Easy Homemade Chicken Gravy Mix From Scratch

     Our family has mashed potatoes a lot.  It's one of our favorite ways to enjoy potatoes and if we have mashed potatoes, we love having some gravy to put it over the top.  The envelopes of chicken gravy mix you buy at the store are full of things I'd rather not have my family consume, so I decided to start making chicken gravy from scratch!  This recipe is super inexpensive, healthier than store-bought, and tastes ten times better too!  You'll be able to whip up some homemade chicken gravy for your family in a mere few minutes!

 

Easy Homemade Chicken Gravy Mix From Scratch

1-1/3 c. nonfat dry milk

3/4 c. flour + 1 T.

1/4 c. chicken bullion granules

1/2 tsp. ground sage

1/2 tsp. black pepper 

1/2 tsp. thyme leaves

1/2 tsp. rosemary

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder 

     Put all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl, stir together and put into quart sized jar until ready to use.

     To make the chicken gravy:  In a small saucepan, melt a half stick (4 tsp.) of butter.  After butter is melted, add in a 1/2 cup of you gravy mix.  Cook and stir it over medium heat until browned, it should only take about a minute.  Whisk in a 3/4 cup of cold water and stir until it is smooth.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and then turn to low and stir and cook for 2 minutes or until it is thickened.

     Makes 4 batches of gravy.  

    2 tablespoons of gravy is a serving. And each serving has 2 grams of carbs.

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Homemade Spice Cake Mix

     There is something so warm and inviting about a spice cake.  They smell so good and taste even better.  

 
       
     Today I am providing you a recipe that will make you a "mix" So anytime you want to enjoy a spice cake, you only need to add the wet ingredients and you will be ready to go!  

      
     This is like your own "box" mix without all the "fake" ingredients.  it tastes better than a box and is better for you than a box.

Spice Cake Mix

For the mix:

2 1/2 c. flour

11/2 c. dark brown sugar

1 T. cinnamon

1 T. baking powder

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. salt

 

      Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Then, use your cake mix right away, or store it an air-tight container for later.  This mix fits perfectly in quart sized jar.  It's as easy as that!  

      

     To make the cake: 

1 Homemade spice cake mix

1/4 c. milk

1 stick of butter, softened

3 lg. eggs, beaten

1 T. vanilla 

chopped nuts, optional

     Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

     Pour your cake mix into a large bowl, stir in your butter.  Then add the beaten eggs. Stir again.  Now add in the the milk and mix just until it is just blended.  But do not over-mix the cake.

      Grease and lightly flour your cake pan(s).  And then pour in your batter and spread it out evenly.  Bake for 28-30 or until your cake(s) are done.  I like to frost my cake with a cream cheese frosting.  Sprinkle the nuts on top if you want.  Cut and enjoy!

 

     

I also make a chocolate cake mix that makes 3 cakes. 

 

 

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Breakfast Rice

      Breakfast rice is a delicious, comforting and filling breakfast. It's great on days you don't have a lot of time.  You can eat breakfast rice any time of the day, but our family prefers to eat it for breakfast.  We have it once or twice a week and it is always good.  It's easy to make and we often make it when we go camping too.  It is also a way to use leftover rice.

 

 

Breakfast Rice

cooked rice, 1/2 c. per serving

milk, to your taste

dab of butter (optional)

sugar. to your taste

    To give you some ideas on amounts to add, for me, I add in 1/8 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar and love it like this.

 

 

    My hubby likes his with the butter and uses brown sugar instead of white, and sometimes sprinkles some raisins and cinnamon on it too.

 

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I shared this recipe with the following blogs and link parties:
A Wise Woman Linkup
Imparting Grace 
Blogger's Pit Stop 
Grandma's House DIY 
My Girlish Whims  
Our Home Away From Home
Full Plate Thursday

Easy Italian Flatbread Recipe

     This 3 cheese flatbread is so delicious.  It tastes as good as it looks!  Pair some up with tomato soup or stew and start dunking it!

 Easy Italian Flatbread Recipe

2 c. homemade baking mix (or Bisquick)

1/2 c. hot water

2 T. butter, melted

1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/4 c. grated parmesan

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. rosemary

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

     Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  Mix together your baking mix and the hot water until a stiff dough has formed.  Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.

     Now sprinkle some flour onto a table, and pour the dough onto the table and then shape the dough into a ball.  Knead the ball about 50-60 times.

      Pat the dough down so it fits into a sheet pan.  Now spread the melted butter evenly over the dough that is now in the pan, then sprinkle the rest of the ingredients over the dough. 

     Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the edges are a light golden brown. Remove, slice and serve warm. 

   

     This Italian flatbread is perfect as an appetizer, entertaining, or parties! We often make it when we make pizzas too!

      Serves 12.  12 grams of carbs per serving. 

 

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I shared this recipe with the following blogs and link parties:
Imparting Grace

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

      

    Cajun seasoning is very versatile and livens up your meals.  It is easy to make and you probably already have all you need in your pantry right now to whip up a batch!

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

1/4 c. salt

1/4 c. garlic powder

1/4 c. paprika

1/4 c. black pepper

1/4 c. Cayenne pepper 

2 T. oregano

2 T. thyme

2 T. onion powder

     Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix together.  Put into airtight container or canning jar.  It fits into 2 Pint sized jelly jar(s)

     It is great on shrimp, Jambalaya, or even dirty rice. It is great on so many things!

     Making your own spice blend is cheaper than buying it, and it tastes better too.  You won't have the all the fillers or weird chemicals that the stores add in it so it is better for you too.

      Because Cajun seasoning blackens as you cook it, it makes a perfect rub for steaks and burgers!  It's also nice sprinkled on popcorn.  What all ways do you like to use Cajun seasoning?

     
      Other spice blends that I like to make include:  Ranch dressing mix;  Dry onion soup mix; my Greek Spice Blend and my Southern dry rub for chicken.

 

 

 

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Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

      Forget about the store-bought envelopes of ranch seasoning mix...make your own!  You can make it with real ingredients so you know exactly what is going into it.   It is super handy to keep in your pantry and it also makes the best tasting ranch dressing for your salad too!  It is perfect as a dressing, dip, or just add some extra flavor to your favorite recipes and meals!

         I love making things from scratch like my version of shake 'n bake, fajita seasoning and even an au jus mix.    Making your own mixes and spice blends not only saves you money but it is healthier for you and your family.

 

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

 2 T. powdered buttermilk

2 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. dried chopped onion  

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. chives (optional)

1/4 tsp. dill weed

1/4 tsp. salt

pinch of black pepper

    Put all the ingredients together into a bowl.

        Stir well.

    Pour into a baggie or jar until you are ready to use. 

    Makes 1 serving that is equal to one store bought envelope.

     To make into salad dressing:  Add in the mix, 1 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 1/3 c. buttermilk (or sour cream).  Stir well and refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.

 

 

     To make into dip:  Add in the mix and 2 cups of sour cream.  Mix well and then refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.  Goes great with vegetables or crackers.  

     To make a large batch, which equals to 10 envelopes of store-bought mix, combine the following:

1 1/4 c. powdered buttermilk

1/2 c. dried parsley

1/4 c. onion powder

1 1/2 T. dried chopped onion

1 1/2 T. garlic powder

1 1/2 T. chives (optional)

2 1/2 tsp. dill weed

2 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

     One envelope is equal to 5 tablespoons of my mix.  This can be stored up to 6 months.  

 

    Some of my other salad dressings that I make include: Oil and Vinegar dressing, Italian Dressing, and Catalina Dressing.  

 

    Make it into dressing and use it to dip our Easy Pizza Quesadillas into. 

 

 

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Warm Up with these Cold Weather Comfort Foods

       There is nothing more comforting than a hearty and hot meal on a cold day.  If you are looking for ideas on how to feed your family and help you all get through those cold and long winter nights, look no further!  Plan ahead and make some (or all) of these meals over the next week or two!

Cast Iron Skillet Roast Dinner

    Pot roast is a favorite of most families.   It is the most flavorful, comfort meal that is a staple Sunday evening meal for so many of us in America!  It takes a bit of work to make this but it is TOTALLY worth the effort.  Quick and easy is not always best and this is one recipe that proves that fact.

 Chili Mac

       Chili mac is a mash up of two great foods...chili and macaroni and cheese!  Yum.  It is the ultimate casserole in my opinion.  It has so much flavor because it pairs two comfort foods together.  Your whole family will go crazy for it.

Homemade Chili

    

           I have several chili recipes but this is, by far, the best one I make.  It was over 100 degrees yesterday here in SE Oklahoma and I still made chili and we all tore it up.  In other words, it was delicious!

Goulash 

     I don't know about your family, but my family LOVES goulash.  It's one of those "feel good" kinda meals.  It ain't fancy but it sure is delicious and filling.  Anyhow, here is how I make it.

Homemade Chicken & Dumplings 

 

      

      My family loves Chicken & Dumplings.  If they had their way, they would eat this 3-4 times a week and never tire of it.  I know everyone makes theirs differently but this is the way I have been cooking mine for years and people always swear this is the best they've ever tasted. Hope you'll try it out for your family and they love it too. 

Cheesy Chili Dog TT Casserole

      It is really hard to beat the combination of cheesy, crispy tater tots and chili dogs.  It is pure and delicious comfort food.  It's an easy meal to make and is sure to become a family favorite.

Old Fashioned Ground Beef Stew 

       This is my recipe for Old Fashioned Beef Stew.  I have nurtured and tweaked this recipe over the past 30 years and have it perfected.  It is hearty and delicious.  Mmm.  A true classic.  Nothing is more inviting! 

The Ultimate Potato Soup

    I LOVE potato soup.  To me, it is one of the most satisfying; most comforting of all soups.  This recipe makes a huge pot of creamy, delicious, and amazing potato soup.

The Best Southern Ham & Beans 

     There is nothing like a big pot of beans with ham to warm you up.  It is a real staple each winter in our home.  It is filling and makes a great meal when served with some of my cast iron skillet cornbread!

No Soak 15 Bean Soup 

    This makes a really satisfying dinner and is not just for cold days.  I make this all year long because it is so hearty, rich and smells divine.  It has so much flavor that you will want to make it again and again.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte 

      My husband loves anything with pumpkin and recently he went out to do some errands with his mother.  When they were done, she stopped at a coffee shop and bought him a pumpkin spice latte and he loved it. 

 I tinkered around a few days and came up with this recipe. My hubby said it tastes even better than that high dollar one that his Mom bought for him.

 

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Swiss Mocha Coffee Mix

      This Swiss Mocha Coffee mix makes the perfect gift for your coffee loving friends.  Or just mix up a batch to enjoy a tasty treat without all the costs of a coffee shop.  it tastes just like it came from a fancy cafe!

   

Swiss Mocha Coffee Mix

 

1 1/2 c. nonfat dry milk
1 1/4 c. sugar

1 c. instant coffee

1/4 c. cocoa powder

1/4 c. powdered coffee creamer

     Stir ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.  Makes 4 cups of mix.  Fits in a quart sized jar.

     To prepare a cup of coffee:  Use 1 cup of hot water and 2-3 tablespoons of coffee mix and a drop of vanilla extract for each cup of coffee.

     For an extra treat, top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

 

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Easy Barley & Lentil Soup Mix In A Jar

     This is an incredibly tasty soup.  It's super inexpensive to make and is high in protein!  Make some for you and some for a friend.  You both will be happy!

 Easy Barley & Lentil Soup Mix In A Jar

1 c. barley or brown rice

2/3 c. lentils

2/3 c. yellow split peas

2/3 c. green split peas

3 T. beef bouillon granules

2 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

      In a quart sized jar,  place the spices in first and then layer in the rest of the ingredients. 

     To make the soup:  Combine the contents of the jar along with a 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes and 10 cups of water in a large soup pot.  

Bring to a boil and then cover the pot with a lid and turn stove to simmer.  

Cook for about an hour or until the lentils and barley are soft. Serve and enjoy!

Serves 8-10 people.

 

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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

      My husband loves anything with pumpkin and recently he went out to do some errands with his mother.  When they were done, she stopped at a coffee shop and bought him a pumpkin spice latte and he loved it.  Well, he loved it so much that I just had to come up with a recipe that came close to matching the taste of that coffee for him.  I tinkered around a few days and came up with this recipe.  My hubby said it tastes even better than that high dollar one that his Mom bought for him.  Yes, he could be biased but even my 21 year old son said it was super yummy.  You'll just have to try it out for yourself and see if you agree or not!

 

Homemade Pumpkin Flavored Coffee Syrup

 1 1/4 c. water

1 c. sugar or sweetener

1/3 c. pumpkin puree

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. ginger

     Combine the ingredients into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.  Once it boils, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Don't let it burn!  Keep cooking and stirring until it begins to turn into a syrup and it coats your spoon.  It will probably take about 10-15 minutes. 

    Once it is coating your spoon and you are satisfied with the thickness of the syrup, remove the pan from heat.

    Allow it to cool and then pour it into a canning jar.

     

     To make a Pumpkin Spice Latte, heat up 1/2 cup of milk and pour into your coffee cup.  Add in 2 tablespoons of the syrup and fill up the rest of your cup with hot coffee.  Stir well and enjoy.  Add some whipped cream, caramel sauce, and sprinkle with some cinnamon for an extra special treat!  

 

 

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I shared this recipe with the following blogs and link parties:

Melt in Your Mouth Monday
The Blogger's Pit Stop 
Full Plate Thursday
Homemaking Linkup
My Girlish Whims
To Grandmas House We Go