Life
11 Surprising DIY Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Make at Home, From Butter to Sprinkles
We already know you’re the queen of all things DIY. You’ve been churning ice cream, whipping up condiments and pickling everything way before Portlandia made it cool. Heck, you probably make your own Cronuts, just because you can.
But now, it’s time for the next frontier. This week, we’re boldly going where we haven’t gone before, into the land of homemade butter and tofu, sprinkles and cereal. There is no challenge too great, no snack too daring for us — the lean mean, DIY machines that we are. Roll up your sleeves and read on. We’ve got work to do.
Image: My Name Is Yeh
Better Butter
Once upon a time, you probably made butter in school by passing a jar of cream around the classroom. Joy the Baker has a grown-up version, so you can brush up those long-lost churning skills.
Image: Joy the Baker
Cereal Killer
Granola? Please, that’s so passé. We’re making legit cereal flakes, with a little help from our friends at Willow Bird Baking.
Image: Willow Bird Baking
Not Just Plain Vanilla
Vanilla extract is pretty much just vodka and a vanilla bean — two of our very favorite things. Let it all infuse in an airtight bottle…and don’t forget to save a sip for the cook. Thanks, Brown Eyed Baker!
Image: Brown Eyed Baker
Mother Mayo I?
You know mayo as the sad, gloopy stuff in jars — but it can be so much more, especially if you’re the one making it. Wandercrush breaks it down to just eggs, vinegar, mustard, and oil. Potato salad, here we come!
Image: Wandercrush
Curry in a Hurry
It’s so easy to dump a few teaspoons of premade curry powder into the pan — but when you make it yourself, you’re in charge of the flavor. Stock up on a few essential spices and then hit the grind, à la Naturally Ella.
Image: Naturally Ella
Highly Cultured
Yogurt is too easy not to make at home. Just heat up some milk, add yogurt starter — or, even easier, a spoonful of yogurt with live cultures — and then let it sit for a couple of hours. Breakfast is served. Thanks, Tucker!
Image: Tucker
Say Cheese
While we’re on a dairy bender, whip up your own mascarpone. As far as cheeses go, this one’s foolproof and requires just two ingredients. A Pastry Affair has the recipe.
Image: A Pastry Affair
Go for Tofu
Tofu doesn’t magically appear in neat little blocks in the refrigerated section. But with just soybeans and liquid nigari, you can make your own, courtesy of Savory Simple.
Image: Savory Simple
Magic Shell
You can do better than a plastic squeeze bottle. Magic shell calls for only three ingredients, and you’ll feel like a boss when you get that instant, crackly layer of chocolate. Thanks, A Farmgirl’s Dabbles!
Image: A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
Pick Your Pocky
If you’re like us, you already love Pocky — those addictive, snackable breadsticks dipped in chocolate. The one thing that could possibly make it better? Whipping it up at home with a dash of chili, à la My Name Is Yeh.
Image: My Name Is Yeh
A Light Sprinkle
Sprinkles aren’t meant to be in little plastic jars at the grocery stores — they want to be in your cookies, your cakes, your summer ice creams. Go forth and get your sprinkle on over at Hummingbird High.
Image: Hummingbird High
