5 things to make instead of buy.

Watching other peoples grocery hauls reminds us of things that we can make easy and save money in the process. 

Five things that take almost no effort and save a lot of money over time. 

1. Jars of gravy.   Gravy is a thickening agent, water, and beef or chicken stock or drippings from cooking beef or chicken.   Take the drippings off the pan , shake flour into the drippings until the fat is absorbed ( off the hear). Now put back on the heat and start adding water a little at a time until you have the consistency you want.  OR place bouillon in a skillet an add a slurry of. Water and flour or cornstarch into the bouillon until it is the consistency you want.  
2. Bread crumbs.   Why pay for someone else's dry bread and throw yours away?    Ditto croutons.   
3. Taco seasoning.   Anything in an individual packet is going to be expensive.    You can tailor your own level of heat when you make it yourself.   Making a bulk batch is quick and easy.   
4. Muffins: Muffins store bought can cost as much as a dollar a piece.   A few minutes with inexpensive ingredients can make a dozen in a snap.   Add any fruit or veggie .   
5. Sloppy joe sauce.   Many recipe out there.   Another simple, quick fix.