There’s nothing quite like cooking from scratch.
Knowing how to whip simple ingredients into delicious meals saves money, makes the most of your pantry, and feels great. Plus, it’s easy to get started—even for total beginners!
In this guide, you’ll learn why scratch-cookers love buying in bulk, three simple recipes to try, and how to stock a pantry that’s ready for creative cooking, anytime.
Why Do Home Cooks Love Bulk Food Stores?
For those who enjoy cooking from scratch, bulk-food shopping is a great option—especially for regularly used ingredients.
The benefits of purchasing in bulk:
- Save Money: Buy larger quantities to lower unit price and avoid brand-name or packaging costs.
- Less Shopping: Stock up on useful ingredients for less shopping and lower transportation costs.
- Flexible Sizing: Load up on what you’ll use; try tiny samples of new ingredients.
- Reduce Waste: Large bulk sacks and food storage containers reduce packaging waste and trash.
- Pantry Readiness: Keep staples on hand for scratch-cooking, meal planning, and creative meals.
As a lifestyle, buying in bulk can be a game-changer. But what if you’re new to cooking from scratch? Best to start with a few simple recipes and build from there!
Which leads us nicely to…
Three Simple Made-From-Scratch Meals to Try
Try these three recipes to learn how easy—and fun!—it is to bake from scratch. (And then be sure to swing by your local PA Dutch farmer’s market bulk bins!)
#1. Simple Marinara Pasta
This simple marinara introduces new scratch-cookers to savory aromatic building blocks (oil, onion, garlic) while demonstrating how simple simmering can transform a humble canned good into a rich meal!
Ingredients:
- Your favorite dried pasta
- A can of crushed or peeled tomatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Small yellow onion
- 3–4 cloves garlic
- Dash of Salt
- Dried oregano/basil (optional)
Basic steps:
Finely chop your garlic and onion and then sauté them in olive oil until soft and translucent. Pour in canned tomatoes (with juices), stir in salt and herbs, and simmer on low 20–30 minutes.
That’s it!
Well, until you toss your marinara sauce in your favorite pasta and enjoy a simple, delicious meal.
#2. Easy Stovetop Pancakes
Learn to manage pantry staples, skillet heat, and visual cues for the perfect flip. A simple breakfast favorite that’s great to do with the kids!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking oil for skillet
Basic steps:
Whisk your dry ingredients together in one bowl. In a smaller bowl, mix all wet ingredients. Pour wet into dry and stir gently until just combined (lumps are fine).
Ladle lumpy concoction onto a greased, medium-heat skillet, flipping when edges dry and bubble on top. Cook until golden brown and enjoy with syrup, whipped cream, fresh jams, berries, or fruit!
#3. Foolproof Chocolate Chip Cookies
Learn basic dough consistency and how baking time alters texture. A fun and delicious treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (12-ounce bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Basic steps:
Cream softened butter and sugars together; beat in eggs and vanilla; mix in dry ingredients; scoop into balls, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 9–11 minutes.
That’s all there is to amazing home-baked cookies!
The Beginner Scratch-Cooker’s Pantry List
After trying a few simple recipes, it’s time to stock your pantry with the hardcore basics of scratch-cooking and baking. But don’t worry, it doesn’t take much to get started.
And once you’re well-stocked with the basics, you can branch out and try new ingredients (in smaller quantities) from Trailside Bulk Foods!
Here are the essentials for a scratch-ready pantry:
Fats and Oils
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing, roasting veggies, and simple salad dressings.
- Canola, Vegetable, or Avocado Oil: For cooking at high temperatures without a strong flavor.
Acids and Flavor Enhancers
- Apple Cider or White Wine Vinegar: Brightens up heavy dishes or whips into quick marinades.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Brings out natural flavors (salt) or adds a sharp, earthy bite (pepper).
- Soy Sauce: Good for adding a quick punch of umami to stir-fries, soups, and marinades.
Grains and Carbs
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens gravies and acts as a base for breading, pancakes, and quick baked goods.
- Dried Pasta: Perfect for fast, reliable meals paired with olive oil, garlic, or homemade sauces.
- Long-Grain White or Brown Rice: Simple, inexpensive side dish that stretches proteins and veggies.
Baking Basics
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Needed for rising quick bread doughs, pancake and biscuit batters.
- Granulated Sugar: A sweet, hardcore basic for scratch baking of all kinds.
So… Is Home Cooking That “Serious?”
With this guide, we hope you’ve learned one simple thing:
Scratch-cooking doesn’t need to be so “serious.”
Instead, have fun. Be flexible. And, over time, learn which on-hand ingredients create the foundation of everyday meals that are delicious, inexpensive, and leave you with the pride of knowing you made it yourself.
To get started, swing by Trailside Bulk Foods. The Trailside folks are ready to help you stock a great pantry—so you can start saving money, spend a bit less time shopping, and enjoy tasty home-cooked meals any time.
Our friendly Amish vendors can’t wait to meet you.
Join Us At the Markets—And Share Your Scratch-Cooking Dreams and Adventures!
Since 2001, The Markets at Shrewsbury has been considered one of the best Amish farmers' markets in Pennsylvania. Our traditional Amish marketplace features 18 unique vendors serving classic Pennsylvania Dutch fare, handmade crafts, clothing, and home goods. We look forward to serving you with some regional treats, farm-fresh meats and produce, and friendly conversation!
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