Making it Cheaper by Making it Homemade! | Saving Money on Groceries

Hey friends! There are some things at the grocery store that I love, but are just too expensive lately! Luckily, I can save money and still get to enjoy them by making them at home. Here are just a few of the grocery products I've quit buying lately in favor of making it myself at home. There's garden vegetable cream cheese, chicken in a garlic parm sauce, and Shake N Bake.
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[@ImOnyxRS]

Little hack I used at my coffee shop when we started serving lunches and needed a spread. Knorr makes a vegetable mix packet that's meant for soup or dips, but if you dump it in cream cheese it makes a fantastic mixed vegetable spread. One packet is like a dollar and is enough for 2 blocks of cream cheese. No shelf life problems either.

[@laylalynn3525]

Yes! Mrs Dash also makes a garden veg seasoning and you can get a few uses out of it, same deal, no shelf life issues. I try to catch it on sale.

[@spaul7559]

I actually was going to comment the same thing because to me it tastes exactly the same as Philadelphia veggie which I love

[@jeanieolahful]

The spinach dip recipe on the packet is something I’ve brought to so many parties! Make it the night before for the best flavor.

[@rachelhero3413]

I do this all the time! It’s my go to for veggie cream cheese. So good as a spread or added to pasta, rice or potatoes when they are still steaming hot!

[@diamondsndhenna4784]

@@spaul7559 ohhh you're talking about using the packet instead of cutting up veggies to make the bagel spread. That's genius!

[@Genna.K]

Anyone else bingeing Lisa's videos today?

[@twatquat3322]

👋😀❤

[@joannad7384]

Meeeeee 🤗😍😋

[@janicedowney9231]

First Saturday off in over a year. I will be today.

[@Becky_One]

Yes! Just found her today❤

[@martia8086]

❤

[@eenaryeksec5563]

Your cooking reminds me of my mom. She was an amazing cook, who was thrifty. You have inspired me to cook more. Love your content.

[@lindahoffman8890]

I’ve started dehydrating bay leaves in my oven. A .15 oz.jar of dried organic bay leaves is $4.12. The same store has fresh organic bay leaves for $2.28, which when dried equals 2-3 jars of the pre-dried ones.

[@melinaz3385]

FYI, if you have a dehydrator 95 to 115 ' F is the temp for leaves, and when you dry the leaves in the oven, try to have your oven on the very lowest setting. this way the oils the flavor, won't evaporate from the bay leaf.

[@jenniferbrown483]

Smart

[@southerngal7899]

Don't throw those onion bottoms with the roots on away. Stick them in some dirt and no more buying those onions. In fact, any veggie you use with a root system can be used for a small garden. Also, keep the cut off parts of other veggies and boil for vegetable broth. Some ppl don't know this so this might help.

[@sendraschryer9947]

It works in water too

[@jesusislord7488]

I do this all the time, but all I’ve ever gotten is 2 or 3 very small onions per onion end piece. However, these small (quarter-sized) onions have an absolutely delicious, delicate, mild taste so well worth the effort.

[@Happy2Run4Me]

I replant my celery bottoms and after a (long) while I get a new bunch of celery! I replant my onions as well. I replanted an entire bunch of green onions i bought last year for $0.50 and got quarts and quarts of green onions off of them and they went to seed and gave me seeds which I planted elsewhere in the garden. They’re a lot of different veggies this works for. ☺️

[@eileenroberts1952]

That cream cheese would probably be really good on top of pasta

[@ThatLisaDawn]

Genius!!

[@darrinmckeehan9074]

Gonna definitely haveta try that! 😋

[@gccheryl4038]

Oh man, for sure!

[@wardrobelion]

Or stuffed peppers from the garden wrapped in 🥓 bacon 😋

[@nyae2006]

Oh I'm so happy every time you upload a new video. I'm vegan but I love your content. It's about you Lisa!

[@osoniye4209]

I'm vegan too and love her content. I can always see a way to make something similar that I would eat!

[@vegancharlieleeblue]

I didn't think anyone other Vegans enjoyed watching Lisa, but here we are ☺

[@MonkeyLuv127]

Same

[@maryquinones1865]

Same here 😊

[@sharonlynn3358]

I thought I was the only one that saved those rubber bands! Love your videos!

[@thruErinseyes]

Oh man me too!!

[@bethpowell6466]

I also save used bread ties. Can use it to close crockpot liners or other items that need cinched…shelf to legs of dumpster dived rack.

[@lucialuciferion6720]

I do the same, I never buy rubber bands, but yet have a ton from broccoli etc. My mom even cuts them in half so she has two 🥰

[@narcissisticsnorlax4319]

You’re such a lovely ray of sunshine. Thanks for sharing your tips. Definitely gonna try your garden veg cream cheese. Have a great week! ❤️

[@ginajordan5016]

Good information! I have been making my own bread, rolls, and pizza dough for about 2 years now because bread was scarce during the pandemic. Now it is just plain expensive, and quite frankly tastes crappy, so I continue to make it. I live in Raleigh as well, see you at Food Lion sometime! LOL!

[@mfarley252]

Two things I’ve been making from scratch: pierogies and tortillas-because of YOU!! ❤ thank you for your videos!

[@Inavanwithdan]

Best notification to receive, I’m sure I speak for everyone we all missed your videos. Can’t wait to see your garden again as well

[@nancyculp6968]

You can save the leftover bread crumbs that you dredged your chicken in. Place in a plastic bag and keep it in your freezer labeled that it has been used. I take center cut pork chops that I breakdown from a pork loin( from Sam’s). Place the chops in a greased baking dish. Coat the top of the chops with Dijon mustard sprinkle them with Copy Cat Good Seasons Italian dressing mix, then sprinkle them with breadcrumbs that have also been seasoned with GSIDM, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in 350 degree oven until done. If tops are not brown enough you can place under broiler for a few seconds or start off cooking chops at higher temp. I call these my Italian Pork Chops. Serve with twice baked potatoes and an Italian Salad...using your homemade Good Seasons Dressing mix. Serve with some garlic knots made from a cheap can of biscuits or make some homemade cheddar bay biscuits. I serve pasta with this at times too. Lemon Orzo would be nice with this too. You could take any leftover of the bread crumbs place in a baggie large enough to shake and make your own homemade fish sticks! I do this and my son will not eat regular frozen anymore! Lol. You can just get cod fillets and drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle it on top to make scrod...just add a little lemon zest to brighten it up...serve with some homemade tarter sauce... it is so good.

[@sweetjohnny8211]

I thought you might have stopped youtubing! Nice to see another post.

[@laimaz6340]

I am so impressed with your knife skills…teeny tiny diced veggies! An art I have not mastered 🙃

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I haven't mastered that either. I liked an above suggestion of dry veggie soup mix, lol.

[@darrinmckeehan9074]

Right!?-I cringed the whole time Lisa cut the baby carrots 🙀🤦🥕

[@dotcassilles1488]

Use the smallest grater side or if you have one a microplane like what was used for the parmesan cheese

[@abbieross4965]

groceries are outrageous

[@jake_from_statefarm7209]

These look so good! And camping in NC sounds absolutely lovely. Those mountains are something else.

[@xingcat]

Always great to see your money-saving tips! During the summer, I never buy pickles, because I can make fridge pickles out of the cucumbers I grow in the garden. I also always make giant vats of pasta sauce whenever canned tomatoes are on sale. It freezes nicely and is pennies for a big bowl of pasta on a cold night.

[@BrandyLMilton]

I have a bread maker now. So much better. Also, I will take some stock, throw in all unused veggies, some beans and boom, soup night.

[@donnafreeman5435]

Love to see u in my feed again! Love your show!

[@jesusislord7488]

I use a free individual packet of Mayo to coat my chicken with before the breadcrumbs. I also use Panko breadcrumbs because they’re crispier.

[@Kristy1uga]

Glad you’re back! I’ve missed your money saving (cooking) videos! 😄

[@monicadiem2021]

I'm so glad you uploaded a new video. I have been waiting to see a new video from you. I love them all!!

[@Diana-xm1dm]

Please make homemade English muffins. I've made them many times and they're quick, easy, more delicious than McDonald's or store bought, and cheaper. I use flour, sweetener, salt, yeast, oil, and water. There are many youtube videos online, and they all work, but I would like to see your take. Well, I hope you make a video if you haven't yet. God Bless.

[@33tcamp]

Lisa Dawn, the first video I watched of yours was a dollar tree budget meal one and I wasn't too into it because it seemed kind of "open up some processed foods and heat". But then I realized what a good cook you are using budget ingredients from all sources. Kudos, great channel! FWIW, I make garden cream cheese much like you do and I add a little bit of chopped capers to give it the acidic/salty zing that I enjoy.

[@rosaliemetoyer6625]

I love that you love refried pinto beans. I grew up on beans and homemade tortillas it wasn't until I was an adult that I started eating refried pinto beans. Love the way you cook. Everything looks like it taste good. Enjoy your channel. Thanks

[@tanyamckinnon5376]

My husband is the one that told me I could make my own shake and bake. The price of convenience has gotten way too high

[@amyg763]

Good to see a video from you and hope all is well! Thanks!

[@districtofcrystal]

I love watching your videos! I especially loved the cream cheese recipe. I had never thought to make my own & it's so easy to make! I might even try to make some other flavors. Yummo!

[@dotcassilles1488]

My foster mum used to mix cream cheese and any kind of soup mix sachet together to make flavoured cream cheese as a healthier dip. We used to dip vegies in it or used it to spread on flatbread, crackers or toast.

[@districtofcrystal]

@@dotcassilles1488 That is so cool! I grew up eating mostly Korean food and I did not grow up in a creative culinary household, so I'm learning a lot from this channel and the comments section. Thank you for sharing your tip with me 😁

[@imaginarycanary9956]

Oh me too, the cream cheese looked great.

[@imaginarycanary9956]

@@dotcassilles1488 good idea. 🤗

[@abbieross4965]

Yes... she is back 😍

[@BCGirl822]

Enjoyed the video! You’re so smart. The chili night with friends sounds amazing, your friends are lucky to have you in their lives. Keep up the great work!

[@cherryreddkatt]

I also made honey pecan , strawberry or cinnamon swirl cream cheese when it wasn't available or was too pricey. I just like to throw those ideas out there if you ever do like a brunch with friends too.

[@ThatLisaDawn]

Good ideas!

[@Carolwarr448]

HI LOVELY LISA SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU. YEA!!!🤗

[@anakelly76512]

I'm late to this party. I'm from the South. Whenever our nose starts itching, we say, "My nose is itching. Somebody might be coming over." 😂

[@tonijones8646]

You are just what I needed today. Love your videos.

[@christinacedeno4713]

Love your videos ..but I just wanted to mention that be careful with pre seasoned chicken. Most supermarkets season their chicken if it's starting to go a little past the expiration date in order to sell it

[@laimaz6340]

Thanks! So glad to see you back !! Don’t leave us again…love your quick, and easy , money saving tips and recipes ☺️

[@ThatLisaDawn]

Thank you so much! I'm definitely not planning to take such a long break again!

[@laimaz6340]

@@ThatLisaDawn awesome ♥️♥️♥️

[@geegaw1535]

You do so many awesome things with so little. You're so versatile. Thank you for the recipes

[@serendipitysue3255]

I’ve been making veggie cream cheese for years. It’s the only flavor my kids wanted and it was too expensive when feeding 4 teenage boys. I use the blocks of cream cheese softened, and add a little milk to get things going. A hand mixer does a good job for this. I add finely shredded carrots and scallions. These ingredients mimic our bagel shop. I grab a bag of day olds early in the morning from the bagel shop in my neighborhood too. I also make my own creole seasoning blend, taco seasoning and a few others. I have all the spices in pantry so I mix up batches and put them in jars. Super easy and a money saver.

[@denisedieter9004]

I quickly stopped using shake and bake after I got married. I read the ingredients and it was easier to make it myself. This way I could customize it the way I wanted hearing thank you for sharing.❤

[@darrinmckeehan9074]

All (again)looked delicious 😋. My sister taught me how to make chicken Velveeta spaghetti 🍝 and I've made it as a side for with chicken instead of dicing up pre-cooked chicken 🍗. Love it, and a dutch oven {1 lb}of spaghetti usually lasts just me all week. Or close to it. Rotel tomatoes is all we add to about half a block of Velveeta.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Never thought about it as a side. I bet that would be doable with rice, too.

[@stephaniegilbert2476]

Would love to see another video of your normal grocery budget for a week in these times of higher prices.

[@ThatLisaDawn]

I'm definitely planning one soon!

[@sallygordin2869]

Happy to see you again. Your recipes are awesome 👌 Blessings!!

[@Mossfaerie]

Ahh I love your videos so much! They're so comforting and your personality is so lovely. You seem so fun to hang out with.

[@thaliahelene]

You know maybe this sounds ambitious but it is really not… I started making my own bread a lot more often. I donated my 90s bread machine and started to use the basic recipes of Artisan bread with Steve here on KZbin. I use a stainless bowl , a rubber spatula, a cup measure, a loaf pan, a plastic spoon from Walmart, a teaspoon and that is it for equipment. I grease the pan with the merest film of crisco and it pops right out. All purpose flour makes a great loaf. I have experimented with yeast amounts and I’m fine with a longer rise on a half teaspoon, pop a dinner plate on top, just set a couple phone alarms to check in now and then. It’s pretty impossible to find better bread for cheaper than that, just water yeast flour salt. I slice up the loaves (ginzu knife) divide into three parts and freeze two (Cooking for me only).Superior toast is good for morale. I made a cocoa mix from a library book once, but found it lacking, had to doctor with powdered creamer and left over powdered sugar so not sure if that was much savings. Better than average cocoa though. I meant to find a recipe with less tinkering involved. For a while I was all about microwave mug cake with a dab of ice cream, but if you don’t eat it fast enough it’s terrible after it cools down. I thought about re-engineering a box cake recipe for two layer cakes (not a sheet pan person) , half the temptation at a time, but it is still on the back burner. Cakes are too big. Even when you bring one to friends there’s extra. Maybe the best cheap thing I ever made is raspberry sauce from frozen raspberries. Try it if you find a deal. Whizz some berries in a food processor with sugar and press it through a hand strainer with a spatula for seeds. I was shocked how good it was. Plus raspberry sauce is fancy, so social points. Instant cred for birthdays or special dinner. Or breakfast. I have roasted whole oiled heads of garlic in foil in my toaster oven to use over a week. So decadent to squeeze a hot clove onto something.

[@OrlaQuirk]

I freeze the woody asparagus ends, and throw a few in when I make bone broth. I've also heard that if you peel, them the inside is soft and tasty.

[@cathyd.williamssaltlight5373]

Great recipes! I shop at Aldis too😊

[@jenniferlisow2901]

Hi Lisa! Not sure if you are aware, but you can keep the rind of the parmesan cheese & use it for soups & sauces. KZbinr See Mindy Mom freezes hers & puts them in her soups & then fishes them out & discards them after the meal is done cooking. Another great way to minimize food waste & enhance flavor of meals. Thanks for another great video.

[@rosemarycornwall5162]

A 'must do' imho x

[@willythewave]

Has anybody told you they love you lately? If not I`m telling you, I love you and I appreciate all your uploads.

[@giz1847]

That cream cheese spread you made looks so yummy!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@LadyMorganLavon]

One of my favorite dishes is a stir fry of diced sweet potatoes, bacon and onions and either asparagus or Brussel sprouts. With some assortment of spices and I like a lot of spice. I’m the only one that eats it but is so so good

[@krystalflint324]

Yay! So happy to see you, Lisa!

[@hwolter90]

If you wanted to get your veggies for the cream cheese really thin, the microplane would work great! I got one this year and it’s my favorite, no more box grater for me!,

[@lynn2574]

Always love watching you cook!

[@santropixie5140]

Good vibes thru and thru!! You’re great, Lisa!

[@lswest1569]

Everything looked great. Yum!

[@thewickedwitchofse8998]

So happy to see you. Can't wait to see your money saving cooking talent in this episode.

[@jillkoczent2803]

Gosh all of that looks SO good!!! Great video!

[@kathleenwebster]

I'm always so excited when you post a new video, and always set time aside in the evening to watch. Everything you make is delicious and I always want more videos!! Thank you for the inspiration ❤️

[@drill4206]

Great video idea!! Happy holidays to the Lisa household!!

[@KatieKitty2003]

It's always good to see your videos pop up 😊 I hope you're having a lovely autumn!

[@alexandrar9021]

I love this channel.

[@leighbishop6213]

The broccoli stalk, peel it like you would a potato and it’s perfect to eat like your slim broccoli stalks. I use it sliced in cauliflower cheese but I’m from the UK and we eat things a bit different over here oddly enough. Love your show

[@jeanieolahful]

We are super excited that both an Aldi and a Grocery Outlet have both opened in our town this month! Definitely will save us gas, and even quick trips out will now be cheaper.

[@pennynickels5216]

😊

[@kathleenroman866]

So excited to see another video of yours!! Love your helpful tips. Your meals always look amazing!!

[@kimlettau4167]

I love seeing your meal plan ideas! Also your bargains at your grocery store! Thank you so much...keep 'em coming!! 💓 Kim from Michigan

[@robertsherman7978]

YEAH, a new video!! Great job as always!!! 😎👍🐕

[@Kristine6188]

Thank you Lisa for another great video of dinner ideas. I always learn something new from you. Thank you for sharing.❤️

[@theacartwright2504]

Everything looked delicious!!! Love your content

[@darlenem4940]

I really enjoy your recipes, and have missed your ideas. so happy you posted. ty

[@deannalail1974]

Glad to see you back on here

[@bettypecoraro8104]

Good to see you back in the kitchen!

[@Parsley96]

I was so so happy to see a new Lisa Dawn video in my notifications!! You are an awesome cook with such awesome ideas for affordable yummy food!! I’ve got all my ingredients ready to go for your lentil stew for the next cold snap we have here!! Thank you so much!!

[@shetalbhagat8395]

You're very creative and I love how frugal you are. I'm the same way...love finding markdowns at the store! ❤

[@beachblond1968]

So nice to see an upload from you! I’m going to give that garlic parm chicken a try for sure! Thank you!

[@beatrizduran9937]

Welcome back! Your videos are great! Keep up the great videos!

[@tynaedwards8452]

Perfect ending to my day to see your video. Great money saving tips and recipes.

[@vkfdgbub]

Finally!!! Have been waiting for a new video :)

[@djz5456]

I was so happy to see a new video pop up. Thank you for all these great ideas!

[@laurawilson6389]

Hey Lisa Dawn, So glad to hear you even though your not well. Please have a speedy recovery

[@oof-duh87]

Glad to see you! Another awesome video!

[@hilariecalijo4643]

You are totally inspiring me. I love all these recipes. Thank you ❤

[@katherinetyrrell8810]

Thank you for what you are doing. You always give me great, money-saving ideas.

[@raymondmetcalf5875]

Keep the video's comin', Lisa Dawn. I always learn something!

[@Idontwantachann]

I’ve been trying to come up with meal ideas to make for my picky parents and I think they will love these!

[@susans9491]

Looks delicious as always! Going to definitely make my own Shake ‘n’ Bake and will try adding a little oil for that extra crunch!❤️

[@Carolwarr448]

Lisa SO HAPPY to see you and learn ways to stretch a dollar. Thank You it really helps. I also save my bacon grease and the bits too. Adds so much flavor to beans and vegetables. Oh and I'm now saving my skins and ends as you do. Lisa you are a Gem. God Bless You. 😊

[@janiceenright8969]

I have really missed your videos. I watch all of them so wondered where you have been. Thanks for this video!⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

It all looked so delicious! Thank you for the video!

[@sarahshafer6051]

Hello! I love your channel. I’ve been binging your videos lately. Thank you for being you and making all these videos!

[@rebeccahales2925]

Fantastic video! So so important to look at how you can make it from scratch for cheaper and usually so much better for you!! We're about to move and my goal in the new house is to get into canning and preserving in season foods to save all year round!

[@iriegirl5517]

Yay so happy to see a new video

[@dianedixon6900]

I so appreciate you sharing like this. It gives different ideas to prepare meats and vegetables. Thanks so much for sharing. I really dig your cooking style and all the tips you share on saving money on groceries these days.

[@seeemilyplay5697]

I lived abroad for years, so had to learn how to make packaged items from scratch if I wanted a test of home. Never thought of doing homemade shake and bake, am definitely going to start. Thank you and keep those videos coming!

[@spacecase8791]

You totally don't upload enough, I freaking love watching your videos!! 😊. I could watch you everyday

[@dianam9028]

😋 Yummy! It all looks wonderful Lisa. Thank you so much for sharing. 🤗

[@ZepFloydstonesfan]

Well done! I'm delighted to see you back, Lisa Dawn. Here in Australia, original blocks of Philly cream cheese have gone up to $5.70 each & a 2 pack is 10 bucks!

[@tinatacklesit1448]

LOVE your money saving tips and your meals always look delicious!

[@sherrywyleta3519]

Another great video ❤. Can’t wait to try the chicken with the garlicky sauce.

[@hbkgirl1982]

with the veggie cream cheese that you mixed add the olive juice liquid (to taste) from a can or jar of olives (and maybe the olives too) and you got a great Chip dip!