A lot of people nowadays live a fast-paced kind of life and along with that, we tend to rely on pretty much many things that are ready-made. That is including most things that go inside our body. For example, instead of cooking our own meals out home, more often than we would have liked, we are put into circumstances that force us to buy take-out. And because technology and modernization has change so much in time, almost everything is available in stores, shops or markets.

Even the most basic stuff in the kitchen, like our sauces and condiments, can easily be bought when you go to a grocery store. We automatically think that because these are simple things, we shouldn’t sweat on it too much. This is where I would have to say that we should change the way we think about some things. Wouldn’t it be right for us to think that because sauces and condiments are simple kitchen necessities, we should make them ourselves?

It doesn’t take a lot to make sauces and condiments at home rather than buying it from a store. This way, it is fresh and additive-free! And not a single shred of corn starch or high fructose corn syrup!

If you are with me on this, here is a compilation of resources of ten sauces and condiments that you can make in the comforts of you own home.

11 Sauces and Condiments You Can Make At Home

photo credit: Zanthia via photopin cc

  1. Ketchup
    Now, who doesn’t put ketchup on almost everything? I know I do! And I won’t even get started with Mackenzie’s ketchup obsession. Whether you are dipping your fries in it, lacing your burger with it or dab it on your scrambled eggs, ketchup is an absolute must in most homes. And making ketchup is as easy as pie. Also, if you have a lot of fruit around (like peaches and apples), fruit ketchup is another great alternative.
  2. Picante /Salsa
    Every girl growing up in Texas knows that there is only one substitute for ketchup on your eggs — and that is picante or salsa! In case you’ve always wondered, picante is usually a bit more chunky than a salsa but in general, there’s really little difference. When we moved to Germany, I realized that outside of the US, people don’t know what good salsa is, so I started making my own. And let me tell you — there’s no substitute for homemade salsa!
  3. Mayonnaise
    Mayonnaise is referred to as emulsions as they are a rich and delicious mixture of egg yolks, oil and an acid. Mayonnaise is not as hard to make as you would think although it can be tricky at times…and it’s a great hair conditioner too. 😉
  4. Mustard
    Mustard is just on another level. It’s own delicious flavor just has its way of making your meal even more delicious. The link above from Design Sponge has 3 unique but delicious kinds of mustard that you can easily whip up at home!
  5. Hot Sauce
    Not all people can tolerate hot and spicy dishes, but I love them. If you are one like me, here is the easiest and simplest recipe you can find for the best homemade hot sauce you will ever taste. Check out this recipe above from bon appétit — or my own jalapeno hot sauce which definitely packs some heat!
  6. Barbecue Sauce
    Having a Sunday barbecue with the family in your backyard? Impress them with the most delicious and flavorful barbecue to devour, made from a special homemade barbecue sauce courtesy of Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. Sunday barbecue will never be quite the same from here on out or dig deeper into BBQ sauce.
  7. Cocktail Sauce
    Are you serving shrimp for dinner? Match it up with a great easy-to-make cocktail sauce for a scrumptious meal. It seriously couldn’t get much more simple with just 6 ingredients to combine.
  8. Tartar Sauce
    Some people are not very keen with tartar sauce but for those who are, it is great to match with your fish. If it’s seafood lunch at home, prepare some tartar sauce with a recipe from one fo my favorite sites, Simple Recipes.
  9. Peanut Butter
    You’d never believe how easy making peanut butter is! After reading this on Averie Cooks, I’m sure you won’t have to worry about your kids’ peanut butter and jelly sandwich ever again, or yours. Homemade peanut butter can differ a bit in flavor and may take a bit of getting used to, but it’s so much better for you!
  10. Meatless Spaghetti Sauce
    When everything else seems complicated, don’t worry because spaghetti is here to the rescue. Spaghetti is probably one of the go-to meals that almost everybody enjoys. So to make your spaghetti even more special than it already is, try out the meatless recipe above — or my own Southern-style spaghetti sauce.
  11. Sour Cream
    If sour is a staple in your kitchen and even getting a tub from the grocery store isn’t going to cut it, you could try making your own for your famous dishes. Here’s one easy recipe that guarantees “you’ll prefer making it from scratch!”

What is your favorite sauce or condiment to make at home?? Do you have a recipe to share with us? 😉


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