No preservatives added

Growing up in a one parent household I used to think everything came in a package from the grocery store. This isn't meant to be a slam on my parents ' culinary abilities they just didn't have time for homemade. I grew up eating mac n cheese, hamburger helper and everything else that came packaged or premade and had no idea those items could be made any other way. As I got older I learned that items could be homemade. My step mom was (is) a great cook and taught me enough culinary skills to keep me fed in college however I still thought that items like lasagna and tomato sauce were only sold in stores.
Then I met my husband who informed me that my cooking skills left something to be desired (boiled chicken) however I do belive that honesty is always the best policy and it forced me to learn how to cook more desirable items.
When Bayleigh was born I couldn't understand why people would intentionally feed their kids tons of pre packaged foods. On top of the cost (0.50 for 1 package of baby food?!) the texture and smell left something to be desired. I decided I would try making Bayleigh's food and LOVED it...I was able to get a weeks worth of food for $1. I know some of you are wondering how I was able to make her food and work full time but honestly it didnt take that long...an hour tops on a weekend.
After making Bayleigh's food I couldn't not do it for Aislinn and Im glad I did. She tends to be my pickier eater and I still feel she eats a ton better than typical 3 year olds.
Then 6 months ago we started participating in a produce co-op and its been fun and exciting for our family. Its one of those co-ops that you pay at the first part of the week and then you pick up your selections at the end and you don't always know what you are getting. They also offer cases of certain products making it a really good deal.
So I have been busy the last few weeks making homemade tomato sauce, apple sauce and enchilada sauce.
The downside? When I don't fell like making homemade sauce my family complains about having to eat the "jarred" sauce...oh well..they will live.

applesauce

tomato sauce

Enchilada Sauce

So what do you think I'll be able to make next? I'm tempted to try to make chicken stock but to be honest I'm a little intimated. Oh well I'll never know unless I try.