a Ninja blender should work well.

How to Make Peanut Butter at Home

This video will show how easy it is to make peanut butter at home from start to finish using a food processor. You can use a Vitamix or a Ninja blender if you have one.

Be sure to keep going for the printable recipe, variations of the original recipe you can try, and how much it cost to make homemade peanut butter.

Variations of Homemade Peanut Butter

Chunky

If you’ve gotten this far and said well great if I want creamy peanut butter I’m set, but I love chunky peanut butter. I hear you, I’m a chunky peanut butter person too.

If you want to have chunky peanut butter, you can add a few more peanuts at the end of the processing and grind them in a few turns.

Or chop a handful or two of peanuts and add them in at the end.

Maple Peanut Butter

Instead of using vanilla, switch and use maple flavoring instead. Or if you don’t have maple flavoring, add a little maple syrup.

Cinnamon Peanut Butter

To the original recipe when adding the vanilla add about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. It will give a little cinnamon flavor to your peanut butter. Perfect for toast in the morning.

How Long Does Homemade Peanut Butter last?

Homemade peanut butter can last quite a while. If you store it in the refrigerator which is where we store ours, it should easily store a month or two. Although ours only lasts a few weeks since we go through it so fast.

If you need to store homemade peanut butter longer, it can go into the freezer for long-term storage. But you might need to stir the oils back in once thawed.

If you want to store the homemade peanut butter at room temperature, only make enough to last a week. And be sure to add it to a sterilized jar after making it.

Is It Cheaper to Make Peanut Butter at Home?

Now for the big question, is homemade peanut butter cheaper than store-bought peanut butter?

I’ve crunched the numbers and here’s what I found…

What does store bought peanut butter cost?

A 16-ounce jar of peanut butter at a good price is $1.99 on sale, it sells for less than that but only once a year. Which works out to $.12 per ounce.

I can get peanut butter at $.10 an ounce at Costco. So if you shop Costco that would be an even better deal.

Now those prices are for the regular peanut butter with sugar and oils added too.

For natural peanut butter at the store, not organic but peanut butter than has just peanuts, oil, and salt. Like our homemade version. That costs about $4.49 for 16 ounces or $.28 an ounce.

If you want to compare homemade peanut butter to natural peanut butter, it would be $.28 an ounce at the store and the usual best price for regular peanut butter would be $.10 an ounce.

What does homemade peanut butter cost to make?

Now making peanut butter at home will cost $1.43 for 16 ounces. That includes peanuts and vanilla. Which works out to $.09 an ounce.

It’s not a huge amount of savings over the regular store-bought peanut butter. But if you compare our homemade peanut butter to the cost of the natural peanut butter, that’s that’s a saving of $.20 an ounce.

Which means the homemade peanut butter is a saving of $3.21 a jar. Now that is a big difference.

If you eat 2 jars of peanut butter a month you can end up saving almost $63 a year. If you eat more than that you could save even more.

Grab the printable homemade peanut butter recipe below…

Homemade Peanut Butter

A quick and easy way to make peanut butter at home and save money too.

• 3 cups Peanuts (salted and roasted)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla

1. Place the peanuts into the food processor and let run a minute. The peanuts will go from nuts to tiny pieces of nuts.
2. It will start to build up the side and then fall back in.
3. Add the vanilla and keep processing until the peanuts break up more.
4. Stop the processors, scrape down the sides.
5. Continue processing the peanuts until they are smooth and creamy.

To make this homemade peanut butter chunky, stir in half a cup of chopped nuts after processing. You can also swap the vanilla for maple flavoring to make a yummy maple peanut butter. Or add cinnamon to make cinnamon peanut butter.

If you’d love to be able to afford the natural peanut butter but the prices are too high, make your own peanut butter. You can save money even compared to the regular peanut butter with sugar in it and eat more healthy too.

What do you make at home to save your family money? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

More Homemade Recipe Ideas you’ll love…

35+ Recipes to Make at Home and Save Money

Make Your Own Almond Butter

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Menu Plan Monday, February 4th

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It’s Monday and time to think about what you’ll be cooking this week. Having a plan can help you to eat more at home, eat out less and save money too. Need a few dinner ideas to add to your meal plan? Take a peek at what’s cooking at our house this week.

Do you love bean soup? The slow cooker white bean soup recipe on our meal plan this week is really good. We tried it last year and it is one we eat often now.  

I try to make soups fairly often, in the winter, they are a great way to serve a hearty meal, without breaking the bank.

One of our favorite freezer meals is Italian chicken. It’s super simple to make for the freezer and just as easy to prepare.

This time around I’ll be baking it in the oven along with the roasted potatoes for dinner. But in the summer it can be grilled or cooked in the slow cooker. 

Whenever I’m making chicken for the freezer I always make at least 3 packages of Italian chicken since we love it so much. 

If you have bone in or boneless chicken thighs another great recipe is the garlic and herb chicken we are having this week. 

The sausage and vegetable sheet pan dish is a simple and easy dinner too. Cut  up the vegetables and place them on the sheet pan. Into the oven and in just a bit dinner is ready. 

Since it’s still rainy here, I’ll make our brown sugar steaks under the broiler but this dinner is also great grilled too.

Talking about grilling is sure making me want the nice warmer days of spring to get here soon. 

Here’s what’s cooking at our house this week

Dinners

Spaghetti with Homemade Pasta Sauce, Salad, and Garlic Bread

Sausage and Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner, Salad, and Fruit

Italian Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, and Green Beans

Slow Cooker White Bean Soup, Bread, and Fruit

Garlic and Herb Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

Brown Sugar Steaks, Baked Potatoes, and Salad

Chicken Marsala, Egg Noodles, and Salad

Lunches

Leftover most days

Grilled Sandwiches, Chips, and Fruit

Homemade Mac and Cheese, Salad, and Fruit

Breakfast

Toast, Eggs and Oatmeal

Waffles, Sausage, and Eggs

Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Scones, Eggs, and Sausage

What’s on your menu for this week?

Do you need help planning your menu? Find my menu planning tips here with a free printable menu planner page and here for my frugal menu planning tips.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

Find more menu plan ideas at Org Junkie too.

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