Dars Thrifty Kitchen

Did you know….

Pre shredded cheese is coated with cellulose (aka wood pulp), potato starch, cornstarch and natamycin to keep it from clumping? BUT.. it also stops the cheese from melting right.

I think I’ll shred my own.

Here’s some of my top tips if you want to start shredding your own:

🧀 buy large blocks when on sale and store it shredded in freezer.

🧀 food processors or this handy portable shredder makes it soooooo much easier!!

Comment “shredder “ and I’ll send you the amazon link!

Do you shred your cheese or still grab the bagged stuff?

Soup night always sounds cozy…
until you realize you’re out of broth.

I make this simple chicken-style bouillon powder so I never have to run to the store.
It’s pantry-based, affordable, and keeps for months.

Save this for later — recipe is in the comments.

You know that moment when it’s soup season…

you reach into the cupboard for broth — and it’s gone?

I hear you.
That’s why I keep this simple chicken-style bouillon powder on hand.

It’s made with pantry staples, keeps for months, costs way less than store-bought, and honestly? The flavor is better.
Bonus: it’s plant-based, gluten-free, and an easy way to add a little extra protein with nutritional yeast — something our bodies really need more of in our 40s and beyond.

Here’s how I make it:

2 cups nutritional yeast
1/3 cup salt
1/4 cup garlic powder
1/4 cup onion powder
1/4 cup dried basil
1/4 cup dried oregano
1/4 cup dried rosemary
1–2 tbsp pepper

Blend everything until fine.
To use: 1 tbsp bouillon powder per 1 cup (8 oz) hot water.

Want a veggie version?
Swap the nutritional yeast for dehydrated vegetables you already have.

I vacuum seal mine so it lasts 6 months or longer.
Comment “Sealer” if you want the one I use.

Save this for soup season — and share it with someone who wants to feel more homestead without the overwhelm.

How many of these ingredients do you already have in your pantry?

White Hot Chocolate Mix {Big Batch}

SAVE this so you never run out this winter - SHARE it with someone who loves a cozy drink

My SIster in law got me hooked on ordering a White hot chocolate and adding a chai tea bag at Tim Hortons

It was nice for a treat when we were near a Tim Hortons , but I knew if I could make my own at home it would be a lot cheaper

But couldn’t find White hot chocolate anywhere - and when I did on Amazon - it was $25+ 😳

So I researched and made my own.. for a lot cheaper and more than likely healthier

Here’s How

▢ 2 bars (4 ounces each) white chocolate, chilled, roughly chopped
▢ 3 cups (204 g) powdered milk
▢ 1⅓ cups (167 g) confectioners’ sugar
▢ 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ hot milk or hot water, for serving

To the bowl of a food processor, add the chopped chocolate. Process until you have small chocolate chunks.
Add milk powder, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
Continue to process until well combined. Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a year.

To Serve

In a large mug, add about ¼ cup of the white hot chocolate mix. Top with 8 ounces of hot milk or hot water, stirring until completely dissolved.

For an extra bonus - add ONE Chai Tea Bag

This White Hot Chocolate Mix makes about 5 1/2 cups. So, if you are adding about 1/4 cup of the powder to each mug of hot water or hot milk, you could have enough to make about 22 mugs of white hot chocolate!

Follow along for more of “the almost homestead “ life