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BUYING IN BULK

minestrone by Rachel Paxton

Shoppers have enjoyed the convenience of buying in bulk for a number of years. My own bulk buying experiences have been hit and miss at best, but I recently discovered just how convenient buying in bulk can be.

Advantages
There are a number of advantages to buying in bulk:
  • some items are available only in bulk
  • you can choose the quantity
  • bulk prices are usually less than packaged prices
  • less packaging
  • less additives and preservatives when you make your own meals and mixes
  • more variety
  • often healthy alternatives not always otherwise available

Organize First
When you buy in bulk it's a good idea to get your cupboards in order. There are a number of ways you can store bulk items:

  • recycled plastic containers and glass jars
  • Rubbermaid or Ziploc containers (4 4-cup Ziploc containers cost less than $2)
  • resealable bags
  • for some items (e.g. oatmeal) you can re-use the original container

Labeling
A key to bulk storage is labeling. Make sure all containers are air-tight and clearly labeled and dated. Bulk items have a long shelf life because they have been prepared with long-term storage in mind. For more bulk storage ideas see http://www.nursehealer.com/Storage.htm.

Freshness
I've always wondered if bulk items are as fresh as packaged. In my experience bulk items have been very fresh--even raisins! You'd be amazed at all the things you can buy in bulk. Here's a partial list to get you thinking of the possibilities:

Baking:
  • flours
  • cornmeal
  • spices
  • chocolate, carob, peanut butter, butterscotch chips
  • raisins
  • sugars

Grains:
  • granolas
  • oats (regular, quick-cooking)
  • rice (all kinds)
  • cereals (all kinds)

Dried Fruits:
  • pineapple
  • apricots
  • raisins
  • papaya
  • bananas
  • apples
  • cranberries
  • prunes
  • dates

Beans:
  • split peas
  • navy beans
  • pinto beans
  • kidney beans
  • soy beans
  • soup blends

Pasta:
  • spaghetti
  • lasagna
  • elbow macaroni
  • egg noodles (all shapes and sizes)

Nuts:
  • peanuts
  • sunflower seeds
  • almonds (whole, slivered)
  • walnuts

Vegetables:
  • sun-dried tomatoes
  • peppers

Recommended Reading:
I love this book! This book is great for any mom (or any cook, for that matter) that has those last minute treats to bring to M.O.P.S., Sunday School, Girl Scouts, or for any snacks at home. Just make up any of the many great recipes for the mixes to keep in your pantry. Then when you need them, they will be there! Just add a few "wet" ingredients, and -- ta da -- something warm and yummy from your oven! And all of them are at a low cost. My family especially likes the Muffin Mix (the Melt-In-Your-Mouth Muffins are the best!) and the Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix. I've recommended this book to many of my friends, and have given it as a gift, also. (courtesy: Amazon)

About the Author:
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of the Creative Homemaking Recipe of the Week Club Cookbook, a cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. Visit Creative Homemaking and in the Home and Garden section of Suite 101


kids in kitchen

kids-image Back to School

With the start of a new school year comes the start of busy schedules parents and children. When time is tight, it can be all too easy to steer towards stopping for that quick fast food for snacks and meals. We have some great food ideas that are fun, healthy and easy for you and your child to create for when those "need to eat in a hurry" times hit!

::Click here to start the fun!

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