Search
Recommended Products
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Christmas Recipes: Main Dishes. No.3 of 12 - Smoked Haddock & Spinach Fishcakes
Christmas Recipe Serves: 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Calories per serving: 605 Suitable for freezing (after step 4) Christmas Recipe Ingredients: * Breadcrumbs, fresh 75 g (3 oz) * Semi-skimmed milk, 150...
Cooking With Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware is an extremely versatile and economic alternative to expensive copper and copper clad cookware. If you aren't currently using at least a couple of cast iron pans in your kitchen, you really should consider it. Cast iron has...
Green Tea Brewing Guide
Green tea is believed to have many healthful benefits. If you have ever tasted a good cup of green tea it can be reviving and delicious. However the delicate nature of this tea does demand a certain watchful eye when preparing it. Here is an easy to...
Knowledge and creativity
The other day I was watching a taped cooking show on TV, something I do for relaxation believe it or not, and the talking toque from the CIA (Culinary Institute of America, not the Central Intelligence Agency) was assembling a fish dish containing...
With Omelette pans breakfast meals always come out right
Enjoying eggs for breakfast is a common practice in many homes. For many the omelette is a delicious way to enjoy them. Omelette pans are special made pans to cook egg omelettes with tremendous ease. Although many prepare them with a standard...
 
Google
Buying in Bulk

Shoppers have enjoyed the convenience of buying in bulk for a number of years. My own bulk buying experiences have been hit and miss at best, but I recently discovered just how convenient buying in bulk can be.

There are a number of advantages to buying in bulk:
- some items are available only in bulk
- you can choose the quantity
- bulk prices are usually less than packaged prices
- less packaging
- less additives and preservatives when you make your own meals and mixes
- more variety
- often healthy alternatives not always otherwise available

When you buy in bulk it's a good idea to get your cupboards in order. There are a number of ways you can store bulk items:

- recycled plastic containers and glass jars
- Rubbermaid or Ziploc containers (4 4-cup Ziploc containers cost less than $2)
- resealable bags
- for some items (e.g. oatmeal) you can re-use the original container

A key to bulk storage is labeling. Make sure all containers are air-tight and clearly labeled and dated. Bulk items have a long shelf life because they have been prepared with long-term storage in mind.

I've always wondered if bulk items are as fresh as packaged. In my experience bulk items have been very fresh--even


raisins! You'd be amazed at all the things you can buy in bulk. Here's a partial list to get you thinking of the possibilities:

Baking:
- flours
- cornmeal
- spices
- chocolate, carob, peanut butter, butterscotch chips
- raisins
- sugars

Grains:
- granolas
- oats (regular, quick-cooking)
- rice (all kinds)
- cereals (all kinds)

Dried Fruits:
- pineapple
- apricots
- raisins
- papaya
- bananas
- apples
- cranberries
- prunes
- dates

Beans:
- split peas
- navy beans
- pinto beans
- kidney beans
- soy beans
- soup blends

Pasta:
- spaghetti
- lasagna
- elbow macaroni
- egg noodles (all shapes and sizes)

Nuts:
- peanuts
- sunflower seeds
- almonds (whole, slivered)
- walnuts

Vegetables:
- sun-dried tomatoes
- peppers


About the Author

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.