Kitchen Tips Archives - This Pilgrim Life https://thispilgrimlife.com/category/at-home/kitchen-things/kitchen-tips/ Simple, Creative Living Sat, 12 Apr 2025 18:07:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 https://thispilgrimlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-Site-Icon-Website2-32x32.png Kitchen Tips Archives - This Pilgrim Life https://thispilgrimlife.com/category/at-home/kitchen-things/kitchen-tips/ 32 32 75+ Budget-Friendly, Frugal Meal Ideas https://thispilgrimlife.com/frugal-meal-ideas/ https://thispilgrimlife.com/frugal-meal-ideas/#comments Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:05:16 +0000 https://thispilgrimlife.com/?p=16453 We all need meal ideas that aren’t going to break the budget. This list is full of over 75 frugal meal ideas– meals with meat, veggie focused meals, meals with beans, delicious breakfast-for-dinner ideas, and so much more!  The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to...

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]]> We all need meal ideas that aren’t going to break the budget. This list is full of over 75 frugal meal ideas– meals with meat, veggie focused meals, meals with beans, delicious breakfast-for-dinner ideas, and so much more! 

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here.

I’m not a couponer and I don’t generally have the time to watch weekly sales, but that doesn’t mean saving money on our grocery budget isn’t important to me. Thankfully, there are lots of different ways to keep grocery costs down.

After extensive price comparing between Costco and Aldi, and Whole Foods/Harris Teeter/Walmart, I’m happy with sticking to doing the majority of my shopping at Costco and Whole Foods, knowing that their prices are competitive and their selection best fits our family’s preferences.

I also save a lot of money by meal planning. I have a system that works well for me– streamlining the process from making a grocery list, doing my shopping, and creating a meal plan that takes into account the weather, our schedule, and what we have on hand. I use my Kitchen Essentials Checklist to make sure we have all the basics for homemade meals, and my weekly or monthly Meal Planning tables to keep things like the forecast and upcoming events all together with our meals for the week/month.

Just as helpful in meal planning and saving money are master meal lists. Having a curated list of meals that fit the season and your schedule is incredibly helpful in reducing the mental energy and time it takes to meal plan. I keep my seasonal menus in my travelers journal for easy access whenever I need them.

You can watch my meal planning process on Instagram for inspiration if you feel like you need some fresh ideas for making this task easier, and find all these printable resources and more in my Etsy shop.

75+ Budget, Frugal Meal Ideas

This list of frugal meal ideas that I’m sharing today is similar to the others, but with a focus on meals that are especially budget-friendly (over seventy-five of them!). 

The meals in the list are separated by type (easy dinners, meatless meals, beans, breakfast for dinner, and soups & bread). To assemble the list, I pulled recipes from my site, as well as other recipes from recipe creators I trust.

You are definitely going to want to SAVE/PIN this list because there are just so many great recipes that are going to help us all save money while still eating healthy, delicious meals. (Did you know you can also easily add a link to specific webpages on your home screen of your phone? It’s really helpful for sites and lists you reference often).

In addition to all the meals, I’ve included extra tips and links to help you make it even easier to save money and time. Find those tips and get the Frugal Meal Ideas printable reference sheet after the list of recipes. 

Favorite kitchen tools for easy & frugal cooking:

Easy Meals:

30 Minute Fried Rice

Beans:

Don’t forget you can save a lot of money cooking beans from dried! Get my Instant Pot cooking times chart here for quick reference, or refer to the Kitchen Staples chapter in my Instant Pot cookbook.

More Meatless:

Breakfast for Dinner:

Soup/Chili + Bread/Salad/Sandwiches:

not just a soup with a dash of broccoli to go along with the heaps of milk and cheese. The broccoli is the star, and the green is boosted by the addition of

Easy Bread: 

More Ways to Save Money on Healthy Meals!

1. Make your own sauces and dressings. 

2. Prep meat at the beginning of the week: 

Cook a half a ham:

Cook a whole chicken:

Six Meals from one pork loin.

Cook a large batch of ground beef: 

3. Use freezer cooking. 

4. Invest in a cookbook (or two) that provide inspiration for inexpensive meals. 

Frugal Meal Ideas Reference Sheet

Download and print a quick Frugal Meal Ideas reference sheet to post in your kitchen or tuck in your planner! 

Check out more printable menu, kitchen organization pages, and other helpful resources in my Etsy shop. Find me on Instagram where I share more meal ideas and family inspiration.

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

We all need meal ideas that aren't going to break the budget, because even though my 9yo would approve, we can't eat steak every night! This list is full of over 75 frugal meal ideas-- meals with meat, meals without meat, meals with beans, delicious breakfast-for-dinner ideas, and so much more! 

The post 75+ Budget-Friendly, Frugal Meal Ideas appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

]]> https://thispilgrimlife.com/frugal-meal-ideas/feed/ 9 Basic Spices List & Tips for Keeping Spices & Herbs Fresh https://thispilgrimlife.com/basic-spices-list/ https://thispilgrimlife.com/basic-spices-list/#respond Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:26:02 +0000 https://thispilgrimlife.com/?p=17646 Keeping spices and herbs stocked in your kitchen yields easier and tastier cooking! Check out this printable basic spices list and tips for keeping your spices and herbs fresh and optimal. The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here.  Using...

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]]> Keeping spices and herbs stocked in your kitchen yields easier and tastier cooking! Check out this printable basic spices list and tips for keeping your spices and herbs fresh and optimal.

Keeping spices and herbs stocked in your kitchen yields easier and tastier cooking! Check out this printable basic spices list and tips for keeping your spices and herbs fresh and optimal

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

Using fresh, good-quality spices and herbs can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the overall taste and enjoyment of the food you cook. Simply swap stale, expired, or bland spices for fresh ones and notice the difference!

I’ve shared often on Instagram how I prefer to use inventories, seasonal menus, and curated shopping lists to streamline repeated tasks like grocery shopping and meal planning. I’ve been using these lists for years and they haven’t stopped being really helpful!

My favorite lists are ones that I can use again and again. A few years ago, I created a Spice Inventory Checklist to use to help me make sure I am not accidentally completely out of cinnamon or garlic (which would both be awful).

You can grab your own copy of my Spice Inventory Checklist in my Etsy shop, as well as some of my other customizable resources to use in the kitchen and for planning. 

Keep reading for…

  • a list of basic spices to keep on hand,
  • steps to give your spices a reset, and
  • tips on keeping your spices and herbs in optimal condition
  • & where to get fresh spices and recommended spice tools

Basic Spices List

Keeping spices and herbs stocked in your kitchen yields easier and tastier cooking! Check out this printable basic spices list and tips for keeping your spices and herbs fresh and optimal

This weekend I emptied my spice drawers completely to clean, sort, and take inventory. My littles helped me to wipe down each jar and the plastic storage boxes that had accumulated a lot of spice debris. I also vacuumed and wiped out the drawers themselves for the same reason.

In addition to the cleaning, I checked each bag or jar for an expiration date. It’s kind of crazy what can get overlooked over time. I had spices that expired two to three years ago, and a package of yeast that expired six years ago! Long-expired spices and herbs do not deserve the space (especially since their dates clearly indicate that they are not being used!).

Another task I had to do a few times was marrying packages of spices. If they had a similar expiration date, and I had multiple bags, I tried to combine as much as I could. For some reason, I had three partially-empty bags of turmeric.

Once all this housekeeping was finished, I returned the jars to the drawer, briefly contemplated putting them in alphabetical order, then quickly dismissed that idea as being futile.

I’ve been using my inventory checklist of spices and herbs for a few years now, and just like my Kitchen Essentials Checklist, it’s really helpful in being thorough when it’s time to make a trip to the spice shop or grocery store.

The Spice Inventory Checklist includes all the spices most regularly used and generally kept on hand, as well as commonly used blends and spices and herbs more specific to other types of cuisine. I also cross-referenced several other sources to make sure I wasn’t leaving anything out.

You can grab your own Spice Inventory Checklist in my Etsy shop and keep a copy posted in your kitchen, in a planner, or laminate it and keep it in your spice drawer!

Tips for Keeping Spices & Herbs Fresh

  1. Start with a clean out.
    1. Empty your cabinet/drawer.
    2. Wipe down the jars/containers.
    3. Vacuum out the cabinet/drawer.
  2. Check the expiration dates on jars and bags. Toss out* spices that are expired 6+ months. (You can “test” the spices by opening them and smelling them. They should smell fresh and strong, not stale or musky. Old spices will not flavor your food as well as fresh spices).
  3. Condense/refill spices. Consider using the same style jars for all your spices so they fit best in a drawer or on the shelf.
  4. Organize your spices. Return to cabinet/drawer tidier and more organized than before. Consider using a shelf or lazy susan in a cabinet, or storage bins in a drawer to make your containers more visible/accessible. Store spices in a cool, dark location.
  5. Use the Spice & Herb Inventory sheet to make a note of what you have on hand, and what you need to replenish.
  6. Buy fresh spices for best tasting food! Many spices on the shelf at the store have sat on the shelf for long periods of time, and possibly in a warehouse before that. For the best, freshest spices, check out the options below that source directly from farms, and/or prioritize freshness.

*What range of expiration you decide is appropriate is ultimately up to you, as well as what you decide to do with expired spices. 

Where to Get Fresh Spices

Helpful Tools

  • Salt & Pepper Grinder Set (easily grind whole peppercorn and salt for maximum freshness)
  • Salt Crock (this is what we have used for years to hold our kosher salt. it’s so convenient for seasoning food while I cook and at the table)
  • Spice Grinder (we have this spice grinder. I love how easy it is to use. I keep whole cumin in mine, mostly, because fresh ground cumin is amazing).
  • Mortar & Pestle (a convenient– and fun– tool for grinding fresh herbs and making your own blends and pastes)
  • Microplane (this handy tool is great for grating hard spices like nutmeg, as well as easy fruit zest, and perfectly grated parmesan cheese)
  • Small Mason Jars (these are what I use to store my spices)
  • Magnetic Spice Jars (these have openings for shaking and pouring too!)
  • Labels (I need to get new labels to give my jars a fresh and clean look. Not to mention make them easier to read!)

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

Keeping basic spices and herbs stocked in your kitchen yields easier and tastier cooking! Check out this printable spices list and tips for keeping your spices and herbs fresh and optimal.

The post Basic Spices List & Tips for Keeping Spices & Herbs Fresh appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

]]> https://thispilgrimlife.com/basic-spices-list/feed/ 0 50 Gift Ideas for Home Chefs https://thispilgrimlife.com/gift-ideas-home-chefs/ https://thispilgrimlife.com/gift-ideas-home-chefs/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2022 07:18:36 +0000 https://thispilgrimlife.com/?p=19316 Fifty gift ideas for the home chef. Recommendations for cooking, baking, and even hosting! The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here.  The newest gift guide of 2022 is all about the home chef! Which considering that a large part...

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]]> Fifty gift ideas for the home chef. Recommendations for cooking, baking, and even hosting!

Fifty gift ideas for the home chef. Recommendations for cooking, baking, and even hosting! 

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

The newest gift guide of 2022 is all about the home chef! Which considering that a large part of my “brand” is helping people cook more from scratch, this one seems overdue!

So, I went through my kitchen (figuratively, from the couch) and thought about all the tools and equipment that I use on a very regular basis. Fun fact: the better your tools are, the simpler and more enjoyable cooking will be. Thankfully,  good tools don’t have to break the bank!

I hope that this list helps to give you ideas for home chefs on your list, or if you’re the home chef, gives you some ideas of tools and equipment to invest in in the future.

If you enjoy this list, consider following me on Instagram and check out my other gift guides!

Gift Ideas for Home Chefs

The list is divided into 5 groups: basic tools that make the work much easier and enjoyable, equipment for cooking, equipment for baking, most-used appliances, and gifts for those who like to host and serve.

Tools of the Trade

  1. Victorinox Chef Knife
  2. Victorinox Paring Knives
  3. Stainless Steel Meauring Cups
  4. 1-Piece Silicon Spatulas
  5. Wooden Spoons
  6. Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Tongs
  7. BEST Peeler
  8. Cuisinart 3-Piece Strainer Set
  9. Stainless Steel Garlic Press
  10. 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cups

For Cooking

  1. Lodge 12″ Cast Iron Skillet  Pan, 10″ Skillet
  2. Lodge 10″ Cast Iron Griddle
  3. Williams-Sonoma Corrugated Baking Sheet
  4. Extra Large W-S Corrugated Baking Sheet
  5. Cuisinart 7qt Dutch Oven
  6. Calphalon 10-pc Stainless Steel Pots & Pans
  7. Pizza Steel
  8. Krups 4 Waffle Maker
  9. STAUB Ceramic Baking Dishes
  10. Instant Read Meat Thermometer

For Baking

  1. OXO Stainless Bench Scraper
  2. French Rolling Pin
  3. Baking Mats
  4. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer Basic 4.5Qt Mixer, PRO 6Qt Mixer (I have this one)
  5. Non-Stick Loaf Pan
  6. Lodge Double Baker
  7. Parchment Baking Cups
  8. Flour Sack Towels
  9. Kitchen Scale
  10. Silicon Muffin Pan with Reinforced Frame

Most Used Appliances/Equipment

  1. Cuisinart Food Processor
  2. Vitamix 5200 Blender
  3. Instant Pot PRO 10-in-1
  4. Chefman Immersion Blender
  5. Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator (Black Friday Sale 37% off)
  6. All-American Pressure Canner(or a less expensive option)
  7. Marcato Pasta Maker
  8. Souper Cubes (one of my most used tools! Get 10% off with THISPILGRIMLIFE10)
  9. Food Saver Vacuum Sealer Machine
  10. Mealthy CrispLid Air Fryer (Black Friday Sale 30% off)

For Hosting

  1. Himalayan Salt Tray
  2. Cusinart Cast Iron Single Burner
  3. Wooden Cutting Boards with Handle
  4. Cheese Tray
  5. Pretty Tea Towels
  6. Old-Fashioned Glasses
  7. 1-Gal Drink Dispenser with Stand
  8. Mini Chalkboard Signs
  9. Wooden Condiment Set with Lids
  10. Acacia Wooden Octagon Serving Trays

See all my other gift guides in one place on the Holiday Gift Guides page! I have lists for outdoor gifts, crafty gifts, big ticket gifts, inexpensive kitchen gifts, handmade gifts, and lots more! 

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

Fifty gift ideas for the home chef. Recommendations for cooking, baking, and even hosting! 

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