Thursday, February 19, 2009

Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap

A couple of my recipes lately have called for dry ranch dressing mix. And even though I can find them for about $.78 a pack they most likely have MSG or other stuff in there that I'd like to avoid. But it's a hassle to buy these since I mostly do all my shopping around the edges of the store (where the meat, produce, and dairy cases are) and not on the inside aisles (where the packaged/processed food can be found). And I know I could make it cheaper, with healthier ingredients and in a way that would be much more convenient for me.

So I came across this recipe on recipezaar. Tried it. Liked it. And now I have a small recycled glass jar in my spice cupboard full of ready made Ranch Dressing Mix.

Ranch Dip or Dressing Mix
6 Tablespoons dried onion flakes
5 teaspoons paprika
2 Tablespoons parsley flakes
4 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons sugar
4 teaspoons pepper
3 teaspoons garlic powder
Mix together and store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 12 months.
For Dip:
Combine 1 Tablespoon dry mix with 1 cup sour cream or yogurt
For Dressing:
Combine 1 cup mayonnaise with 1 cup buttermilk and add 1 Tablespoon of dry mix. Shake or whisk to combine and refrigerate.
What's cooking this week for you?
PLEASE remember to link directly to your post. Not your homepage.
PLEASE remember to provide a link back to the Grocery Cart Challenge in your post or the link may be deleted.

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

We love ranch dressing. I always buy the big jar of powdered mix at Sams, but you're right... it's better to know exactly what's in it. Thanks!

Phoebe @ GettingFreedom said...

What a great idea! I must try this. Since I hardly go into the interior aisles--I always seem to forget this stuff. Plus, it is expensive.

Thanks!

Katchmo said...

Definitely going to make up a jar of this. Thanks!

Betsy said...

Thanks for this. I never justify buying the mix, but I love some ranch. I'm definitely going to try it.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting this! I will be making some next week.
Toni

Rita said...

I was surprised when I found MSG in those wonderful ranch packets. I have been staying away from ranch for awhile, so I will have to try this! Thanks!

Ginger said...

Thanks for the recipe...Does anyone have a recipe for Taco seasoning???

Monica said...

Yay! I've been wanting a good ranch dressing recipe. Thanks!

Funky Food Trisha said...

You should try mixing this clever dried mix with greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt. Greek yogurt tastes just like sour cream without all the fat and cholesterol!

two_blue_one_pink said...

Now why didnt I think to check Zarr last week when i noticed, while cooking dinner I was out of ranch mix. I will be making some of this up!!

WendyDarling said...

Thank you for the recipe! This looks great. ;-) I'll post my link now. ;-)

Elizabeth said...

This is a fantastic idea - I always prefer homemade dressings. I can't wait to try it!

Anonymous said...

Here's a taco seasoning mix I like:
1/4 c. flour
3 T. chili powder
1/4 c. onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp salt
4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp oregano
Blend all ingredients in blender until powdery. Stores up to 6 months.3 Tbsp = one packet of taco or chili seasoning mix.

Terri Steffes said...

Thank you! This is such a practical idea. Would make a great gift, too!

Ruth Saves $ said...

I really wish I had looked at this last night before I had cooked my dinner that called for ranch dressing powder!

Lucy Marie said...

Thanks for posting this. I have a recipe for next week that calls for the powder and I was not looking forward to buying it. I'm definitely going to make this. Thanks again!

Angela said...

Thank you so much....I bought some ranch dressing at the store the other night and was shocked at the price and then shocked again at the ingredients! I just figured out how to post a link to your blog - so I'm extra excited!! Have a great weekend!

Angela

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this! We like Ranch around here...and I do use mix but like you, don't like the MSG and other additives. I've been looking for an alternative..and here it is! Thanks again...you are an inspiration!

http://giveagirlafig.blogspot.com/

The Kelley Family said...

Can't wait to try the ranch dressing! My kids love ranch for dipping veggies and I am always looking for a deal on dressing but this looks like a great way to save! Thanks!!

Minda said...

I'm totally trying this!

Anonymous said...

Wow, thanks for posting this recipe. I left this out of a recipe once because the packets I checked at the store had milk in them and my son is allergic to milk. So, this is a great alternative. Thanks!

Rachael said...

I tried that exact same recipe last week! So handy and so much cheaper!

The P in PJs til Noon said...

I love the recipe swap Gayle! And just this week I had to have hubby stop and pick up ranch dressing mix, I saw the recipe on Zaar but wasn't sure about it. Glad to know it's a good replacement, I'll definitely be trying it out soon.

Anonymous said...

Out of ranch and have been tweeking my own every once and awhile, too..... Yours sounds like a winner!

The Halton Mom said...

I'm loving you! I was going to hunt up a recipe after finding a great Italian mix over at AllRecipes. Once again...you rock!

Mel said...

What a great idea for Ranch dressing. Thanks for passing it along. The cost can really add up on those pre-packaged dips.

Casey said...

Come try my Cottage pie recipe

Ann said...

Thank you, thank you thank you! my favorite dip is dry ranch mix blended with low fat cottage cheese, and wanted to find a lower salt version--I'm looking forward to trying it!

Terri Steffes said...

I just made the recipe and I estimated it cost me $1.76 to make. The recipe made 12 servings for me... so at your .78 cents a package, I think I saved around $8. We use this a lot so I am very appreciative!

Terri Steffes said...

I just made the recipe and I estimated it cost me $1.76 to make. The recipe made 12 servings for me... so at your .78 cents a package, I think I saved around $8. We use this a lot so I am very appreciative!

Anonymous said...

I saw the recipe for taco seasoning too. I will look next time I'm at Winco to see if they sell it in the bulk section. I use this stuff for everything.

Aspiring Mom2three said...

Thank you so much for posting this! I can't wait to try it. I'm always on the look out for something I can make a home instead of buying it (Hidden Valley Ranch). I try to stay away from MSG when I can, but finding a ranch dressing that I can make is the best!

Aspiring Mom2three said...

I like to put ranch dressing on French bread to make garlic bread. Just mix some ranch dressing mix with a stick of butter, spread on the sliced bread, bake until toasty and wahlaaa! Savory Garlic Bread!