The Homeschool Pantry

I am not an adventurous cook, in fact it is only lately that YHVH has blessed me with the excitement and motivation to cook. I am slowly learning "the basics". It is the same way with my homeschooling. While I love to incorporate unexpected things into our lessons, I still need to have a good foundation in the unlikely {*wink wink} event I am feeling less creative or less enthusiastic one day.

In any good cookbook, you will find a suggested pantry list. I love looking at these, collecting said items and finding that I can make practically anything just out of my pantry. When I am stocked up, I find I spend less at the grocery store and go less often, and I have less of an desire to impulsively buy items. You can do this with your homeschool supplies as well. And, halleluYAH, often items can serve dual purposes for baking and learning :D

picture from City Kids Homeschooling {because her pantry is far neater than mine}




FLOUR
Uses: pastes, playdoh, paper mache', baking galore

BAKING SODA- As natural deodorizer, mild abrasive and leavening agent, baking soda is vital to any household and can be used in substitution for many pricier items. I have sprinkled baking soda on the carpet to take away odors, used it to scrub my counters, and included it in most baked goods I've made. My husband uses it to help indigestion. He simply eats a spoonful, but, when added to vinegar, it works like Alka Seltzer. Check here for more detailed instructions. And, an added plus, like many other products listed on this list, it is C-H-E-A-P!

My best friend shared with me a wonderful way to remember the use for baking soda as opposed baking powder. The difference is that "Soda spreads, powder puffs."

Kitchen Crafts 'n More lists about forty uses for baking soda ranging from beauty & bath to cleaning to health.

OLIVE OIL
Uses: lubricates anything, science projects, arts & crafts

VINEGAR
Uses: science experiments, cleaning (it is a natural disinfectant)

EGGS
Uses: the uses for the cartons are endless. . .

BEANS
Uses: math, sorting, music (think shakers), science (remember the bean in the paper towel?),

KOOL-AID
Uses: dying clothing, dying play-doh/homemade clay, various edible opportunities

SOAP ~ liquid and bar
I'd suggest Dawn--it has the best degreaser and makes good bubbles.
Uses {bar}: whittling, science
Uses {liquid}: cleaning grease out of anything, bubbles

ALUMINUM FOIL
Uses: art projects, science (electricity conductor)

POTATOES
Uses: stampmaking, garden experiments, and tons of other ideas here and here

That's all I have for now, but my list keeps growing.
What do you stock in your homeschool pantry???